Artificial Disk replacement

New technology is now available to replace the intervertebral disk with a motion preserving implant. The artificial disk is FDA tested and approved, but it is not covered by all insurance plans for patients. There are disks available for the lumbar and cervical spine. The surgery is the same idea as the anterior fusion, but the artificial disk uses a metal articulating disk instead of bone graft to replace the discectomy gap. The purpose of this proceedure is to decompress the nerves, then to re-establish the mobility similar to a normal disk. The benefit is a return to normal function, decrease the stress on adjacent levels of the spine, but this is relatively new technology. As with any new technology, there is no long term follow up, but it seems to be as effective as a fusion with improvement in outcomes overall. I am sure improvements will be made, modifications of the devices will evolve and the future of disk sugery will improve in the next decade.

The recovery is similar to the standard cervical discectomy, two hours of surgery, overnight stay in the hospital and a month to heal. Most people feel recovered with a final month of physical therapy.