WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ARTIFICIAL DISC REPLACEMENT SURGERY OVER SPINAL FUSION?
Artificial Disc Replacement surgery is an alternative to the fusion surgery that is generally performed for disc degeneration. The aim of lumbar disc replacement is to recreate normal dynamic function. The advantage of lumbar disc replacement over spinal fusion is that the replaced disc would allow motion at the damage level and would not transfer stress to the adjacent level. The goal is to achieve the same pain reduction as spinal fusion but eliminate some of the complications associated with fusion. This surgery is beneficial as it protects the discs from further degeneration due to mechanical or any other stress. IN WHAT CONDITIONS ARTIFICIAL DISC REPLACEMENT CANNOT BE PERFORMED? Artificial Disc Replacement cannot be done in following conditions: • Spondylolisthesis (the slipping of one vertebral body across a lower one) • Osteoporosis • Vertebral body fracture • Allergy to the materials in Artificial Disc Replacement device • Spinal tumor • Spinal infection • Morbid obesity • Chan
