Lumbar Disc Replacement (Arthroplasty)

Lumbar disc arthroplasty is a motion-preserving procedure that removes damaged disc in the low back and places a mobile disc in it’s place.

For some, this is an alternative to having the targeted disc level removed and fused with vertebrae above and below.

After anesthesia is given, an incision is made on the front of the belly, location dependent on level of surgery. The stomach, major vessels are moved over the side, the injured disc is removed, and the nerves and spinal cord are carefully relieved of the damaging pressure. Often, a vascular surgery expert helps with the exposure of the front of the spine.

The implant is placed, with confirmation on intraoperative X-ray, in the middle between the vertebral bones. The wound is checked for bleeding and the incision is sutured closed.
1. Relieve at least 50% of back pain
2. Relieve 70% of leg pain
3. Maintain motion in the lumbar spine
A lumbar fusion is an effective and safe procedure helps relieve back and leg pain. More recently, the disc replacement was introduced to maintain motion in the low back and decrease the stress that goes through the neighboring levels.

For certain problems including severe arthritis, a disc replacement cannot be performed and fusion is preferred.

For those that meet disc replacement criteria, recovery is quicker (return to sport/work), motion is preserved at the diseased level, and rates of additional surgery are lower.
Most patients go home the stay 1 night in the hospital, sometimes 2.

Soreness from the incision site can remain for a week or two, and the low back can feel sore, but it’s a different type of discomfort that before surgery.
Sometimes people can feel constipated or have issues passing gas after surgery due to the belly contents being moved for surgery.

Unlike a fusion, there is no waiting for bone graft to consolidate, which can take months.

Return to work times vary, some people are able to return to light work 2 week after surgery. For those with a very physically demanding job, return to work may not happen until 6 weeks after surgery.
1. 90% of patients have their back pain decrease by at least half
2. Increase in activity level,
3. Decrease leg symptoms by at least 70%.
There is no surgery without risks. They include but are not limited to: bad reaction to anesthesia, injury to the major vessels in the belly, injury to intestines, surgical site infection, prolonged pain, nerve injury, implant failure, spinal fluid leak, and the need for additional surgery.