Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery – What Is It?
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Lumbar disc replacement surgery is a minimally invasive technique performed to replace the damaged disc with an artificial one in the lumbar spine. The spine consists of bony structures known as vertebrae.
These structures are stacked on top of each other. Vertebrae include discs that work as cushions and allow the vertebrae to move and rotate without rubbing against each other. Thus, they maintain the proper function of your lumbar spine.
Lumbar disc replacement surgery is one of the best back pain solutions, allowing the surgeon to replace a degenerated or worn disc in the lower spine with an artificial one. Bear in mind that the artificial disc is made of plastic, metal, or their combination.
It is an alternative surgery for spinal fusion because it does not involve the joining of two vertebrae. MINT is a reputable clinic in Plano, TX, offering different minimally invasive techniques, including lumbar disc replacement surgery. Read on!
Do you need Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery?
People need this back pain surgery to treat discomfort, numbness, tingling, and pain in the lower back. However, not everyone with lumbar spine pain is an ideal candidate for this back pain surgery. Therefore, it is wise to consult our qualified and experienced neurosurgeon to know whether you can undergo this surgery. You are an ideal candidate for lumbar disc replacement surgery if:
- Your lower back pain is due to a single or multiple vertebrae
- You don’t have any nerve compression or joint disease
- You are not obese and haven’t undergone spinal surgery previously
- You don’t have spinal deformities, such as scoliosis
How is the Procedure Performed?
MINT’s team of professionals will put an IV line into a vein in your arm or hand. The purpose is to give you anesthesia, which is essential before our neurosurgeons perform the procedure. Anesthetic medicine will cause you to sleep and prevent you from feeling pain during the process. You will lie on your back for the lumbar disc replacement surgery.
MINT has a qualified and professional team of surgeons, including neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and vascular surgeons. The surgeon will make an incision in your belly to move your organs, muscles, and blood vessels to the side. That way, the surgeon will reach your spine to perform the procedure.
We use high-quality artificial disc products from reputable brands. Depending on your condition, we may use Zimmer Mobi-C, Centinel pro-disc c and L, Aesculap activ-L, Orthodox M6, or Nuvasive Simplify disc. The purpose is to insert a quality artificial disc in your lumbar spine to improve the range of motion, flexibility, and strength.
Our skilled neurosurgeon will remove the damaged disc and insert a new one in your lumbar spine. The surgeon will then put back your organs, muscles, and blood vessels before closing the incision. MINT has state-of-the-art recovery rooms where our doctors will keep your under close observation until you awake.
Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery – Rehabilitation
Once our neurosurgeons complete the surgery, you will stay in our clinic for a few days. Because this back pain surgery is different from spinal fusion and does not require healing, the recovery period is usually faster than fusion.
However, our qualified health staff will give you pain medication if you feel pain. You will stand and walk within the first day after the procedure to maintain flexibility and range of motion in your lumbar spine.
Moreover, we will show you how to perform exercises and move properly. For instance, gentle trunk twists can speed up the recovery process, keeping your lumbar spine limber. Bear in mind that it may take a few weeks or months to make a full recovery.
Lumbar disc replacement surgery improves pain, discomfort, numbness, and tingling in your lower back. It is crucial to take to our neurosurgeon to know your expectations after the surgery. We will give instructions to follow after the lumbar disc replacement surgery.
Furthermore, it is crucial to take care of your incision, look for signs of problems, and follow up with the neurosurgeon to ensure everything goes smooth. MINT’s neurosurgeons will ensure you get proper treatment.
Contact MINT Today!
There are many clinics in Plano, TX, which offer minimally invasive surgeries to patients with lumbar spine pain. However, not all of them have experience in performing lumbar disc replacement surgery.
On the other hand, MINT has a 100% success rate in artificial disc replacement surgery through minimally invasive techniques. If you want to relieve lower back pain effectively and quickly, contact our neurosurgery clinic for lumbar disc replacement surgery.