What Are the Indications for Artificial Disc Replacement?
Artificial disc products that are in development or in use are typically intended for use in patients with the following indications: • Diagnosis of degenerative disc disease (typically at a single level) • Are between the ages of 18 and 60 • Suffer from low back pain as the major complaint (rather than leg pain) • Have not responded to a minimum of six months of nonsurgical treatments (such as physical therapy, pain medications) • Are candidates for spine surgery (such as a lumbar fusion) Overall, the current indications for implantation of an artificial disc are quite similar to indications for lumbar spine fusion.
