What is a normal disc?
A normal disc is a soft cushion, gel like material present between each vertebra of our spine which bears our normal day to day stress, allows flexibility and motion.
What is an artificial disc?
An artificial disc is a disc prosthesis or disc arthroplasty device which imitates the functions of a normal disc after being implanted in the spine.
What are the goals of an artificial disc replacement?
The artificial disc replacement surgery in Houston is done considering the following goals:
- Complete reduction or elimination of pain.
- Allowing motion throughout the spine.
- Prevention of premature breakdown at upper and lower levels of spine.
- Restoration of pre degenerative disc height.
Classification of artificial disc types
The artificial discs are made up of metal or plastic like material or may be a combination of both. The artificial disc replacement Houston comes with unique biochemical challenges, and is broadly done in two ways:
- Total disc replacement
Here, most of the disc tissue is removed and replacement device is placed between the two vertebrae. This device has two plates which attach on the above and below vertebra to allow smooth sliding and motion.
- Disc nucleus replacement
Here, only the central portion, called nucleus is removed and artificial disc is implanted.
This disc material absorbs water and expands when hydrated, thus provide cushioning and adjusting unexpected loads.
What are the indications of an artificial disc replacement?
If you are suffering from following explained conditions, an artificial disc replacement surgery Houston, Texas may be the perfect destination for you. These conditions are:
- Excruciating pain.
- Failure of conservative management like physical therapy.
- Long term use of orthotics like back braces.
- Complete loss of disc spaces and degeneration.
- Long term use of medications, injections and steroids.
- Complete loss of flexibility of spine.
- Inability to do your daily routine activities.
Conditions which do not allow an artificial replacement surgery
Though an artificial surgery is a breakthrough, but there are a certain conditions which may prevent you from the surgery being performed upon. They are:
- Spondylolisthesis
- Osteoporosis
- Vertebral body fracture
- Allergy to any metals
- Spinal tumor
- Spinal infection
- Pregnancy
Traditional surgery versus artificial disc replacement
To start with, the traditional surgery comes with following drawbacks:
- It is motion limiting, spinal fusion procedure.
- Metal plates are needed to rigidly fix the vertebrae.
- Requires an inter body bone graft.
- Minimum three months of recovery time is needed.
The artificial disc replacement surgery comes with lot more advantages when compared to the conventional one, like:
- Recovery is rapid and reduced to ten days.
- No bone graft is required.
- Disc replicates the normal function in a better way.
- Complete reversibility of spine functions.
Are there any complications?
The surgery at Houston is performed in most efficient manner, yet there are some risks you must openly talk to your surgeon. They are:
- Infection
- Injury to blood vessels and nerves.
- Dis lodgement or breakage of device.
- Continued pain or development of new pain.
- Sexual dysfunction.
