Treatment
Disc replacement
Artificial disc replacement maintains motion while relieving pain from a damaged disc.
What patients can expect
Disc replacement (arthroplasty) is designed to relieve symptoms from a worn or damaged disc while preserving movement at that spinal level. It is most commonly performed in the neck (cervical) and, in selected cases, the lower back (lumbar).
A careful selection process is essential. Your specialist reviews imaging and symptoms to confirm the disc is the primary source of pain and to assess alignment, facet joint health, and stability. Alternatives such as decompression alone or fusion may be more appropriate depending on your anatomy and diagnosis.
After surgery, recovery focuses on walking, restoring comfortable movement, and gradually returning to normal activities. Post‑operative guidance includes wound care, posture and lifting advice, and a phased rehabilitation plan.
Disc replacement: technique, benefits, steps, risks, and recovery
Technique (how it works)
The damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial implant that aims to maintain controlled motion. When nerve compression is present, decompression is performed at the same time. The approach and implant choice depend on spinal level and patient anatomy.
Medical benefits
- Relieves pain and nerve symptoms caused by a symptomatic disc.
- Preserves motion at the treated level in appropriately selected patients.
- May reduce stress on neighbouring levels compared with fusion in some cases.
- Supports earlier movement and rehabilitation where clinically appropriate.
Procedural steps
- Pre‑operative assessment, imaging review, and suitability confirmation.
- Anaesthesia and surgical approach to access the affected disc.
- Disc removal and decompression of nerves where required.
- Implant placement and alignment verification.
- Closure, mobilisation plan, rehabilitation guidance, and follow‑up visits.
Risks and complications
- Infection, bleeding, and anaesthetic risks.
- Nerve injury or persistent symptoms.
- Implant wear, displacement, or need for revision surgery (uncommon, but possible).
- Adjacent segment symptoms can still occur over time.
Preparation and aftercare
- Bring imaging and a full medication list; discuss blood thinners and other risks early.
- Follow pre‑op fasting and medication instructions; arrange transport and home support.
- Follow wound care and activity guidance, including posture and lifting technique.
- Progress rehabilitation and return‑to‑exercise planning with your clinical team.
Recovery timeline
Many patients walk on the day of surgery. Activity increases gradually over weeks with guidance. Return to work depends on symptom response, job demands, and your recovery milestones.
Surgical Treatments
Advanced surgical interventions designed for long-term stability and pain relief.
Tubular Microsurgery
Tubular microsurgery uses small, specialized instruments and a tiny incision to perform intricate procedures. This minimally invasive technique reduces pain and recovery time, allowing for precise operations with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
Learn moreSpinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that joins two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and reduce pain. By fusing the vertebrae, this technique helps correct spinal deformities and alleviate chronic back pain, with a focus on long-term stability.
Learn moreDisc Replacement
Disc replacement involves removing a damaged spinal disc and replacing it with an artificial one. This procedure aims to relieve pain and restore mobility by mimicking the natural disc's function while maintaining spine flexibility.
Learn moreLumbar Deformity Surgery
Lumbar deformity surgery corrects abnormal spinal curves in the lower back. This procedure aims to restore proper alignment, reduce pain, and improve function by realigning the spine and stabilizing it with implants or other techniques.
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