Comparing Artificial Disc Replacement To Lumbar Fusion Surgery

For many patients, the disc replacement procedure is an alternative option to fusion surgery.

If your or a loved one have sought nonsurgical treatment methods for lower back pain and have not experienced relief, a doctor may recommend a disc replacement or spinal fusion. Patients weighing their options should evaluate the fusion and disc replacement surgery success rate, risk of complications, and benefits. Our spine specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute are internationally recognized for excellence in orthopaedic science and technology. We encourage you to seek a physical evaluation with us to see whether a disc replacement may be right for you.

Spine Anatomy & Injury Origins

The spine consists of small bones stacked on top of one another called vertebrae. Lower back pain is centralized in the lumbar region of the spine, where a natural c-shaped curve occurs. A healthy spine functions to stabilize an individual’s balance, movement, and range of motion. Problems can occur from aging or injury to the vertebrae, muscles, ligaments, nerves, or intervertebral discs.

Back pain varies from patient to patient and may increase in intensity slowly, occur suddenly, remain constant, or show up intermittently. Common causes of lumbar pain include:

• Overuse

• Disc injury - Including disc tear or disc herniation

• Disc degeneration

• Degenerative spondylolisthesis

• Spinal stenosis

• Scoliosis and deformity

• Vascular or arterial disease

It is imperative that you receive a proper diagnosis to find out the underlying cause of your pain. During your physical evaluation with one of our orthopaedic specialists, we will examine your back, pushing on different areas to assess your pain symptoms. You may have to bend forward, backward, and side to side to reveal limitations. The nerve functions, in your legs will be checked, and strength, sensation, and reflex testing will be conducted by your doctor to confirm your diagnosis. A bone scan, bone density test, and other imaging tests will help your doctor assess the severity of your condition. Discuss your overall medical history, current symptoms, concerns, and nonoperative back treatment history with your doctor so that together you can decide whether surgical treatment is the right course of action.

Lumbar Fusion vs Disc Replacement Surgeries

Lumbar fusion surgery eliminates motion between vertebrae by fusing together two vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone. Used to prevent injury by stretched nerves, ligaments, or muscles, it minimizes movement when motion is the source of pain. There are several different surgical approaches that may be implemented depending on your condition. Though all spinal fusions incorporate bone grafting to provide immediate structural support to the healing vertebrae.

Fusion is different than disc replacement in that the results of the surgery may vary. Disc replacement has a higher success rate for reduced lower back pain and increased mobility. Disc replacement surgery is similar to the lumbar fusion procedure because it is a motion-sparing technique that aims to resolve vertebrae injury. Recovery is shorter because instead of fusing vertebrae and waiting for the bones to weld together, an artificial disc prosthesis is implanted into the spine. Made of titanium alloy and medical grade plastic similar to the joint replacements for the knee and hip, the highly advanced design of the discs allow it to simulate the spinal function. The typical hospital stay is 2-4 days and patients are encouraged to stand and walk the day after surgery.

Artificial disc replacement may be the right choice for you. To schedule an appointment with one of our orthopaedic surgeons, visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.