Lumbar Disc Replacement
A patient might find themselves in need of a lumbar disc replacement if they are experiencing disc degeneration in the lower segment of their spine. The purpose of disc replacement surgery is to replace the damaged, organic disc with a new, functional, artificial one in an attempt to relieve any related symptoms of discomfort.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?
The term Degenerative Disc Disease, or DDD, refers to a set of symptoms that patients experience when the discs in their spinal column deteriorate as a result of gradual wear and tear. This deterioration can cause pain, weakness, numbness, and shooting pains in the arms or legs as unwanted pressure is put on the nerves in the spine. This condition is marked by low-to-moderate chronic pain, with episodes of severe pain. This condition will not resolve itself and will require treatment, either surgical or non-surgical, from a trained physician.
Surgical Treatment Options
If you are opting to take the surgical approach after non-surgical treatments have failed to help, one of the following may be a viable option for you:
Prodisc L Total Disc Replacement
This procedure is an alternative to Spinal Fusion surgery and includes replacing the degenerated discs in the spine with the Prodic L artificial disc. This artificial disc has been used since 1990 and has been implanted in over 125,000 patients since its development, with an impressive success rate. The model provides stable spinal support, while still allowing a free range of motion and balance for patients as they return to their everyday lives, without the pain associated with DDD.
The CHARITÉ™ Artificial Disc
The CHARITÉ™ Artificial Disc can be implanted to replace diseased or damaged discs in the lumbar spine, during a surgical procedure known as “spinal arthroplasty”.
This procedure is specifically recommended for patients with a diseased disc between L4 and L5, or L5 and S1. If you haven’t experienced relief after at least six months of conservative treatment, such as pain medication, back braces, and physical therapy, then a doctor may recommend this procedure as an option for addressing your discomfort.
Who is Eligible for Lumbar Disc Replacement?
If you have experienced a back disc injury, spinal disc pain, slip disc back pain, a herniated disc in the back, or slipped discs in the neck, you may be eligible for lumbar disc replacement surgery.
Surgery is not the only treatment available, but it may restore mobility and lessen pain for those who have not previously responded well to other non-surgical treatments. Make an appointment at Texas Spine Center today to speak with Dr. Siddiqi about the treatment options that are best for you.
