Artificial Disc Replacement --Revolutionary Technology for Degenerative Disc Disease

Artificial disc replacement is a revolutionary technology that helps to maintain the spine's natural range of motion.  Although gaining buzz in the United States, replacement of damaged discs with artificial discs is not new, as this procedure has been performed in Europe for almost 10 years.  Continue reading to understand the basics of damaged discs, methods of treatment, and why artificial disc surgery may or may not be the best option for you.

Of course, artificial disc replacement is one option for correcting degenerative disc disease. But what is degenerative disc disease, and how does it occur? To answer that, we must examine the spine.

The spine is made up of bones known as vertebrae. In between each vertebrae are spinal (intervertebral) discs, which are small cushions that acts as shock absorbers and helps the spine maintain its flexibility and range of motion. Each disc is made up of two components:

1. Annalus fibrosis: a firm, fibrous outer layer that contains nerves and
   
2. Nucleus pulposus: a soft jelly-like core that contains proteins. If these proteins leak out to the nerves of the outer layer, it can cause excrutiating pain.

Factors such as age, wear and tear, and back injury can cause these discs to degenerate gradually over a period of time. Since the spinal discs do not have access to sufficient blood supply, they are unable to repair themselves if an injury occurs. Degeneration of the discs tend to occur over 20-30 years in three stages. Causes of degeneration also include:

• Disc dehydration. The discs begin as 80% water. As we get older, the discs dries out and can't withstand shock as well.
• Injury. Injuries can not only cause pain, but also swelling and instability.
• Wear and tear due to daily activities. By age 60, most people have some degree of disc degeneration, though not everyone experiences back pain.
  

Symptoms of disc degeneration include:

• Intense pain when bending, lifting, and twisting
• Back pain that intensifies when sitting, especially during prolonged periods
• Radiated pain, numbness, and tingling to other parts of the body, particularly the extremities
• Weakness in leg muscles or foot
• Severe pain that comes and goes.

Traditionally, degenerative disc disease is treated by non-surgical and surgical methods.  Non-surgical treatment is usually the first line of defense and includes:

• Self-care by keeping the spine in alignment and adjusting standing, sitting and sleeping habits.
• Physical therapy.  Physical therapists help to increase the strength of the spine and flexibility by instructing proper lifting and walking techniques.  They also give stretching techniques.
• Cold and hot therapy. A cold compress or ice may be applied to acute cases of degenerative disc disease for pain relief and reduced inflammation.  After a few days, a warm compress can be used for pain relief and comfort.
• Pain medications.  Including over-the-counter and prescription medicines, as well as corticosteroid shots directly into the spine
• Chiropractic treatment.  Manipulation of the spine to relieve pressure to an area that is immobile or not moving properly.

If non-surgical methods are insufficient for pain relief, a doctor may recommend surgery.  The most common surgical procedure is simply removing the disc from the spine altogether.  The spine is then fused together, which severely limits the spine's flexibility and range of motion.

This is what makes cervical and artificial lumbar disc replacement so exciting.  Artificial disc replacement allow to to maintain motion once a damaged disc is removed.  This is better than fusion surgery since a replaced disc can help support the spine's overall structure and protect the lower discs by sharing some of the stress. This technology also allows for a quicker recovery time, more spine mobility, and no need to use a bone graft.

Ideal candidates for artificial disc replacement:

• have disc degeneration confirmed by medical history, x-rays, and other diagnostic imaging tools.
• have one diseased disc between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae or the disc between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the sacrum.
• patients that have failed at least six months of treatment including pain medication, physical therapy, or back brace.
  

Artificial lumbar and artificial cervical disc replacement is not suitable for you if:

• you have an infection throughout the body, or just the spine
• you have more than one degenerative disc
• poor bone quality or bone disease such as osteoporosis
• you are pregnant.
  

The artificial disc that will be used during surgery is a medical grade plastic device that have been approved by the FDA.  For a lumbar disc, an incision is made in the abdomen, and the degenerated disc is removed and replaced through this opening.  For a cervical disc, the incision is made at the front of the neck and the disc is removed and replaced. 

Like  any other surgical procedure, there are potentially serious risks involved.  For example, there have been cases where an artificial disc slipped out of place.  If this happens, the patient has to undergo emergency surgery to remove the disc, and this surgery can be life-threatening due to the potential for blood loss and other complications. Other potential serious surgery complications include:

• Leakage of spinal fluid
• Infection
• Excessive bleeding
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord or nerve damage
• Allergic reaction to artificial disc materials
• Death

The artificial disc replacement recovery time tends to be faster than traditional methods.  Light, regular exercise as directed by your doctor can also speed up recovery

The cost for an artificial disc replacement surgery roughly ranges from  $35,000 to $45,000. Many insurance companies do not cover this procedure since it is still considered as experimental or unproven.  You would have to check with your insurance provider to determine whether they would provide full, partial, or no coverage.  Medicare and Medicaid only offers partial reimbursement.

Stenosis of the Spine--The Basics of Spinal Stenosis

Cervical Spine Surgery--What to Expect During and After a Cervical Spine Procedure

Spinal Stenosis Treatment--The Different Methods of Treating Spinal Stenosis

Herniated Disc Treatment -- Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for a Herniated Disc

Bulging Disc Treatment -- Bulging Disc Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Sciatic Nerve Treatment--Treating Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome