Lumbar Disc replacement involves removing a disc thought to be the primary cause of pain and replacing it with an artificial disc. The artificial disc is designed to function as a real, living disc. Artificial discs are made to provide adequate space and cushioning between vertebral bodies while maintaining the mobility of the spine. They are comprised of metal or a combination of metal and plastic.
The lumbar disc replacement procedure is generally done via an anterior (front) approach to minimize the risk of damage to back muscles and nerves.
Artificial disc replacement was approved for use in the United States in 2004. It’s still a relatively new procedure without extensive research regarding outcomes.
FAQ
It generally takes around three months for the tissues around the spine to heal following lumbar disc replacement. Healing times vary between patients and some people may require another month or so for the body to heal.
Artificial disc replacement was approved for use in the U.S. in 2004.
There is not enough data to know definitively how long a disc replacement lasts, having just been approved by the FDA in the United States in 2004.
