Analyzing Different Disc Replacement Surgery
Our backbone is the combination of several vertebrae
(individual bone in the flexible column) placed one over the other and
connected by small joints to form an elongated structure which we call as the spine.
The vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs. A disc is a cushioning
structure between the individual bones of the spine, (called vertebra). The
discs may be thought of as spinal shock absorbers, for they absorb the load of
the body and also helps in the movement. The spine is divided into 5
sub-sections with a total of 33 discs - Cervical (the neck region with 7
discs), Thoracic (the middle back region with 12 discs), Lumbar (the lower back
region with 5 discs), Sacral (bottom of the spine with 5 discs) and Coccygeal
(Fused together in one to form the tail bone-4 discs).
There are many types of spine problems that may lead to
severe backache with radiating pain. Degenerative disc disease is one type of
ailment leading to such back pain and is prompted by wearing away of the
cushion (disc) that rests between the vertebrae of our spine. This is a
condition in which the spinal discs start to dehydrate and shrink. It causes
loss of disc height and less room between the vertebrae. This condition is
usually found in the neck (cervical) and lower back (lumbar) regions of the
spine. It is also called spinal degeneration.
Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery considered the best
treatment for degenerative disc disease once the conservative treatment
measures have failed. The first treatment for degenerative disc disease is
always with non-surgical options. These include anti-inflammatory medications,
physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections. However, if patients try
these treatments, and do not find satisfactory relief, then Artificial Disc
Replacement Surgery may be an option. Artificial disc replacement as the name
suggests is an operative procedure where a diseased or more precisely a
degenerative intervertebral disc is replaced by an artificial one (an implant
or prosthesis). Artificial discs are made of metal and plastic-like
(biopolymer) materials or a combination of the two.
Minimally Invasive Procedure
Disc replacement surgery is done under general anesthesia.
The procedure, however, takes between one and two hours, followed by a three to
a four-day hospital stay. The artificial disc is designed as two metal
endplates, between which medical-grade polyethylene or plastic or gel-like
substances may be found. The most common procedures for artificial disc
replacement surgery is a minimally invasive procedure utilizing a small
incision (3 to 8 cm) beneath the belly button. Internal organs and blood
vessels are gently moved out of the way to provide a view of the spinal column
from the front (anterior view). Through the small incision, the neurosurgeon
inserts a special grasping instrument that removes the damaged vertebral disc,
which leaves and opens space between the vertebra. A plate, often with small metal
teeth attached, is fastened to the upper and lower portion of the vertebral
space. Bone can eventually absorb and grow around these metal plates, offering
stability, longevity, and strength. A disc prosthesis or implant, usually made
of a gelatinous or plastic substance, is inserted into the vertebral space in
place of a damaged disc.
Advantages
Unlike a fusion procedure, the disc surgery does not have
the potential complications associated with taking a bone graft from the hip
nor the theoretical risk of infection transmission from using a cadaveric bone
graft. The major issue of bone graft healing is eliminated. The disc
replacement reduces the chances for adjacent segment disease (versus a fusion)
since the artificial disc should allow for more normal spine motion and absorb
some of the daily stresses.
Reference
The person suffering from disc slip can make it easy to
visit Dr. Mandeep Singh, a well-known orthoepic surgeon in Delhi
Comments
Post a Comment