Artificial disk replacement
What is a total disk replacement?
Total disk replacement replaces badly damaged disks of the spine with artificial (man-made) disks. It may also be called artificial disk replacement.
Why is the procedure done?
Total disk replacement may be done instead of spinal fusion surgery. It may be used for people who have:
- Severe low back pain that also goes into the legs
- Severe narrowing of the disk space in the spine that has gotten worse over time
Until now, spinal fusion has been the preferred treatment for treating disk disease that is getting worse. But after spinal fusion surgery, there is more stress on your spine below and above the surgery site. A possible benefit of artificial disks is that they allow your spine to move more freely after surgery.
What happens during surgery?
This surgery is done in the hospital operating room. You will receive general anesthesia and be asleep and pain-free.
- Your surgeon will make a cut in your belly. Muscles and tissue will be moved to expose your spine.
- Your surgeon will remove your damaged disk (or disks). Then your surgeon will attach metal plates to your bones above and below the disk space.
- The man-made disk is placed between the metal plates. The new disk acts as a cushion between the bones of your spine. It is called a prosthetic disk nucleus.
You can expect to stay in the hospital 1 to 2 days after surgery. Recovery after surgery is similar to what happens after spinal fusion surgery.
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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