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Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertically stacked bones (vertebrae) in the spine. When these crucial structures deteriorate due to aging or injury, you may develop chronic pain, limited mobility, and a significant reduction in quality of life.
When conservative measures fail to relieve these symptoms, a revolutionary procedure known as artificial disc replacement (ADR) may be your best treatment option.
Board-certified Neurosurgeon Dr. Michael H. Song and his team at Advanced Neurosurgery in Reno and Carson City, Nevada, offer highly advanced care for conditions affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Dr. Song has significant experience in minimally invasive spine surgery and innovative procedures like artificial disc replacement.
Read more about ADR from the team at Advanced Neurosurgery.
Understanding artificial disc replacement
ADR is a surgical procedure that involves removing a damaged or degenerated spinal disc and replacing it with an artificial disc.
This procedure is primarily used to treat conditions like degenerative disc disease (DDD), where the discs in the spine wear out over time, leading to pain and reduced function. The artificial disc mimics the function of a natural, healthy disc.
It’s typically made of metal and plastic components, engineered to allow limited motion and flexibility between the vertebrae, just like a natural disc.
Discectomy (disc removal) with spinal fusion was once the only surgical alternative for severe disc disease. Fusion permanently joins two vertebrae together, providing spinal stability and pain relief.
However, it can also significantly reduce spinal flexibility and motion. ADR aims to maintain the spine's natural movement, flexibility, and strength.
Benefits of artificial disc replacement
The primary benefit of ADR is the potential for significant pain relief and improved quality of life. Replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one can help restore pain-free mobility, making it possible to return to your daily activities.
Other key benefits include:
Preserving motion
Unlike spinal fusion, which restricts movement, ADR maintains the spine's natural flexibility, allowing for a more natural range of motion.
Reduced risk of adjacent segment disease
Spinal fusion can sometimes increase stress on the adjacent discs, leading to further degeneration (adjacent segment disease). ADR reduces this risk by preserving normal spinal mechanics.
Faster recovery
Results can vary, but many patients experience a quicker recovery with ADR compared to spinal fusion, allowing them to return to their daily routines sooner.
Dr. Song usually recommends physical therapy following ADR to help regain strength and mobility. Most individuals can return to light activities within a few weeks and resume more strenuous activities within a few months.
Are you a good candidate for artificial disc replacement?
The decision to undergo artificial disc replacement is typically made after other nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, and injections, have failed to provide relief.
Dr. Song also bases your candidacy for ARD on your overall health and spinal conditions that could decrease its effectiveness.
For instance, severe degenerative disease involving multiple discs, osteoporosis (decreased bone density), and significant arthritic changes may interfere with your candidacy for ARD.
Learn more about how we can help relieve your pain, restore mobility, and improve your quality of life. Schedule a visit by phone or online at Advanced Neurosurgery today.