Artificial disc replacement is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged intervertebral disc with an artificial one. The technique relieves pain, maintains spinal flexibility, and enhances mobility. The treatment is ideal for conditions such as herniated disc, spondylosis, and bone spurs.
Usually, the above conditions are very painful and affect your movement, interfering with your daily activities. If you need an artificial disc replacement in Pittsburgh, PA, Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center can help. Call their offices today to schedule a consultation and learn more about artificial disc replacement.
What Is Motion Preservation?
Motion preservation is a spinal surgery technique that allows you to preserve your natural movement after your procedure.
Spinal fusion is a traditional technique for spinal surgery where the surgeon joins more than one vertebrae permanently. It uses bone grafts or artificial materials with the same properties. The bone takes place for the spinal disc.
Your provider uses metal screws, plates, and rods to hold the bones in place, allowing the separate vertebrae to become a single piece of your spine. Spinal fusion can be effective for restoring your spine and alleviating your pain. However, the fused vertebrae may prevent your chance of ever moving.
Motion preservation provides a way to avoid the mobility brought about by fusion surgery. Your provider may use procedures like endoscopic discectomy and microdiscectomy as alternatives for spinal fusion. Dr. Idema at Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center uses advanced artificial discs that preserve your motion.
How Does Motion Preservation Surgery Work?
Motion preservation surgery is a technique to replace a damaged or diseased spinal disc with an artificial disc from metal, plastic, or both. The artificial disc resembles the shape of your spine, allowing you to keep your movement after surgery.
The artificial disc occurs in two forms, including:
Total Disc Replacement
This type of artificial disc replacement consists of the inside of the disc and the outer shell. It uses a mechanical device to take the natural spine rotation and enhance normal spinal function.
Disc Nucleus Replacement
Disc nucleus replacement is a technique where your provider replaces the nucleus with a mechanical device leaving the outer part. This type is less common, though.
While performing motion preservation surgery, Dr. Idema removes the damaged disc in small pieces, taking the pressure off the affected nerves. After removing the disc, your provider makes tiny incisions in the vertebrae to prepare for the artificial disc. The incisions help support the new disc in place.
Who Is the Right Candidate for Motion Preservation Surgery?
Motion preservation surgery could be ideal for you if you have conditions such as:
· Spine injury
· Lumbar spinal stenosis
· Degenerative disc disease
· Herniated disc
· Facet joint osteoarthritis
During your consultation, Dr. Idema examines your condition to determine if motion preservation surgery is a suitable treatment. Unfortunately, the technique is not ideal for patients with scoliosis, who have had spinal surgery, or obese individuals.
Consult an Artificial Disc Replacement Specialist Today
Motion preservation surgery is a technique for disc replacement to enhance movement after the surgery. The Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center team uses advanced techniques to ensure you achieve excellent results and retain your movement after the procedure. Call their offices today to schedule your consultation and learn how motion preservation surgery works.