Lumbar-Artificial disc replacement surgery
Definition
Replace a disabled lumbar intervertebral disc with an artificial disc which has mobility
As the artificial disc keeps the mobility of the disc, the movements can be fully restored after surgery compared to interbody fusion. Preserved mobility enables quicker recovery.
- Small skin incision (5~6cm) and anterior approach alleviate the postoperative pain
- Unrestricted movement after surgery by restored mobility, flexibility, and stability of the joint
- Perfectly restores the distorted distances between intervertebral bodies
- Short recovery period to minimize impact to daily life
- Minimized degenerative changes to neighboring joints
Indication
- Patient who has disabled discs and has had no effect from conventional treatments
- Lumbar vertebral disc herniation
- Degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis
- Patients who are younger than 60 years old whose facet joints would not be degenerated severely
Procedure
- 1.General anesthesia
- 2.Remove the damaged disc through a small incision, approximately 5~6 cm on the abdomen
- 3.Insert an artificial disc
Duration
Approximately 1-2 hours
Hospital stay
Approximately 5-7 days
- Removing stitches after 7-9 days
- After removing stitches, a light shower is allowed three days later and bathing is allowed 4 weeks later
- Brace for 1 month
- No alcohol or tobacco allowed
- Follow-up visit required after 2-4 weeks