It wasn't too long ago that the only treatment for herniated cervical discs was Spinal Fusion Surgery. This surgery is a method that uses bone grafts, screws and metal plates to attach or fuse two or more vertebrae in the cervical, or neck, area of the spine. While spinal fusion surgery has helped many people overcome severe back pain, it results in a limited range of motion and movement.
Modern spinal disc technology has provided an alternative to spinal fusion surgery that is performed by spine surgeon in Chennai. Cervical herniated discs can now be replaced by artificial discs in a process known as Artificial Disc Replacement, or ADR. The outcome of this surgery will not inhibit range of movement. The patient should regain normal flexibility throughout the cervical region of the spine.
Artificial disc replacement surgery is done by making an incision in the front of the neck and consists of removing the herniated or damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial one, made of either titanium or stainless steel. The new disc will allow for fully normal function and movement in the neck and cervical region of the back.
The Food and Drug Administration have only approved ADR surgery since 2007, but many spinal surgeons will highly recommend this procedure over spinal fusion surgery. Artificial disc replacement is a serious surgical procedure that will take one to two hours to complete. The patient will need to stay in the hospital for post-operative care for at least four days afterwards.
In most cases, a spinal surgeon will recommend ADR for patients who have failed to find relief with other non-surgical methods of back pain treatment. Other factors are also considered, such as if the patient has an allergy to titanium or stainless steel. As with any serious surgical procedure, artificial disc replacement involves a degree of risk, but the lasting relief and alleviation of pain may outweigh the initial risk.
Recipients of artificial disc replacement surgery will need years of follow up care, which will include X-rays to see if the discs are maintaining their integrity. The general consensus is that these discs can last at least 10 to 15 years, the same as other surgical replacements like hip and knee. Physical therapy will also need to be done in the weeks following ADR surgery.
Patients will not need to wear a back brace after ADR surgery, as they would if they had spinal fusion surgery. Artificial disc replacement is more costly than spinal fusion surgery, but patients who undergo ADR will be able to recover and return to work more quickly than those who have had fusion of the cervical discs.
Artificial disc replacement has quickly become the best option for treating severe cervical spine problems. Many people around the world have undergone this procedure and have returned to a pain-free, active and productive life.
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