SPINAL DISC REPLACEMENT
ARTIFICIAL
SPINAL DISC
Supporting pain-free mobility through Spinal Prosthesis
Key Facts Spinal Disc Replacement (Artificial Spinal Disc)
• Indications: Spinal Disc Degeneration – chronic cervical pain
• Strategy: We use Spinal Disc Replacement (ADR, an abbreviation for anterior disc replacement) where we replace the intervertebral disc with a disc prosthesis to keep the spine’s natural mobility intact.
• Inpatient treatment: 2 days for cervical disc replacement
• Outpatient Rehabilitation: 5 days for cervical artificial disc
• Earliest flight home: 7 days after surgery for cervical disc replacement
• Recommended flight home: 10 days after surgery for cervical disc replacement
• Recommended time off work: 3 weeks for cervical disc replacement
• Suture removal: Cervical disc surgery – no sutures
• Time before driving a car: Cervical disc replacement – 1 week
Advantages of disc prosthesis over spinal fusion
• Maintain mobility of the spine
• Faster healing and recovery following surgery
• Better long term biomechanical results for the patient (flexibility and mobility)
• Quicker rates of return to work and recreational sports
• No brace or neck collar after surgery
• No, wear and tear in the adjacent areas of the spine
First and foremost, one aspect that cannot be overlooked is the absence of wear and tear in the adjacent areas of the spine. Traditional methods, such as spinal fusion, may result in increased wear and tear on the adjacent segments of the spine and can lead to more problems down the line.
This said, spinal fusion has for many decades been the only option for patients with degenerative disc disease. Despite its advantages, the procedure has limitations. It works by creating increased wear and tear in the adjacent areas of the fused spine. Although spinal fusion is effective and safe, it inevitably compromises the dynamics and biomechanics of the human spine. Therefore, the long-term flexibility and mobility of the patient may be compromised.
In contrast, after more than ten years of arduous development and rigorous research, artificial discs have been advanced and perfected to such an extent that they are now viewed as a viable and safe treatment option for spinal disc degeneration. This promising development in the field of spine surgery marks a significant turning point, potentially offering improved outcomes and quality of life for patients suffering from the condition.
Who qualifies for artificial spinal disc replacement?
Checklist for Artificial Disc Replacement
• Diagnostic MRI shows disc degeneration
• Cause of pain is neurosurgically established
• Non surgical therapy has been without success
• Other causes of chronic pain have been systematically excluded
• Chronic pain for more than six months
Typically, among patients who are qualifying for artificial disc replacement, a common thread is that they will have been grappling with pain for more than six months. This enduring discomfort serves as a possible signature of spinal disc degeneration. As part of the diagnostic process, these patients will undergo an MRI scan, which often reveals clear indicators of such degeneration. Despite these signs, however, the attending neurosurgeon will exercise extreme caution to confirm that disc degeneration is the true progenitor of the pain.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that many instances of spinal disc degeneration are, in fact, pain-free. Consequently, the rationale for surgical intervention hinges solely on persistent pain explicitly produced by spinal disc degeneration. Therefore, if a patient brings forth a request for an artificial disc replacement, their spine specialist is obliged to accumulate a thorough and comprehensive medical history.
The cornerstone of a successful artificial disc replacement is the accurate determination of the pain’s primary cause. This requirement underscores the need for precise and diligent diagnosis before moving forward with the procedure.
Finally, if the patient’s pain persists and proves resistant to non-surgical interventions, such as physiotherapy, only then will artificial disc replacement begin to be pondered as a viable solution. This treatment is far from the first line of defense but serves as an important option when other methods fall short.
Contraindications for artificial disc replacement
There are certain situations where artificial disc replacement surgery should be explicitly avoided:
• Severe Osteoporosis • Vertebrate Body Fracture • Segmental Instability • Inflammation and Infections • Injuries of Spinal ligaments • Severe Spinal stenosis due to other causes • Tumors of the spine
Technic for ADR
The performance of this type of surgery involves the careful use of a surgical microscope. We opt to execute microsurgery to provide us with superior light and clear vision of the surgical field. This deliberate choice also ensures that we can meticulously handle and safeguard all the neural tissue.
The surgical process begins with the first step of excising the diseased disc that is lodged between the vertebral bodies. This step is fundamental to preparing for the upcoming insertion of the prosthesis.
Following the removal of the afflicted disc, next, the ending surfaces of these vertebral bodies receive careful clearing and cleaning. This step is essential to guarantee their readiness for the fitting of the prosthesis. In addition, we gently displace the vertebral bodies from each other slightly to alleviate the strain on the pinched nerve and carve out space for the coming prosthesis.
Moving forward in the process, as we meticulously return the spine to its normal posture, this act helps seat the endplates into the vertebral bones, thereby ensuring the prosthesis is held securely in its intended position.
Finally, during the surgery, the surgeon will scrupulously verify the position of the prosthesis both visually and with the assistance of x-rays. This step is a crucial safety measure to confirm correct placement and alignment of the prosthesis and ensure optimal surgical outcomes.
Rehabilitation following Artificial Disc Replacement
In general, after spinal disc replacement, there are no serious limitations on activity that patients need to worry about, which is a critical aspect for those wanting to get back to their daily routines. Often, on the very day of surgery, unaided walking isn’t just possible – it’s actively encouraged to help with the recovery process.
Continuing this trend of swift recovery, the hospital stay following a disc prosthesis operation typically only lasts between 24 to 48 hours. This brief hospitalization period is a testament to the efficiency of the operation and the relatively quick ensuing recovery.
Finally, with the absence of complications which are carefully checked for by the attending medical team — the patient will be discharged from the hospital. This concluding step is yet another indicator of how spinal disc replacement emphasizes a relatively speedy return to normal life.
What to expect as normal after surgery
• Little distress on the neck scar
• Swollen of the scar
• Little discharge from the scar for the first 24 to 72 hours
• Sometimes transitory difficulty with swallowing
• Sometimes little distress on the back of the shoulders because trans-operatory position
• Sometimes a little throat distress that lasts usually less than 24 hours to subside (orotraqueal intubation for general anesthesia)
FREE CONSULTATION
We offer the following affordable surgical procedures in Mexico:
– Artificial Disc Replacement in Mexico
– Cervical Spine Surgery
– Lumbar Spine Surgery
– Spinal Surgery
– Brain Surgery
– Neurosurgery and more…
Take the first step towards transformative healthcare under the guidance of Mr. Gregory Pope and the expertise of Spinal Surgery Mexico. Reach out to us today to initiate your journey towards enhanced well-being and comprehensive care. If you’re looking for a U.S. direct connection, you can dial 1-(772)-419-8061.
*Your contact and personal information will be safe with us. It will only be used by the Doctor to have a deeper insight about your spine’s condition. No medical advice is given by Spinal Surgery Mexico staff. Only our Doctors can advise patients.