If you have disc-related problems like spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or herniated or bulging discs, you may need professional neurosurgical help. An experienced neurosurgeon corrects these conditions through disc surgery, which involves replacing compromised discs in the spine with new artificial ones. This surgical procedure is not as invasive as other procedures like spinal fusion, minimizing blood loss and quickening recovery. Before undergoing a disc replacement procedure, here are some frequently asked questions to ask when you visit a specialist’s office:
Which Problems Can Disc Surgery Address?
When you undergo disc surgery, a surgeon checks the condition of your spinal discs using imaging tests like CT scans. This enables them to examine the extent to which the spinal discs are slipped and determine the best solution. The surgeon determines where to make an incision for easier removal of the slipped disc. After removing your spinal disc, the surgeon will prepare the vertebral space to prevent any misalignment after the artificial disc is inserted.
Visiting a professional disc replacement surgeon allows you to enjoy comfortable mobility and stability without experiencing the pain caused by a ruptured disc. A proper alignment protects the inserted artificial disc from extra compression or pressure that’s associated with adjacent segment disease. Less compression on your artificial and other remaining spinal discs causes the spine to become stable with time. This minimizes the pressure put on the nerves, preventing neck pain and providing lower back pain relief. Some other complications that a disc replacement surgical procedure can help address include cervical myelopathy, cervical radiculopathy, and foraminal fusion.
Why Should I Undergo Disc Replacement Procedure?
One reason to undergo this surgery is its ability to maintain the normal movement of the spinal discs. The artificial disc inserted into the vertebral space during this surgery functions the same way as the natural spinal disc. This natural mimicking allows the artificial disc to extend, rotate, flex, and bend sideways during spinal movement. Artificial discs are designed to match the height and overall size of the vertebral space to help prevent compression and misalignments.
The replication of the natural spinal disc is also facilitated by the biocompatible materials of the artificial disc. Unlike spinal fusion procedures, disc replacement surgeries don’t use autograft, cadaver bones, and other bone grafting materials. Some of the biocompatible materials that make these artificial discs include polyethylene, ceramics, hydrogels, and metal components like titanium. Artificial spinal discs made of these materials are flexible, wear-resistant, and can be implanted easily.
Will I Stay in the Surgical Center After This Surgery?
The non-invasive nature of disc replacement surgery eliminates the need for patients to stay in the surgical clinic long-term. Well-performed disc replacement surgery does not cause damage to the spinal tissues or excess blood loss that extends patients’ hospital stay. The risks of an artificial disc failing after being inserted into the vertebral space are also reduced. Going for post-surgical follow-ups and following the surgeon’s pain management instructions allows for a smooth recovery.
Contact a Disc Replacement Surgeon Today
Disc surgery helps address a range of spinal-related complications, such as sciatica, central canal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and disc herniation. This procedure doesn’t interfere with the normal movement of the spine or the functioning of other natural spinal discs because of the implants’ biocompatibility. Before selecting a surgeon to replace your damaged spinal discs, ask relevant questions to learn as much as you can about their procedure. Ask about the risks caused by poor disc replacement surgery and correct artificial disc positioning. Contact a professional neurosurgeon today for immediate help if you have been dealing with health complications related to your spine.
