Lumbar disc replacements are a newer technology aimed to address back and buttock pains from the degeneration of one or two of the lumbar discs. The five-year follow-up of this technology suggests equivalent outcomes to Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusions (ALIFs) which bind two bones together.
Unfortunately, lumbar disc replacements have a higher revision rate compared to fusions and do not have any long-term (> 5 years) follow-up as of yet. Lumbar disc replacement is not a great surgery for patients with excess weight, scoliosis, and/or poor bone quality. The experts at INI will help you decide if this new technology is a correct fit for your specific problem.
