5 Things You Should Know Before You Undergo Artificial Disc Surgery
Category: Spine Surgery | Author: Stefano Sinicropi
If you’re dealing with worn or damaged spinal discs that aren’t responding to conservative care, you’re probably wondering if surgery is the right move. Surgery can significantly reduce pain and increase your quality of life if you’re dealing with damaged spinal discs, but there’s two main operations to choose from. A fusion procedure can create added stability and limit movement in the area of the damaged disc by fusing two vertebral sections together, whereas an artificial disc replacement procedure can preserve more movement by swapping out the old disc for an artificially-created disc.
More people are opting to pursue the artificial disc replacement operation, which is why we want to put a spotlight on the technique for today’s blog. Below, we share five things you should know before you undergo spinal disc replacement surgery.
What To Know About Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
If you are looking to make a decision about which operation is right for you, or you just want some more information about disc replacement surgery, check out these five points.
- It Mimics A Healthy Disc – Technology has advanced to the point that the artificial disc isn’t just acting like a placeholder disc. Today’s artificial discs are designed to mimic the same function as a healthy disc, meaning you’ll retain more motion and flexibility at the location of the disc. A fusion procedure would limit mobility at the surgical site.
- They are Extremely Durable – Newer spinal implants are incredibly durable, and it’s highly unlikely that a person will need to undergo a secondary procedure to address an artificial disc that has worn down or broken. Spinal discs are currently expected to last between 35-70 years, meaning you’ll likely never need to have the implant replaced.
- It Can Be Performed Using Minimally Invasive Techniques – Your surgeon doesn’t need to make a large opening in your neck or spine to insert the artificial disc. Depending on the location and the extent of the damage, your surgeon may be able to use laparoscopic techniques to perform the operation, meaning you’ll experience less tissue damage.
- Recovery Is Quicker – While everyone will recover at their own pace, most patients who undergo a disc replacement procedure can expect a faster recovery than if they pursued a fusion operation. The general timeline for return to athletics after a fusion procedure is six months, whereas it can be completed in about half that time if you choose to undergo artificial disc replacement.
- Dr. Sinicropi Has A Strong Track Record Of Disc Replacement Success – Dr. Sinicropi loves helping patients regain flexibility and improve their quality of life through an artificial disc replacement procedure, and he’d be happy to do the same for you. He has a long history of satisfied patients, and you can read their stories by checking out our testimonials page!
So if you are looking for more information about artificial disc replacement surgery, or you just want to get to the bottom of your spinal discomfort, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today.
