Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

An artificial disc replacement surgery is a spine surgery in which an artificial disc is used to replace a damaged intervertebral disc. Intervertebral discs provide cushioning between the vertebrae. When a disc is damaged due to injury or disease, there is loss of vertebral body height and compression of the spinal nerves. This can lead to pain and weakness in the arms and legs. An artificial disc, similar to the natural healthy disc restores the height between the two vertebrae, enlarging the neural foramen (nerve passageway in the spine) and relieving the pressure on the spinal nerves. This stabilizes and restores normal mobility of the spine.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the site of surgery, an incision is made usually in the front of the body and overlying tissues separated to gain access to the affected spinal disc. The disc is removed and the artificial material placed. The tissues are then replaced and the incision closed with sutures. Your doctor will advise you on precautions to take after surgery and prescribe medications to relieve pain. The average length of stay in the hospital is 1 to 4 days depending on the site of surgery and speed of recovery. As with any invasive surgery, artificial disc replacement surgery may carry certain risks which include bleeding, infection, nerve injury and tissue damage.