main surgical treatment for degenerative discs was a spinal fusion. A spinal fusion involves removing the diseased disc and packing the empty disc space with bone graft. The vertebrae above and below the disc grow into the bone graft. A solid unit forms, and back pain is diminished.
In artificial disc replacement, the degenerative disc is removed also. However, rather than packing bone graft into the empty disc space, an artificial disc is put into that space. The currently available artificial disc is made of metal and medical-grade plastic. The artificial disc can also reduce back pain, but it also allows the old disc space to move. This preservation of motion is the hallmark of an artificial disc. It is thought that maintaining motion may be better for the patient in the long run.
However, research is still ongoing in artificial discs, and different models are currently under investigation. Within the next several years, many varieties of artificial discs will become available. Spinal fusions are still considered a good operation, and therefore, one needs to decide which operation to choose if surgery is needed. There are pro’s and con’s to both artificial discs and spinal fusions. Of course, conservative treatment should always be used first. Most of the time, conservative treatment
In artificial disc replacement, the degenerative disc is removed also. However, rather than packing bone graft into the empty disc space, an artificial disc is put into that space. The currently available artificial disc is made of metal and medical-
However, research is still ongoing in artificial discs, and different models are currently under investigation. Within the next several years, many varieties of artificial discs will become available. Spinal fusions are still considered a good operation, and therefore, one needs to decide which operation to choose if surgery is needed. There are pro’s and con’s to both artificial discs and spinal fusions. Of course, conservative treatment should always be used first. Most of the time, conservative treatment
(physical therapy, medication, injections, etc.) will work.
Certain patients are not candidates for artificial disc replacement. If the patient has bone disease, such as osteoporosis or osteopenia, then artificial discs may not be appropriate. If the disc space is completely gone or unstable, then fusion may be better. Also, if multiple discs are deteriorated, disc replacement may not be suitable as it only FDA approved for one disc.
Certain patients are not candidates for artificial disc replacement. If the patient has bone disease, such as osteoporosis or osteopenia, then artificial discs may not be appropriate. If the disc space is completely gone or unstable, then fusion may be better. Also, if multiple discs are deteriorated, disc replacement may not be suitable as it only FDA approved for one disc.