Artificial Disc Replacement

Artificial intervertebral discs have been developed to act as a functional prosthetic replacement unit for intervertebral units in much the same way as prostheses have been developed for a variety of joints such as the hip or knee.

The purpose and advantage of artificial disc replacement is to replace the worn out disc, while preserving the motion at the operated spinal level. This could potentially not only treat the underlying back pain, but also protect patients from developing problems at an adjacent level of the spine.

Artificial disc replacement offers a reversible, viable alternative to fusion that possibly avoids the accepted shortcomings of fusion. By inserting an artificial disc instead of performing spinal fusion, there is the possibility of reducing damage to nearby discs and joints. This is because artificial disc replacement allows for motion preservation, near normal distribution of stress along the spine and restoration of pre-degenerative disc height.

Several artificial disc replacements for both the neck (cervical) and back (lumbar) spine are currently being offered to appropriate candidates.