Disc Replacement

Preparation
Procedure
Recovery

Procedure

Although disc replacement is relatively new in the U.S., artificial discs have been implanted successfully in Europe and South Africa for many years. Currently, there is one disc replacement that has been approved by the FDA for implantation in the U.S., although there are several others that are being studied and are awaiting FDA approval.

During the procedure, the degenerated disc is removed and any collapse of the disc is restored. The artificial disc is then implanted. This is an inpatient procedure performed with general anesthesia and requires two to three days in the hospital. The surgery is performed from the front of the spine, that is, through the abdomen, and major internal structures must be moved to the side during surgery to allow safe implantation of the device.

Complications

Like any surgery involving general anesthesia, there are some risks associated with artificial disc replacement. These may include:

• Bleeding
• Nerve injury
• Infection
• Sensitivity to the artificial disc's materials
• Breakage or wearing out of the disc's components
• Dislocation of the implant
• Damage to the vertebra to which the disc replacement is applied
• Failure to improve following the procedure

Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you before surgery.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007