Disc Replacement Surgery/Arthroplasty

Overview

A disc replacement surgery is a type of back or spine surgery. Your spine is made of bones called vertebrae that are stacked on top of each other. Discs between the vertebrae work like cushions. They allow the vertebrae rotate and move without the bones rubbing against each other. The lumbar vertebrae and disc are at the bottom of your spine. Lumbar disk replacement involves replacing a worn or degenerated disk in the lower part of your spine with an artificial disk made of metal or a combination of metal and plastic.

Indications that you need disc replacement surgery

The main reason you would need a disk replacement is to treat low back pain. Still, not everyone with low back pain is a good candidate for this surgery. Your healthcare provider will need to do some tests to see if it is right for you. You may need this surgery if:

1. Your back pain mostly comes from only 1 or 2 disks in your lower spine
2. You have no major joint disease or compression on the nerves of your spine
3. You are not too much overweight 
4. You don't have scoliosis or some other spinal deformity

Pre procedure

Along with a physical exam and health history, you may need x-rays, an MRI or CT scan, discography and blood tests. These help the healthcare provider identify the true nature and extent of your back pain and spinal damage. They may also be needed to get a better view of the spine and decide whether the surgery is right for you. You may need nerve conduction studies and electromyography to see if you have nerve damage.

Procedure

Mr. Irfan Malik will do the procedure. The surgeon will make an incision in your abdomen. Your organs and vessels will be moved to the side to allow access to your spine. The surgeon will remove the damaged disk and put the new artificial disk in place. You organs and blood vessels are put back in place and the incision will be closed.

Post Procedure

You will probably need to stay in the hospital for a few days after your surgery. Because a disk replacement does not need a bone to heal, the recovery period may be faster than with other back surgeries. You will be given pain medicines if you need them. You may be encouraged to stand and walk within the first day after the surgery.