Disc Replacement ( Cervical /Lumber): Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

Before disc replacement surgery, a breathing tube is inserted into the body of the patient to ensure that he continues to breathe normally during the procedure. The procedure is performed under the influence of general anaesthesia, which is administered just before the surgery. An intravenous line is also attached to the patient so that relevant medicines and antibiotics can be administered before and after the surgery.

A signed consent is taken from the patient before the surgery. The consent informs that patient of the risks of the procedure. As a patient, you must clarify all your doubts from the surgeon before the surgery.

Depending on the site of injury, any one of the following three types of incisions are made:

• For cervical vertebrae: Incision in front of the neck, at the level of the vertebrae
• For thoracic vertebrae: Trans thoracic incision, at the level of the vertebrae
• For Lumbar and sacral vertebrae: Abdominal incision, at the level of the vertebrae

Once the incision is made, the following steps are performed:

Step 1: The organs are retracted once an incision is made to enable visibility

Step 2: The damaged or protruding disc is removed

Step 3: An artificial disc in place of excised disc is placed

Step 4 The artificial disc is secured to the adjacent vertebrae

Step 5: A sealing material between the frictional surfaces of the artificial disc is placed, if required

Step 6: The incision is surgically closed

You may be discharged after two to four days, after a thorough evaluation by the physical therapists. You are taught the proper techniques of getting in and out of bed before discharge from the hospital. You should avoid bending or twisting for the first two to four weeks to avoid straining the surgical site. You may be advised to use braces if your condition requires support in the lower back.

You may recover and get back to normal activities within three weeks after disc replacement surgery. Studies reveal that patients who successfully undergo total disc replacement surgery remain asymptomatic and free from chronic back pain for an average of 8.7 years.

The recovery time after total disc replacement is significantly less than that of spinal fusion surgery. The mobility is not compromised, and the prognosis is good. The success rate of the disc replacement surgery is around 98 percent.