Lumbar disc replacement is a type of back or spine surgery. The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae that are stacked on top of each other. The discs between the vertebrae function like cushions that allow them to rotate and move without the bones rubbing against each other. The lumbar vertebrae and discs are located at the bottom of the spine. Lumbar disc replacement involves the replacement of a worn or degenerated disc in the lower part of the spine with an artificial metal disc or a combination of metal and plastic.
Lumbar disc replacement is generally considered an alternative to the more common spinal fusion surgery. Fusion permanently connects 2 vertebrae together. Lumbar disc replacement is a major operation that requires general anesthesia and a hospital stay. The main reason why you need a lumbar disc replacement is to treat lower back pain. However, not everyone with back pain is a good candidate for lumbar disc replacement surgery. Your doctor will need to do some tests to see if this is the right procedure for you.
In general, lumbar disc replacement surgery may be recommended if:
- Back pain usually comes from just 1 or 2 discs in the lower spine
- You do not have significant joint disease or compression on the spinal nerves
- You are not overweight
- You have not had spinal surgery before
- You do not have scoliosis or other spinal deformities
Like all surgeries, lumbar disc replacement poses a certain risk. Disc replacement requires greater access to the spine than standard fusion operations.
Some of the potential risks of this operation include:
- Infection of the artificial disc or the area around it
- Dislocation or movement of the artificial disc
- Implant fracture
- Implant loosening or wear
- Narrowing of the spine (stenosis)
- Problems due to a poorly placed implant
- Stiffness
- Blood clots in the legs due to decreased activity.
There may be other risks, depending on your specific health condition. Make sure you understand the risks and benefits of lumbar disc replacement and talk to your surgeon about any problems before the procedure. In addition to a physical examination and medical history, you may need X-rays, MRI or CT, and blood tests. They help the doctor identify the true nature and degree of back pain and spinal damage. They may also be needed for a better examination of the spine and deciding if surgery is the right thing for you. You will probably need to stay in the hospital for a few days after the operation. Because lumbar disc replacement does not require bone healing, the recovery period may be faster than with other back surgeries. You will receive pain medication if you need it and it may encourage you to stand and walk the first day after the operation. You will be shown how to move properly and how to do exercises, such as gentle twisting of the torso. This will help you keep your spine and will help you recover faster. You will need to avoid any activities or movements for a while. Recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Lumbar disc replacement generally improves pain, but does not completely eliminate it. Talk to your doctor to get a realistic idea of what to expect after this surgery. Also talk to your doctor about the instructions you need to follow after surgery, what you can and cannot do, signs of problems you need to watch out for, and when you need to see a doctor.
