A disc replacement is a motion preserving technique for treating degenerative disc disease either in the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine). Dr Raad’s research within the realm of disc replacement (arthroplasty) has resulted in publications in one of the most prestigious spine surgery journals, SPINE. You can click on the link here to read more about his research in the field or continue reading more to learn about the technique and whether you may be a candidate.
Whenever the disc is degenerated and compressing the nerves or spinal cord, a disc replacement is considered. A disc replacement should be avoided in cases of severe facet degeneration (neck pain would persist as you only addressed the disc) or the vertebral bodies surrounding the disc are unstable (slip or spondylolisthesis or kyphosis)
The disc is usually approached through a minimally invasive approach from the front of the neck (2-3 cm) or the abdomen (5-7 cm). The disc material is removed and the implant is inserted thus allowing continue motion after surgery as opposed to a fusion. Patients are discharged the same day or next day. Restrictions postoperatively are guided by pain and unlike a fusion, the prolonged wearing of a collar is not needed.
