What Is an Artificial Disc?

An artificial disc is a prosthetic device inserted between the vertebrae to replace a natural spinal disc. It is designed to preserve mobility throughout the treated vertebral segment.

If non-surgical therapies fail to provide relief from acute disc herniation, your doctor may recommend spine surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove all or part of a damaged disc (discectomy), relieve pressure on the nerves and/or spinal cord (decompression), and to restore spinal stability and alignment after the disc has been removed.

This type of joint replacement procedure, or arthroplasty, involves inserting an artificial disc into the intervertebral space after a natural spinal disc has been removed.

The device is designed to preserve mobility within the disc space and throughout the treated vertebral segment. It is designed to function like a joint, providing motion (flexion, extension, side bending, and rotation) and alignment (height and curvature) of a natural disc.

Next: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions – Artificial Disc Replacement

• What type of conditions does an artificial disc replacement surgery treat?
• What is an artificial disc made out of? Is it a material that's been used in people in the past?
• How is an artificial disc implanted? Is it a familiar technique?

What type of conditions does an artificial disc replacement surgery treat?

Artificial disc replacement generally treats degenerated discs in the spine or herniated discs in the spine. Some patients with these herniated discs of the spine will have compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, as well as back pain associated with the degenerated discs. Your doctor will be able to advise you on your specific suitability for this treatment.

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What is an artificial disc made out of? Is it a material that's been used in people in the past?

Artificial discs are typically constructed from a variety of materials, including medical grade stainless steel, polyethylene, and cobolt chromium. Implants using these materials have been used safely for a number of indications for many decades.

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How is an artificial disc implanted? Is it a familiar technique?

The artificial disc is usually implanted through an incision in the front of the neck or abdomen, and provides direct access to the disc space. It is a familiar approach. This is the same approach used to treat cervical and lumbar disc herniation through an anterior spinal fusion.

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Next: Getting an Artificial Disc