Lumbar disc replacement surgery is alternative to spine fusion surgery. In this disc replacement surgery, the degenerative or damaged disc is replaced with an artificial disc made up of metal or a combination of metal and plastic. The cushion-like discs provide support to the spine. This lumbar disc replacement surgery aims to relieve back pain while maintaining as much normal motion as possible compared to other surgical procedures.
The procedure is usually done by a spine surgeon and an access surgeon who exposes the spine and hands over to the spine surgeon. A 2–3-inch incision is made with the X-ray fluoroscope on the front side of the belly. The location of the damaged disc is analyzed. After locating the damaged disc, the access surgeon exposes the involved level of the spine by carefully dissecting bowels away from the operative field. Then, the lumbar disc replacement surgeon removes the disc and inserts an artificial disc. The surgery lasts for around 2-3 hours.
If you have been advised to go undergo a lumbar disc replacement surgery, then get a second opinion from another Neurosurgeon in D to explore all the other possible treatment options.
Lumbar disc replacement (LDR) replaces a damaged lumbar disc with an artificial motion-preserving implant, maintaining natural movement at that spinal level. Unlike fusion, which permanently joins two vertebrae, LDR preserves flexibility and may reduce stress on adjacent discs. It is an alternative for carefully selected patients with single-level disc disease.
Ideal candidates are patients under 55 with single-level lumbar disc degeneration causing disabling back or leg pain, good bone density, no significant facet joint arthritis or spondylolisthesis, and failure of conservative treatment for at least 6 months. Patients with osteoporosis or multi-level disease are better served by fusion surgery.
Long-term studies show that lumbar disc replacement achieves outcomes comparable to fusion for pain relief, with the advantage of preserved motion. Clinical success rates of 75–85% at 5–10 years have been reported. Ongoing monitoring with imaging is important to detect any implant wear or position changes over time.
Department of Neurosurgery - Zulekha Hospital, First Floor - Block B - 204th Rd, Al Nahda - Al Nahda 2 - Dubai
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