Disc Replacements

What are disc replacements? 

Disc replacements are new prosthetic devices for damaged intervertebral discs.

Intervertebral discs separate each vertebral bone in your spine. They act as cushions and shock absorbers and support the mobility and flexibility of your spine and upper body. You may damage a disc after a bad fall or lifting something that’s too heavy.

Your intervertebral discs also degenerate as you get older, making them more susceptible to damage. Damaged discs herniate or bulge and compress your spinal cord or a spinal nerve, causing neck or back pain. 

Disc replacements function like your natural intervertebral discs, acting as cushions in between the bones and providing support for mobility. The prosthetic devices also ease pain caused by damaged discs. 

Inland Neurosurgery Institute offers disc replacements for the cervical (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back). 

Am I a candidate for disc replacements?

Schedule a consultation at Inland Neurosurgery Institute to see if you’re a candidate for disc replacement. The skilled neurosurgeons may suggest the procedure to treat your symptomatic degenerative disc disease in your cervical or lumbar spine.

They can replace one to two degenerated discs in either part of the spine. When you come in for a disc replacement consultation, your surgeon takes into consideration your:

• Age
• Medical history
• Bone quality
• Extent of bony overgrowth
• Surgical history
  
  

The experienced spine surgeons may not consider you a candidate for disc replacement if you have scoliosis, poor bone quality, or carry excess body weight. 

If you’re not a candidate for disc replacement, they may suggest other surgical procedures such as spinal fusion.

What can I expect after having disc replacements?

Patient results following disc replacement vary. Your neurosurgeon at Inland Neurosurgery Institute talks to you about the procedure, including risks and potential results.

Many patients report an improvement in pain and spinal mobility following disc replacement. However, the surgeons may need to perform a revision procedure at another point in time. 

When medical interventions no longer provide significant relief for your neck or back pain, you may be considering spine surgery. The top-rated neurological surgeons at Inland Neurosurgery Institute can talk to you about your surgical options and help you decide if disc replacements make the right choice for you. 

To schedule your disc replacement consultation at Inland Neurosurgery Institute, call the office nearest you or request an appointment online today.