Artificial disc replacement and spinal fusion are two treatment options for degenerative disc disease (DDD) which can affect the lumbar spine ( your lower back) or the cervical spine ( your neck). Both of them are surgical procedures performed under general anesthesia and although they are quite similar in terms of the results, there is a major difference between them when it comes to recovery time. Spinal fusion is the traditional approach to treating disability and severe pain associated with DDD, while artificial disc implant is a modern, innovative alternative to spinal fusion.
The most important thing you should know about disc replacement vs spinal fusion is that recovery takes a lot less time when you undergo disc replacement surgery. The reason is that artificial disc replacement doesn’t involve bone healing. Whereas during spinal fusion surgery, a direct bony connection is formed between the vertebrae that surround the painful spinal discs, during disc replacement surgery, the painful discs are replaced with artificial discs, specifically designed to preserve motion. The spinal neurosurgeon prepares the disc space in order to allow proper movement of the affected segment.
Once the disc space has been prepared, a narrow slot is made into the vertebral bone below and above the disc space. The keel on the upper and lower metal endplates of the artificial spinal disc is implanted into this slot to hold the disc in place. The best artificial discs are manufactured with endplates that use titanium plasma spray to facilitate the creation of bone-like pores. New bone grows into these pores over 6-12 weeks after the procedure. The incision required for the implant can be as small as 2.5 inches in a thin person. It should also be noted that not everyone with DDD or chronic pain that does not respond to painkillers makes a good candidate for disc replacement ( this procedure is not recommended for people with spinal infections, fractures, tumors, cysts).
In terms of disc replacement vs spinal fusion, you should also know that once you have undergone the former surgical procedure, you no longer need to undergo spinal fusion surgery. If you’ve been suffering from lower back pain or neck pain for more than 6 months or you’ve already been diagnosed with DDD, then it’s in your best interest to schedule a consultation with a top-rated and experienced spinal neurosurgeon in order to discuss the treatment options available to you and see if you would be a good candidate for disc replacement surgery, based on a medical exam and history of conditions.… Read the rest