What is the success rate of disc replacement surgery?
Success rates with fusions performed for degenerative disc disease range in the literature between 65 and 93%. It has become the standard of care for discogenic pain and is often very effective in relieving pain.
How long is the recovery from disc replacement surgery?
On average, artificial disc replacement recovery time takes about 3-5 weeks; however, artificial disc replacement recovery time varies from patient to patient. Many patients can return to light activities and desk work within 1 week, but a few may not be at full activity level for up to 3 months.
How serious is disc replacement?
Medical research shows many advantages for patients who have disk replacement instead of spinal fusion. Because the procedure involves a minimally invasive approach, people have a shorter hospitalization, and they recover quickly, and get back to work and activities faster.
What is the success rate of lumbar disc replacement?
The authors reported a clinical success rate as defined by the FDA (≥ 15-point improvement in ODI, freedom from device failure or serious device-related adverse events, maintenance/improvement in neurological status) of 87.5% and a return to work rate of 75.9%.
How long do artificial discs last?
Finally, the artificial disc must be very durable. The average age of a patient needing a lumbar disc replacement is about 35 years. This means that to avoid the need for revision surgery, the artificial disc must last at least 50 years.
Is disc replacement better than fusion?
Lumbar disc replacement, a similar procedure that replaces the discs in the lower back, also has a faster recovery time than fusion. A study published in Global Spine Journal found that disc replacement patients were able to return to work significantly faster than fusion patients.
What happens after lumbar disc replacement surgery?
Recovery Time Full recovery from artificial disc replacement surgery will take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. This includes a period of limited motion and some discomfort for a few weeks after surgery, followed by several weeks of rehabilitation.
How many disc replacements can you have?
Ideally, only one level of the spine is replaced, but up to three levels have been done. The same patients whom we would have fused in the past are receiving artificial discs. Of course, not all patients are suitable for this technology, and assessment by a skilled spinal surgeon is essential.
Who is eligible for artificial disc replacement?
Artificial disc replacement may be recommended for patients between the ages of 18 and 60 with DDD at one or two levels of the spine whose condition has not responded to at least six previous months of non-surgical therapy.
Who is not a candidate for artificial disc replacement?
Artificial disc replacement surgery is not recommended in facet joint syndrome. An artificial disc replacement device should also not be used if you have significant osteoporosis or an active infection.
When is disc replacement not an option?
Are you a candidate? Disc replacement isn’t appropriate for everyone. If your condition involves several discs, for example, it’s probably not a good choice. Most ADR patients need only one disc replaced and have never had back surgery before.