Cervical disc replacement is a surgical procedure that involves removing a damaged or degenerated cervical disc and replacing it with an artificial disc device. Cervical discs are the cushions or shock absorbers between the bones (vertebra) of the neck (cervical spine). Discs that become damaged either through trauma or degeneration can be a source of pain. If part of a disc moves out of its normal position it can cause pressure on the central spinal cord or on the individual nerve roots that exit from the spinal canal at each vertebral level. Over time, the body’s reaction to a disrupted disc is the formation of bone spurs called osteophytes which can also cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Disc disruption and degeneration can be a source of neck pain as well as cause neurologic symptoms which may include pain, numbness or weakness that radiates from the neck into one or both arms.Acupuncture is a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical locations on or in the skin by a variety of techniques. The most thoroughly studied mechanism of stimulation of acupuncture points employs penetration of the skin by thin, solid, metallic needles, which are manipulated manually or by electrical stimulation.
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Who is a candidate for cervical disc replacement surgery and what are the risks?
Cervical disc replacement is used to treat symptomatic cervical disc disease that has failed to improve with nonsurgical care. While in most cases disc replacement (arthroplasty) can be used instead of an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, there are situations where arthroplasty is not an option. The procedure should not be performed in children or when there is abnormal motion or instability at the affected level. A disc replacement device should also not be used in the presence of significant osteoporosis or an active infection. It is important to note that cervical arthroplasty is a newer and technically challenging procedure whose exact indications continue to evolve. Patients will need to see a qualified spine surgeon to discuss whether disc replacement is an option for their specific condition.
The risks associated with cervical disc replacement surgery are very similar to those associated with an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Nerve injury is extremely rare, but is a potentially catastrophic complication of this and most other spinal surgeries. Bleeding is usually very limited with cervical disc replacement and the risk of infection is also low. Swallowing difficulty is common with any anterior cervical surgery, but in most cases is self-limited. Technical difficulties related to placement of the disc replacement device including an incorrectly positioned implant or movement of the device following implantation is possible and could require revision surgery. Spontaneous fusion across the disc replacement level has been reported, but does not typically require treatment.
Lumber Total Disc Replacement :
AA Lumbar disk replacement is a type of back surgery. It involves replacing a worn or degenerated disk in the lower part of your spine with an artificial replacement made of medical-grade metal or a combination of medical-grade metal and medical-grade plastic.
Lumbar disk replacement is a relatively new procedure to relieve back pain. It gained FDA approval in 2004. It is generally seen as an alternative to the more common spinal fusion surgery that joins two vertebrae together. Lumbar disk replacement is a major surgery that requires general anesthesia and a 2-day to 4-day hospital stay.
Before the Procedure
Your doctor may perform many tests to determine if the nature of your back pain is suitable for a lumbar disk replacement surgery. This may begin with X-rays to identify the true nature and extent of your back pain and spinal damage. In some cases, imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT), are necessary to get a better view of the spine and pinpoint on the best treatment.
If you are taking any medication, talk with your doctor about what medications you should or shouldn’t take leading up to the procedure. You will probably be told not to eat or drink anything for a number of hours before the procedure.
During the Procedure
Here is a general overview of how lumbar disk replacement surgery is done:
- You will check into the hospital and change into a medical gown.
- You will be brought to a surgical suite and placed under general anesthesia.
- A team of surgeons (usually a vascular surgeon and an orthopedic or neurosurgeon) will perform the procedure together.
- The surgeon will make an incision in your abdomen.
- Your organs and blood vessels will be moved to the side to allow access to your spine.
- The surgeon will remove the damaged disk or disks.
- The surgeon will put the new artificial disk in place.
- The incision will be closed and you will be wheeled into a recovery suite for close monitoring.
After the Procedure
You can expect to stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days after your lumbar disk replacement surgery. Because a lumbar disk replacement doesn’t require bone to heal, the recovery period may be faster than with other back surgeries. You may be encouraged to stand and walk within the first day after surgery.
A lumbar disk replacement generally improves pain, but it does not eliminate it completely. Talk with your doctor to get a realistic idea about what you can expect after this surgery.
