Parkway East Hospital
Singapore,Singapore
The disc is a soft cushion-like structure between the individual bones of the spine. In most cases, a disc is quite flexible and allows the spine to bend. Disc replacement is defined as the removal of the damaged spinal disc, followed by insertion of an artificial disc between the vertebrae. The artificial disc mimics the functions of a damaged disc, that is, to carry a load and help in motion.
Artificial discs are mostly made from metal- or plastic-like (biopolymer) materials or a combination of both. Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement is needed when the pain arising due to degenerative disc disease or any other disorder is not relieved through non-invasive methods such as medicines, injections, chiropractic therapy, or physical therapy.
The type of artificial disc to be used depends on the cause of your back pain, the severity of the pain, and the comfort or experience of the surgeon. The various indications for disc replacement include:
Your surgeon will correlate the results of your investigations with conclusions from your history and physical examination to find out the source of your pain. However, not everyone can undergo a disc replacement procedure. Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you based on your medical condition. Disc replacement cannot be done in patients with osteoporosis as they do not have strong bones to support the procedure. Also, it is not considered as a highly successful procedure in patients who are aged 50 and above.
Also Read: Artificial Disc Replacement(ADR) Surgery: Most Frequently Asked Question
Before the surgery, your doctor will discuss the detailed procedure with you and answer your doubts and queries. Some questions to ask your doctor before getting ready for disc replacement to include the following:
A. It is important to talk with your surgeon about the purpose of your surgery and how it is related to the diagnosis of your spinal problem. For example, you must understand why it is recommended – to relieve pain, improve functioning, or improve the symptoms?
A. For most spinal conditions wherein the pain is not relieved by non-invasive methods, spine surgery is the only option. The type of spine surgery that the doctor decides to conduct may depend on the ailment or the root cause of the pain. The most common alternative to disc replacement is microdiscectomy followed by spinal fusion. However, talk to your surgeon if he/she knows about other options or if there is any reason to try a different kind of treatment or postpone the procedure.
Some of the most commonly known alternatives to Disc Replacement is as follows:
A: Ask your surgeon what benefits you will experience after the disc replacement procedure. Also, ask why disc replacement is a better option than microdiscectomy or spinal fusion and vice versa. You should ask when can you return to work again and whether you will live a pain-free life after the surgery. You should seek knowledge of how long these benefits will last or if you will need to undergo another surgery after some time.
A: All surgeries carry some risks of developing certain complications such as infection, excessive bleeding, and nerve injury. In addition to these, disc replacement can also lead to complications such as sensitivity to the material of the artificial disc, breakage or wear and tear of the disc’s components, dislocation of the implant, damage to the vertebra where the disc replacement was done, or failure of improvement after the procedure. Your surgeon will discuss all the risks involved in the procedure.
A: After you have learned all about the risks involved, ask your surgeon what will happen if you choose not to undergo the procedure. You can ask question such as will your condition worsen or will you experience even greater pain than what you have?
A: MRI or CT scans are performed on people that have undergone a spinal fusion surgery with titanium implants to rule out re-herniation or to aid the physician to understand the condition post-Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery. Always inform the imaging technician performing the MRI or CT scan that you have undergone spinal replacement.
A: It is important to note that only an orthopedic or neurosurgeon should perform spine surgery. Anyone performing a disc replacement procedure should have completed a fellowship in spine surgery. Ask your surgeon whether he/she has completed a fellowship.
A: No surgery is 100 percent successful. Ask your surgeon what is the overall success rate of the disc replacement procedures and what has been his personal record. Both numbers should be close to one another.
A: Some surgeons perform the entire disc replacement procedure from start to finish on their own, while others work with a small number of team members. Ask your surgeon who all will be in the operating room and what will be their respective roles.
A: Since most surgeons work in more than one hospital; ask your surgeon where the procedure will be carried out. If you are given a choice, choose the facility that has the most experience and high success rate in treating the condition that you have. Ask your surgeon whether or not your procedure will require you to stay in the hospital and for how long.
A: Most artificial disc replacement procedures take about 2 to 3 hours.
A: Ask your surgeon how long will be the recovery period after disc replacement. Ask him how long it will take to return to regular daily activities. Also, ask your surgeon about any special precautions that you need to take after surgery, any medications, and the walking or exercise regimen you need to follow. It is good to ask when you can resume your sports or other kinds of physical activities.
A: Ask your surgeon about all kinds of side effects that can occur after the disc replacement. Also, ask if there will be any pain during the recovery period and for how long. Ask him/her if you can take any special measures to manage the pain.
A: Ask your surgeon the level of follow-up required after disc replacement. Usually, patients follow up at four to six weeks after the disc replacement surgery, and then at three months, six months, and one year after the surgery. However, your surgeon will advise you to follow-up, up based on your specific condition.
Q. If I want to get a second opinion, who would you recommend?
A: Ask your surgeon, where you can get a second opinion regarding whether to have this surgery or not. This is to ensure that you are making the right and informed decision. You can also take an Expert Opinion from our Advisory Panel consisting of 20+ Doctors with experience in performing complex surgeries on International Patients on a day-to-day basis.
Should you have any other Questions Speak to Our Specialist
Schedule a CallBest Hospital for Cervical Disc Replacement
Singapore,Singapore
Parkway East Hospital in Singapore is one of the most established and oldest hospitals in the country. This hospital, located in Telok Kurau and formerly known as the East Shore Hospital, was established back in 1942. Since then, the staff at the hospital has treated and provided healthcare services to thousands of domestic as well as international patients travelling for quality and affordable treatment services.
Parkway East Hospital started off as a clinic and a maternity hospital... Read More
91
PROCEDURES
0
DOCTORS in 14 Specialties
15+
Facilities & Amenities
Gurgaon,India
1 Reviews
One of the largest multi super specialty hospital located in the busy Gurgaon city, Medanta hospital is the brain child of Dr Naresh Trehan, a world renowned cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon. Along with clinical research, education and training, he started the hospital with the aim to bring India to the highest standards of medical care. With total commitment and passion Medanta hospital‘s ethics and operations are guided. The institute has a very large area including a medica... Read More
165
PROCEDURES
61
DOCTORS in 14 Specialties
18+
Facilities & Amenities
1+
Reviews
Gurgaon,India
4 Reviews
This multispecialty hospital was established in 2007 and is the first hospital to be JCI and NABH accredited in the vibrant city of Gurgaon. Modern technology coupled with experts’ hands and knowledge from internationally trained medical teams has set new standards in Indian healthcare. Located strategically, hotels near Artemis Hospital Gurgaon are easy to locate. Open centric feel good ambiance comes with affordability which has made it grow so popular in a short span of time. I... Read More
177
PROCEDURES
51
DOCTORS in 15 Specialties
17+
Facilities & Amenities
4+
Reviews
Consult Online with Top Orthopedic for Cervical Disc Replacement Across the World
With over 14 years of experience. Dr. Vijita Jayan is an extremely competent, skilled & revered Senior Neuro Physiotherapist. She holds an impeccable academic record and extensive experience in the field of neuro-rehabilitation. She is renowned for handling mobility-dependent cases. She is also an avid writer of several published articles & research papers. Being awarded several accolades in her career, she is considered one of the leading names In the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
(+1) 424 283 4838