What is disc replacement?
A disc prosthesis or intervertebral disc arthroplasty consists mainly of the replacement of the intervertebral disc with a device that has the ability to maintain mobility between two vertebrae.
The disc replacement surgery consists mainly of a surgical intervention of replacement with an articular segment prosthesis, that is to say, the intervertebral disc.
Why is the disc prosthesis performed?
This intervention is mainly aimed at patients who have an initial degeneration in the intervertebral disc, i.e. a degenerative disc disease or a disc instability, i.e. hypermobility.
The main advantage of this intervention is that it allows the mobility of the spine in cases of severe disc degeneration.
Once the intervention has been performed, the patient will recover a completely normal life and will even be able to return to the physical and sports activities he/she used to do before the discomfort began.
What does the disc prosthesis consist of?
This intervention requires or implies the insertion of an artificial disc in the space where a damaged or affected intervertebral disc has been previously removed.
The inserted disc is designed to preserve mobility in the disc space and throughout the vertebral system. Its design is intended to function as a natural joint, allowing rotation, extension and flexion, as well as the alignment in curvature and height of a natural disc.
The procedure is performed in a minimally invasive manner, with an incision of no more than five centimeters in the anterior or lateral aspect of the neck. Once the surgeon manages to reach the spine, the area to be treated is opened, the disc and the bony material surrounding the neuralgic structure are removed to give it more space. This technique is called discectomy and decompression.
Subsequently, the disc prosthesis is inserted and fixed in the space created.
The disc prosthesis is inserted into the intervertebral space created after decompression.
Preparation for the disc prosthesis
Before starting the process and, as in all surgeries, the patient will be examined and receive an assessment by the specialist.
Normally, the patient will be admitted to the center the same day of the surgery, to which he/she must go on an empty stomach. The operation lasts about an hour, and after the operation the patient will be sent to a resuscitation room where he/she will remain under observation.
Care after disc replacement surgery
If the intervention has been performed correctly and there are no problems, as a general rule the patient will remain in the hospital for a couple of days under observation, and then the drains will be removed.
On the third day the patient is usually discharged, and can perform daily activities with some moderation and depending on the physical demands that require such activities.
Between ten and fifteen days after the operation the stitches are removed, and rehabilitation will continue on an outpatient basis.
A completely normal life will be possible about two months after the surgery.
Alternatives to disc prosthesis
The main alternative to disc replacement is disc fusion surgery, a surgery in which the vertebrae are fused together with screws and plates. Fusion surgery achieves good results, although the vertebrae remain fixed.
For more information, consult with surgical specialists.