Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery :


Artificial disc replacement surgery replaces the functions of damaged intervertabral disc of the spinal column. Many including myself consider the artificial disc replacement surgery superior to fusion, since the mobility of the spine is preserved. The rigid fusion is thought to transfer the stress of motions to adjacent vertebrae and discs. There have also been studies showing the artificial disc replacement surgery success rate higher than fusion. Another benefit of artificial disc replacement surgery versus fusion is that no bone graph is taken from the hip, a process that can involve a painful healing process. I make no clinical judgments about the superiority of one artificial disc replacement over fusion. There is actually no perfect artificial disc replacement procedure. Remember an "ADR" is a foreign object in the body and the body will always have chemical reactions. I have noticed that more surgeons in "Germany" use the (Prodisc-L ) brand for the lumbar artificial disc replacement surgery more often than any other brand on the market. The (Prodisc-L) also has a great track record, minimal keel preventing migration while preserving the greatest amount of bone. A wide plate is used to prevent subsidence and a soft core. This can do more for shock absorption than a metal to metal "ADR". A polyethylene layer is used in all other artificial joints including the knee, hip and shoulders. Right now the only alternative to polyethylene is two part metal to metal artificial disc replacement. This type could produce metal fragments over time, also formed pressed or molded metal has no laminal layers to help retain original shape under pressure. Two part artificial discs replacements require a surgeon to spread the disc joint to put into. This leaves the possibility of causing trauma to a highly innervated part of the human body. In the unlikely case a revision surgery is required it is safer and easier to replace the center of three part artificial disc.

More information on Artificial discs or Artificial disc replacement surgery.