Artificial Disc Replacement

Replacement of a degenerative spinal disc with an artificial disc that preserves spinal motion.

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Spine Surgery (Degenerative and Deformity)

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1Overview

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What is this Condition?

Artificial disc replacement (artificial disc) is a procedure in which a degenerated and painful disc in the spine is removed and replaced with an artificial component that preserves the spine's natural motion. Unlike the classical fusion method (in which the affected level is fused and becomes immobile), disc replacement attempts to preserve motion. The goal is to reduce the transmission of load from the immobilized level to adjacent discs and minimize degeneration of adjacent levels over time. Artificial disc replacement is most frequently applied in the cervical region; its application in the lumbar region is more difficult and less preferred. This method is not suitable for all patients; multiple conditions must be met for suitability including age, single-level degeneration, bone quality, and integrity of spinal facet joints. In our country, fusion remains the most common method.

Symptoms

In the cervical region: persistent neck pain, increasing stiffness with movement

Radiating pain to the arm, numbness and tingling (nerve compression)

Weakness in the hand, difficulty with grasping and fine motor tasks

In the lumbar region: chronic low back pain that worsens with sitting and forward bending, not relieved by rest

Radiating pain to the leg (sciatica)

Restricted movement in the lower back

Diagnosis Methods

MRI is the primary diagnostic modality; it evaluates the degree of disc degeneration, whether the disc has maintained its height, and whether there is nerve compression. It also assesses the integrity of the spinal facet joints, as this is important for artificial disc candidacy. Flexion-extension X-rays are used to determine if there is instability or slipping of the spine. Bone density testing (DEXA) can be performed to assess bone quality.

Treatment Methods

Treatment usually begins with non-surgical methods: physical therapy, posture correction and core strengthening exercises, pain relievers and muscle relaxants. A significant proportion of patients improve with these methods. In selected patients suitable for artificial disc replacement who do not respond to several months of conservative treatment, disc replacement may be considered. The degenerated disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc. In patients not suitable for artificial disc, fusion (fusion of that level) is performed.

Non-surgical treatment: physical therapy, strengthening exercises, analgesics and muscle relaxants (first-line)

Artificial disc placement in the cervical spine (in selected, suitable patients)

Fusion (spinal level arthrodesis) in patients not suitable for artificial disc

Artificial disc application in the lumbar spine in appropriately selected patients

Treatment Path

Related Treatments

The procedures and interventions most commonly explored with this condition.

4 links

Servikal anterior diskektomi ve/veya foraminotomi

Servikal anterior diskektomi ve/veya foraminotomi procedure

Open treatment detail

Servikal anterior diskektomi ve greft/kafes yerleştirilmesi

Servikal anterior diskektomi ve greft/kafes yerleştirilmesi procedure

Open treatment detail

Cervical anterior discectomy and artificial disc replacement

Removal of the herniated disc compressing the nerve in the cervical spine and replacement with a motion-preserving artificial disc

Open treatment detail

Servikal diskektomi ve/veya foraminotomi, endoskopik

Servikal diskektomi ve/veya foraminotomi, endoskopik procedure

Open treatment detail

References

Steinmetz MP, Benzel EC, eds. Benzel's Spine Surgery. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2022:990-993.
Steinmetz MP, Benzel EC, eds. Benzel's Spine Surgery. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2022:1089.
Greenberg MS. Handbook of Neurosurgery. 10th ed. Thieme; 2023:1290.

This content is for informational purposes and based on academic sources; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

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Artificial Disc Replacement

Spine Surgery (Degenerative and Deformity)

1Overview

What is this Condition?

Symptoms

Diagnosis Methods

Treatment Methods

Related Treatments

Servikal anterior diskektomi ve/veya foraminotomi

Servikal anterior diskektomi ve greft/kafes yerleştirilmesi

Cervical anterior discectomy and artificial disc replacement

Servikal diskektomi ve/veya foraminotomi, endoskopik

References

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Related Treatments

Servikal anterior diskektomi ve/veya foraminotomi

Servikal anterior diskektomi ve greft/kafes yerleştirilmesi

Cervical anterior discectomy and artificial disc replacement

Servikal diskektomi ve/veya foraminotomi, endoskopik

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