A 37-year-old member asked:
What does an artificial disc replacement entail?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Larry Armstronganswered
Neurosurgery 29 years experience
Like a fusion: Similar to a disk fusion, access to the spine is from the front.
The disk is removed, the vertebrae are prepared and the disk replacement is placed in between the two vertebrae.
Find a neurosurgeon or ortho spine surgeon who does many of these to achieve maximal success.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Shapiroanswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 28 years experience
Surgery: Artificial disc replacement surgery entails removal of the the disc and restoration of normal disc space height. Once the disc is removed and the disc space is prepared appropriately and sized for the proper implant then the artificial disc replacement is inserted into the disc space. The implant is fixed to the bone by various different methods depending on the implant chosen.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Massonanswered
Neurosurgery 35 years experience
Microsurgery: artificial disc replacement is a substitute for the historical standard which is disc removal and fusion. There are many factors that determine which one a person should have, but there are many advantages to disc replacement with artificial disc including early mobilization, range of motion and reduced risk of future disc problems. Seek an expert for a well done solution and best options.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
705 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 34-year-old member asked:
When could an artificial disc replacement be used?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alexandre De Mouraanswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 33 years experience
Disc Replacement: In my experience disc replacement is best done when you have pure back pain. You would also do best when there is only disc degeneration or a contained disc herniation that has failed all conservative treatment. You also should not have any arthritis of the facet joints.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
What happens after artificial disc replacement?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Levineanswered
Dermatology 21 years experience
Usually Pain Less: Usually you pain in lessened, that is, after the recover from the surgery. But this question is best answered by the spine surgeon who is suggesting the disc replacement.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
What are the indications for having an artificial disc replacement?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jack Goloffanswered
Family Medicine 38 years experience
Primary Care View: As a primary care pain doctor i recommend that patients think twice about surgery unless waiting can cause permanent damage. Get second opinion before having it done. That is the best way to be sure.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 39-year-old member asked:
How safe is fusion after artificial disc replacement and is it effective?
2 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jonathan Hydeanswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 31 years experience
Depends: Artificial disc replacement can be done for cervical and lumbar conditions. Revision surgery in the cervical spine to either add a fusion or convert the replacement to a fusion is effective, with minimal added surgical risk. Such procedures in the lumbar spine, depending on the implant used and the level(s) treated, can carry significant added surgical risks. Discuss with your surgeon.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
What all must I do the week before artificial disc replacement surgery?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jonathan Hydeanswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 31 years experience
Prepare: The best advice is to check with your surgeon. Most would recommend cessation of anti-inflammatory medications and blood thinning medications between 7-10 days prior to surgery. You also may be asked to undergo an enema or bowel prep before surgery.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated May 7, 2017
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