Top Spine Hospital in India

Friday, 8 April 2016

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in India- Balloon Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty in India

Kyphoplasty spine surgery is a minimally invasive procedure which supports fractured or compressed vertebrae and also helps in reducing back pain and as well as helps in restoring the height and spinal alignment. During the fracture of vertebrae, the bone which is shaped rectangular gets compressed causing terrible pain. During such cases of compression fractures, there could be a high possibility of collapse of the vertebrae in the spine and becomes a common symptom resulting in osteoporosis. This is a disease that results in loss of bone density, mass and strength leading to weak bones having a lot of pores and which are vulnerable for breaking.

In this Kyphoplasty procedure, balloons are used to elevate the fractured vertebrae to bring it back to its original and correct position. This balloon creates a cavity that is filled with cement which protects from future damages.

Kyphoplasty is done on patients who experience painful symptoms or spinal deformities due to vertebral compression fractures resulting from osteoporosis. Kyphoplasty is also performed on patients who:

• Are aged or are in poor health to tolerate open spinal surgery.

• Have too frail bones for surgical spinal repair

• Have a vertebral damage due to a cancerous tumor

• Are younger and have osteoporosis caused by a long-term steroid management or a metabolic disorder

Kyphoplasty is performed under local or general anesthesia. Using image guidance x-rays, two small incisions are made and a probe is placed into the vertebral space where the fracture is located. The bone is drilled and a balloon, called a bone tamp, is inserted on each side. These balloons are then inflated with contrast medium (to be seen using image guidance x-rays) until they expand to the desired height and removed. The balloon does not remain in the patient. It simply creates a cavity for the cement and also helps expand the compressed bone.

The spaces created by the balloons are then filled with PMMA, the same orthopaedic cement used in vertebroplasty, binding the fracture. The cement hardens quickly, providing strength and stability to the vertebra, restoring height, and relieving pain.

Benefits of Kyphoplasty

Limitations in the traditional treatments of vertebral compression fractures have led to the refinement of such procedures as kyphoplasty. This procedure provide new options for compression fractures and are designed to relieve pain, reduce and stabilize fractures, reduce spinal deformity, and stop the "downward spiral" of untreated osteoporosis.

Additional benefits of kyphoplasty include :

• Short surgical time

• Only general or local anesthesia required

• Average hospital stay is one day (or less)

• Patients can quickly return to the normal activities of daily living

• No bracing required

Kyphoplasty was shown to be more effective than non-surgical care for the treatment of acute vertebral compression fractures.

Patients treated with kyphoplasty had faster and greater improvement in back pain relief, back function and quality of life at one month after surgery. The benefits of kyphoplasty were sustained on average through 12 months. The overall frequency of patients with adverse events did not differ between the kyphoplasty and the non-surgical groups.1

• Minimally Invasive, Scarless , Minimal Pain & discomfort to the patient

• Quick recovery and return back to active work life

• Minimal Tissue trauma and no risk of complications that may result from open surgery

• Quick Symptom relief within two weeks of undergoing the Nucleoplasty Surgery.

Thursday, 31 March 2016

Spine Tumor Removal Surgery

Spinal tumor, most back pain is associated with stress, strain and aging — not with a tumor. In most areas of your body, noncancerous tumors aren't particularly worrisome. That's not necessarily the case with your spinal cord, where a spinal tumor or a growth of any kind can impinge on your nerves, leading to pain, neurological problems and sometimes paralysis. A spinal tumor, whether cancerous or not, can threaten life and cause permanent disability. Yet advances in spinal tumor treatment offer more options than ever before.

Although back pain is the most common indication of a spinal tumor, most back pain is associated with stress, strain and aging — not with a tumor. In most areas of your body, noncancerous tumors aren't particularly worrisome. That's not necessarily the case with your spinal cord, where a spinal tumor or a growth of any kind can impinge on your nerves, leading to pain, neurological problems and sometimes paralysis. A spinal tumor, whether cancerous or not, can threaten life and cause permanent disability. Yet advances in spinal tumor treatment offer more options than ever before.

Benign bone tumors are of following types:

• Giant Cell Tumor: Usually found in the sacrum

• Hemangioma: Usually found in the thoracic spine

• Osteoid Osteoma: Usually found to affect the lumbar spine's posterior spinal column

• Osteoblastoma: Usually found to affect the spine's posterior spinal column Malignant bone tumors are classified as follows:

• Chordoma: Affects the sacrum and coccyx in the midline

• Osteosarcoma: affect the anterior vertebral body and it may also invade the Posterior spinal elements.

Malignant cartilage tumor:

• Chondrosarcoma; Found primarily in the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine

Malignant plasma cell tumors:

• Plasmacytoma is cancer of the white blood cells (plasma cells) which effects the thoracic spine and may also involve the spinal cord ot the nerve roots.

• Lymphomas are cancer of the body's lymphatic system that may spread to the spine .Usually the anterior part (front) of the spinal column is affected

• Ewing's Sarcoma: It affects the Sacrum or the nerves.

There is a rapid increase in technology that allows the MIS physician to treat patients with minimally invasive spine surgery procedures. Some of these techniques are now well established, while others remain new and continue to evolve. The best MIS (Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery) technique will depend on the specific character of the problem. While the list of MIS (Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery) techniques continues to expand, the most commonly employed today include:

• Minimally Invasive Tubular Microdiscetomy

• Minimally Invasive Lumbar Laminectomy

• Cervical laminoforaminotomy

• Endoscopic Discectomy

• Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Interbody Lumbar Fusion (TILF)

• Minimally Invasive eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF)

• Microsurgical Discectomy

• Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

• Kyphoplasty

• Nucleoplasty or Percutaneous Discectomy

Tumor may cause generalized symptoms in the body (like persistent low energy levels, unexplainable weight loss, lump formation, enlargement of lymph nodes, malaise, irregularities of menstruation in females etc) as well as symptoms pertaining to the affected organ in the body. In case of spinal tumor the patient may present with any of the following

• Back pain, often radiating to other parts of the body and worse at night

• Loss of sensation or muscle weakness, especially in the legs

• Difficulty walking, sometimes leading to falls

• Paralysis may occur in varying degrees and in different parts of the body, depending on which nerves are compressed.

• Scoliosis or other spinal deformity resulting from a large, but non cancerous tumor

• Erosion and Destruction of vertebral body

The primary objective of the surgery is to reduce the pain caused by the spinal tumor, to restore and preserve neurological function and provide spinal stability. Spinal Tumor surgery is generally indicated in case there is a localized tumor which can be removed with minimum damage to nerve and spinal cord, or there is persistent neurological deficit and pain which is unresponsive to non operative treatment, or there is vertebral bone destruction affecting spinal stability. Surgery may include resection (partial removal) or excision (complete removal) of tumor. When the tumor is removed (partially or completely) pain and neurologic problems may clear up.

Depending on the type of spinal tumor and its location, surgery may include one or more of the following procedures: -

Decompression : - Remove the tumor, bone, and other tissues compressing the spinal cord and or spinal nerve roots.

Spinal Stabilization : - Your spine can become unstable after part of the bone or other tissues (e.g., intervertebral discs) are taken out. An unstable spine can move in abnormal ways, putting you more at risk for serious neurological injury. In this case, the surgeon will want to stabilize your spine by using instrumentation and fusion.

In spine stabilization by fusion, the surgeon creates an environment where the bones in your spine will fuse together over time (usually over several months or longer). The surgeon uses a bone graft (usually using bone from your own body, but it's possible to use donor bone as well) or a biological substance (which will stimulate bone growth). Your surgeon may use spinal instrumentation-wires, cables, screws, rods, and plates-to increase stability as the bones fuse. The fusion will stop movement between the vertebrae, providing long-term stability.

Combination : - You may need to have both a decompression and spinal stabilization. Decompression and stabilization spine surgeries may be performed as a minimally invasive procedure or by using a more traditional open approach (longer incision, longer recovery time).

Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty : - These are similar minimally invasive surgical procedures performed to stabilize a fractured vertebra. Spinal tumors that invade vertebrae may cause it to break and can cause severe pain.

Kyphoplasty uses a special orthopaedic balloon. It's inserted into the fractured vertebra. Then, the balloon is inflated in an effort to return the vertebra to the correct height and position. The balloon creates a void-a hole-in your vertebra, and it's then removed. The void is filled in with a surgical cement that should support the vertebra and keep it from fracturing again.

Vertebroplasty does not use a balloon, but it does involve injecting surgical cement into the vertebral body. Both procedures provide immediate fracture stabilization.

• When the tumor is removed (partially or completely) pain and neurologic problems may clear up.

• To restore and preserve neurological function and provide spinal stability.

• Spinal Tumor surgery is generally indicated in case there is a localized tumor which can be removed with minimum damage to nerve and spinal cord,

• There is persistent neurological deficit and pain which is unresponsive to non operative treatment

• Surgery may include resection (partial removal) or excision (complete removal) of tumor.

Recovery post Spinal Tumor surgery depends on patient’s health before surgery. The patient’s care is monitored by periodical office visits and re-evaluation by the treating physician. This is important because some tumors, benign or malignant, may reoccur. Usually when the treatment period has ended, the symptoms clear up.

Analgesics are given to control post-operative pain and cancer pain. Cancer pain may be difficult to control (e.g. ‘break through pain’). A pain management specialist may provide assistance if conventional drugs (e.g. pill, skin patch) do not provide relief. Any surgery, radiation treatment or chemotherapy can drain the patient nutritionally. Therefore, a proper diet is important to regain strength, lost weight, and a measure of health. A professional nutritionist can provide guidance. Depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s medical status, a course of physical therapy may be prescribed. Through exercise and modalities the patient can build strength, endurance and flexibility.

Tuesday, 8 March 2016

Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (PELD)

Surgery in India Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (PELD) is quite a unique approach which is quickly getting popular amongst patients and surgeons in the treatment of nonsequestrated disc herniation (disc prolapse) as it reduces the post operative hospitalization and recovery time.

PELD or Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy is an advanced minimally invasive spine surgery done for the decompression of the lumbar disc space and removal of nucleus pulposus via a posterolateral approach. PELD is also a good treatment option in management of spinal tumors and structural deformities also in patients whose pain threshold is low or who are not responding well to conservative treatments like pain killers, anti inflammatory drugs and rehabilitation.

Individuals suffering from chronic low back pain and disability may benefit from a PELD procedure. It is often used to treat patients suffering from degenerated discs, bulging discs or herniated discs that compress upon the surrounding structures within the spinal canal causing nerve compression, sciatica and low back pain. It can also be used if the patient fails to respond to conventional management therapies including direct injection therapies for three months or more. The surgery is also found to be successful in resection of spinal tumors, fusion and structural deformities of the spinal cord.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy is a minimally invasive day care procedure which is performed under local anaesthesia and mild sedation. The patient is made to lie on his front on the operation table and through an image intensifier X-ray system the entry point on patient’s body is mapped. There are two ways by which inter-vertebral disc is removed which could be manual or using laser.

A manual procedure, also known as automated percutaneous discectomy, entails inserting a long spinal needle from side of back directly into the disc bypassing other bone and ligament structures. A guide wire is made to pass through the spinal needle and after making an incision of 5 mm an endoscope is inserted. To the endoscope is attached a camera and monitor which provide visual help in removing the prolapsed part of disc.

The laser surgery or percutaneous laser discectomy uses an external imager or fluoroscope to direct the probe. Through this probe laser energy is passed which vaporizes a part of inter-vertebral disc material which helps in decompression of the nerve root. Holmium yttrium- aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser is the most frequently used laser for this treatment. Following the procedure, the wound is closed and single stitched. With this procedure the pain relief is immediate and the patient can soon resume work.

• Surgery done under local anesthesia with conscious sedation

• Very good technique for old and medically compromised patients.

• No muscle, ligament or normal tissue damage

• It saves the time and the costs. 75% of the patients discharged on the same.

• Due to rapid recovery, comparing to open surgeries, it is recommendable for the workers or students with the desire of early return-to-work.

• Even prolapsed, migrated, extra-foraminal, recurrent discs can be removed.

• Very good technique for old and medically compromised patients.

• Even prolapsed, migrated, extra-foraminal, recurrent discs can be removed.

Our world class spine hospitals in India are fully equipped with state of art diagnostic centres with advanced Digital X-ray, MRI and CT scan facilities and fully-equipped operating room with specialized equipment like endoscope and laser, to undertake such specialized procedures. The surgery is performed by experienced orthopedicians or neurosurgeons, who have specialized in spine surgeries and who have undergone specialized training in the world’s best spine surgery hospitals in USA, UK and Australia. Our hospitals also provide excellent patient care at extremely affordable costs which is just around 20-30% of the surgery cost in countries like US.

Thursday, 3 March 2016

Most Advanced Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Surgery in India

A person’s spine is subjected to a lot of forces throughout its lifetime. It may be subjected to age related wear and tear or infections like tuberculosis. As a result it undergoes degeneration which gives rise to a variety of problems like spinal osteoarthritis, disc prolapse, spondylolisthesis, osteoporotic fractures, vertebral collapse etc. All these conditions manifest as severe pain in the back and radiating pain, numbness, tingling in the upper or lower extremities (lower leg or arm) due to compression of spinal nerves, spinal cord and spinal instability. When these symptoms become debilitating enough to preclude the patient’s day to day activity, a Spinal Fusion Surgery is advised.

What is Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Spinal fusion (spondylodesis or spondylosyndesis) is the surgical method of joining two or more verebrae. It is done most commonly in the lumbar region of the spine, but it is also used to treat cervical and thoracic problems. In this procedure, the damaged and painful vertebrae are fused into a solid stable bone. Fusion of the spine is used primarily to eliminate the pain caused by abnormal motion of the vertebrae by immobilizing the faulty vertebrae themselves, which is usually caused by degenerative conditions. However, spinal fusion is also the preferred way to treat most spinal deformities, specifically scoliosis and kyphosis. But, the results may vary according to the individual. Some may not feel any improvement in their back pain even after the surgery.

• Fracture

• Tumor

• Infection

• Spondylolisthesis

• Degenerative disc disease

• Scoliosis

• Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal fusion can be divided into two categories|

• Posterolateral Fusion : In the back of the spine, the bone graft is placed in amid the transverse processes. With the help of wires and screws, the vertebrae is carefully fixed throughout the particles of every vertebrae. A rod is made up of metal which is attached on the side of vertebrae.

• Interbody Fusion : In this, the graft of the bone is placed in between the vertebrae and the area is generally engaged by the intervertebral disc. The disc is entirely removed in preparing for the spinal fusion. In order to maintain the disc height and spine alignment, a device can be placed in between the vertebrae. This device (intervertebral device) can either be prepared from titanium or plastic.

Then the fusion starts in between the vertebrae’s endplates. Interbody fusion is of 3 types-

o Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

o Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

o Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)

o Transpsoas Interbody Fusion (XLIF or DLIF)

In Posterior lumbar interbody fusion, the spinal fusion is achieved through a surgical incision made on the posterior (back) aspect of spine. It aims at fusion of two adjacent vertebrae in cases of spinal instability and associated back pain. It is a popular procedure as it gives excellent results. The procedure provides almost complete relief of symptoms in 90-95% of the cases and the patients are able to return to their daily activities within a few weeks. The patients can also return to most of their recreational activities.

PLIF surgery aims at achieving spinal stability through bony fusion by two ways:

The Open PLIF is the traditional technique which is performed using general anesthesia. The patient is made to lie down on his front side on the table with the low back exposed. A 3-6 inch long incision is made on the skin overlying the affected vertebrae. The skin and the fascia are cut open. The underlying muscles are retracted and the affected vertebrae are identified. Fluoroscopic X-ray is used to confirm the exact location of the affected vertebrae. Then a complete laminectomy (removal of the lamina of the vertebrae) followed by bilateral foraminotomy (enlargement of the foramen by removing the bony spurs) and/or discectomy (removal of offending disc) are performed.

This relieves the compression off the spinal nerves, allowing them to come to their normal size and shape. The area is checked for any remaining bony outgrowth or disc fragments that may compress the nerves. Autogenic bone grafts or Metal or plastic implants are fitted in the empty disc space for initiating bone growth.

The other method is the Minimally Invasive PLIF procedure which is performed using x-ray guidance. 2.5-cm incisions are made on either side of the lower back The muscles are gradually dilated and tubular retractors inserted to allow access to the affected area of the lumbar spine. The lamina is removed to allow visualization of the nerve roots. The offending disc material is removed from the spine and replaced with a bone graft and structural support from a cage made of bone, titanium, carbon-fiber, or a polymer, followed by placement of rod and screws. The tubular retractors are removed, allowing the dilated muscles to come back together, and the incisions are closed.

This procedure typically takes about 3 to 3 ½ hours to perform. There was less blood loss,tissue trauma, operative time, and quick recovery in this procedure as compared to the traditional one.Generally the patients can go home within 3-5 days after traditional PLIF and within 1-2 days after a minimally invasive PLIF

In most cases, spinal fusion can eliminate the pain and other symptoms. It is important for a surgeon to explain the options, and benefits of spinal fusion surgery. There are many advantages of Spinal fusion surgery such as:

• By fusing the level, there is less concern that the patient will need surgery again at that level. If the discs and/or facets are pain generators, as is often the case, a fusion will ensure that motion at the level is stopped, potentially eliminating the low back pain.

• A second advantage of spinal fusion surgery is that it reduces post-decompressive deformity. Some patients develop post-laminectomy kyphosis, which is an abnormal alignment of the spine. This too can often lead to additional surgery. Similarly, a fusion can correct any deformity the patient had before surgery and ensure that the normal alignment of the spine is restored. This may reduce wear and tear (and need for future surgery) on the neighboring levels.

Monday, 29 February 2016

Laminotomy

The word laminotomy originates from the Latin terms lamina - the bony plate covering the posterior arch of the vertebra and otomy - the act of cutting or making an incision. A Laminotomy is a minimally invasive endoscopic approach to opening the spinal canal. A laminotomy does not require the use of general anesthesia and it can be performed in a surgical outpatient setting.

A laminotomy is performed to relieve pressure from the spinal canal for exiting nerve roots and the spinal cord. The procedure is performed with an end goal of increasing the amount of available space for neural tissues, and releasing entrapped nerves. A laminotomy can be used to treat bone spurs, pinched nerve, spinal stenosis, disc problems such as a herniated or bulging disc, excessive

• Cervical - Removal of part of lamina in the neck portion.

• Lumbar – Removing the part of the lamina in the lower back

• Sacral – Abstracting part of the lamina in the back between your hipbones.

• Thoracic – Removing the portion of lamina in the middle part of the back.

• Traditional treatment like physical therapy, or medication fails to improve or alleviate symptoms

• Suffering from muscle weakness or numbness making standing or walking difficult

• Experiencing loss of bowel or bladder control

In certain cases, laminectomy may be necessary as part of surgery to treat a spinal disc herniation. The surgeon may need to remove part of the lamina to gain access to the damaged disk.

After the patient receives a local anesthetic, a small incision is made in the back and a round Depuy tube is inserted into it. Gradually, a small series of tubes are placed over the initial tube slowly increasing in size to make an opening for access to the spine. The final working tube will be about 18 millimeters in diameter which the surgeon will use to insert the laser, camera, suction, irrigation and other surgical instruments. With this minimally invasive method, the muscles are pushed aside instead of being cut or torn.

A laminotomy is an endoscopic procedure and not arthroscopic. The difference being that arthroscopic surgery requires inserting the tubular instrument into the joint, where endoscopic covers surgery with the same instrument being placed anywhere outside of the joint.

After the working tube is in place the surgeon can begin the procedure. Many patients that undergo a laminotomy will feel instant relief as the surgeon releases the entrapped nerves. Symptoms of back and leg pain are resolved by decompressing the spinal canal.

When the surgeon is finished with the procedure the tube is slowly removed, allowing for muscles to naturally shift back to normal positions.

A laminotomy is a procedure that can be used to remove the ligamentum flavum. Spinal stenosis has been attributed to this ligament located in the spinal canal. It can naturally thicken to the point that it begins to compress the spinal cord. When a laminotomy is performed the ligament can be removed, freeing or releasing the affected nerve(s).

A laminectomy is classed as traditional open back surgery that requires the patient to be placed under general anesthesia. In a laminectomy the lamina is removed to increase the amount of space available for neural tissue.

Sunday, 28 February 2016

Low Cost Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery

Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery in India

Lumbar disc replacement surgery comes as a relief for all those patients suffering from severe discogenic back pain for several years. Discogenic back pain refers to pain in the low back and legs arising from compression of neural structures by degenerated disc fragments. The surgery aims at replacing the diseased disc with a prosthesis (artificial disc) that mimics the movement of the natural disc.

The lumbar spine refers to the lower segment of the human spine in the low back region. This segment consists of 5 short bones called vertebrae arranged over one another, separated by soft cushion like structures called as intervertebral discs. The low back is subjected to maximum load during all the movements of the human body as maximum movement occurs here. As a result it is vulnerable to degenerative changes in the disc as well as in the vertebrae. When the disc degenerates it loses its water content, shrinks in height and disintegrates into fragments and bulges. This may compress the nearby spinal nerves passing in its vicinity. Also reduced disc height results in reduced intervertebral distance, which puts pressure on the facet joints causing their hypertrophy (thickening).

Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery

Compression of the spinal nerves due to thickened ligaments, bony spurs on the lower surface of vertebral bodies or due to prolapsed disc leads to pain in the back and radiating pain numbness and tingling in the legs. In longstanding cases there may also be weakness in the legs.

The procedure aims at replacing the diseased disc with a metal or plastic prosthesis which maintains normal spine movement. It also aims at restoring normal intervertebral distance and enlargement of narrowed intervertebral foramen thus relieving the compression of nerves.

Who may require Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery

All those individual suffering from discogenic back pain as diagnosed by a combination of clinical symptoms of back pain, and radiating leg pain and diagnostic tests supported by radiological evidence of degenerative disc disease are ideally suited for this procedure. These patients must also have undertaken conservative treatment (bed rest, traction, physical therapy, medication) for a considerable period of time with no satisfactory results.

Details of the Surgery

Disc replacement surgery is done to stop the symptoms of degenerative disc disease. Discs wear out or degenerate as a natural part of aging and from stress and strain on the spine. Eventually, the problem disc collapses, which causes the vertebra above to sink toward the one below. This loss of disc height affects nearby structures - especially the facet joints.

When the disc collapses it no longer supports its share of the load in the spine. The facet joints of the spine begin to support more of the force that is transmitted between each vertebra. This increases the wear and tear on the articular cartilage that covers the surface of the joints. The articular cartilage is the smooth, slippery surface that covers the surface of the bone in any joint in the body. Articular cartilage is tough, but it does not tolerate abnormal pressure well for long. When damaged, articular cartilage does not have the ability to heal. This wear and tear is what is commonly referred to as arthritis.

Shrinking disc height also reduces the size of the neural foramina, the openings between each vertebral pair where the nerve roots leave the spinal column. The arthritis also results in the development of bone spurs that may protrude into these openings further narrowing the space that the nerves have to exit the spinal canal. The nerve roots can end up getting squeezed where they pass through the neural foramina.

Replacing the damaged disc with an artificial disc, or implant, called a prosthesis can restore the normal distance between the two vertebrae. The artificial disc sits between the two vertebrae and distracts or jacks up the upper vertebra. Enlarging the disc space relieves pressure on the facet joints. It also opens up the space around the spinal nerve roots where they pass through the neural foramina.

Another benefit of the artificial disc replacement is that it mimics a healthy disc. Natural motion is preserved in the spine where the new disc is implanted. And it helps maintain stability in the spinal joints above and below it.

Who can benefit from this procedure?

For many years, the standard of care for chronic pain from a degenerated disc has been spinal fusion surgery. Bone graft donated by a bone bank or taken from your pelvic bone is used to fuse two or more vertebral bones together. The spine is stabilized but you will lose motion at that level. The increased stress on the next lumbar vertebra can cause problems later.

The artificial disc replacement is used to reduce or eliminate the pain while still allowing motion. One advantage of the artificial disc is that it may also prevent premature breakdown of adjacent levels of the lumbar spine.

You may be a good candidate for a lumbar artificial disc replacement if you have chronic pain and disability from lumbar disc degeneration despite nonoperative treatment for at least six months. The artificial disc replacement provides an alternative to spinal fusion. The device helps restore the normal space between two vertebrae. You will still have movement at the level where the ADR is implanted.