Disc Replacement Surgery Explained

What is Disc Replacement Surgery?

Put the stop to low back pain suffering

Disc replacement surgery is often touted as the effective way of curbing low back pain. Patients who suffer from discomfort and agony, disc replacement is the answer to your woes. In recent times, the procedure of spinal fusion has caught on appeal and it usually involves the fusing of two or more vertebrae together. Disc replacement is a newer operation that can be done at a lower cost and induces far lesser complications.

What is an artificial disk?

It is a soft cushioning structure that is placed right between individual bones of the spine also called the vertebrae. Made from cartilage type tissues that consist of the outer portion known as the annulus, the inner portion or the nucleus allows for the entire spine to bend and attain posture.

Artificial discs are used in disc replacement surgery

If you suffer from a chronic low back pain,
disc replacement surgery could stop your pain and agony.

What are the parts of an artificial disc?

An artificial disc is also popularly known as the disc prosthesis or the spine arthroplasty device. This device implanted in the spine can carry out normal functions of bending and motion whenever the body requires doing so. There are many kinds of artificial discs and there are two general types of discs that are available. These are total disc replacement and the nucleus replacement. In the first case, the entire disc is replaced and most of the tissue is removed, with a replacement device been planted in the space between the vertebrae. The outer portion of the disc also known as the annulus is not removed in this procedure.

What are artificial discs made up of?

Many artificial discs are made of metals and plastic like products known as biopolymer or a combination of both. Both these products have been used in the body for many years and since the late 1980s most of the discs used in spinal surgery are made of two plates. One of these is attached to the vertebrae above while the other attaches to the one below. These devices are smooth and curved, often sliding across surfaces. There are materials known as hydrogel that goes on to make these devices water absorbent. Each of these is compressible and allows greater motion. There are other discs designed for use in the cervical spine and the neck and are also very modern and scientific.

Why go for a disc replacement surgery?

For those of us who suffer from back pain and reduced mobility of the spine, disc replacement becomes a must. Back pain is produced often by an injured disc or a degenerated spine that may cause heavy pain and drowsiness. Your mobility is also lost and all nonoperative care and treatment along with medication fails to deliver results. Typically, surgery is not advised for all pains to the back. However, if pain remains for a longer period of time is unbearable and all recourse to physiotherapy and spinal manipulation is not effective, operation becomes a must. Even injections and medications may not be sustainable in the long run. In such cases, disc replacement surgery should be undertaken.

Author Bio:

At 26 years of age, he stood atop on Mount Everest-the World's Highest Peak. But, after few months a gun shot during Indo-Pak war of 1965 left him paralysed below the waist and confined to a wheelchair. But it became life transforming experience and resulted in the foundation of Indian Spinal Injuries Centre in New Delhi, India. In recognition of his unique contribution to society, the Government of India awarded Major Ahluwalia many of the country's highest honors - the Padma Bhushan, the Padma Shri and the Arjuna Award. The President of India has also conferred the National Award for Best Work in the Field of Disability on him, for his humanitarian efforts and tireless service for the welfare of persons with disabilities.