Blog Post

What is Total Disc Replacement?

The spinal discs in your back and neck deteriorate over time, sometimes causing pain or limiting movement. Total Disc Replacement or TDR replaces the damaged disc and preserves motion. At Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic, we offer a number of nonsurgical therapies that may relieve your back and neck pain. However, in some cases, surgery may be the best option to eliminate your discomfort and restore your quality of life.

Cervical TDR

Referring physicians often connect us to new patients. If you have damaged cervical discs, you might benefit from cervical total disc replacement surgery. You may be experiencing symptoms, such as neck pain and weakness in the arms, that interfere with daily tasks. TDR can help eliminate these symptoms and preserve your range of motion.

Dr. Lewis at Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic will make an incision at the front of the neck to minimize pain during the recovery process and to avoid cutting through muscle. Removing the damaged disc takes the pressure off the nerves and spine, alleviating your neck pain. Finally, you receive an artificial metal disc that allows you to retain mobility.

Many patients report relief from symptoms soon after the surgery. You don’t need to support your neck or back with a collar or brace. The doctor will let you know what to expect based on your unique circumstances. However, many patients return to regular activities within two weeks.

Lumbar TDR

You may benefit from lumbar total disc replacement surgery if you have low back pain caused by ruptured or herniated discs. Dr. Lewis will diagnose and treat your symptoms via nonsurgical methods whenever possible. If other treatment doesn’t alleviate your symptoms, he may recommend lumbar TDR surgery to replace the injured discs and help you gain relief from chronic pain.

During the procedure, you will receive a general anesthetic to help you fall asleep. This also prevents you from feeling pain during the process. Your surgeon, Dr. Lewis, will make an abdominal incision and move aside blood vessels and organs in order to access the damaged discs in your lower spine. Next, Dr. Lewis removes the damaged discs, replacing them with MRI-compatible artificial metal discs. After repositioning the organs and other structures, he closes the incision to complete the procedure.

Many patients resume normal activities within two weeks. However, check with Dr. Lewis and the staff at Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic regarding what to expect after the procedure.

Advantages of Total Disc Replacement Surgery

Both cervical and lumbar TDR are minimally invasive outpatient procedures and have the following advantages over traditional spinal fusion surgery:

• Less blood loss
• Faster healing times
• No need to cut through muscle
• You go home soon after the surgery, the same day
• No collar or brace is required after surgery
• Smaller incisions
• Less risk of infection
• Preservation of motion
• MRI-compatible artificial discs

Total disc replacement procedures for vertebrae in the neck and lower back represent the latest outpatient spinal surgery techniques. Dr. Lewis has decades of experience as a spinal surgeon focusing on minimally invasive procedures. He is one of the country’s foremost experts in artificial disc replacement and motion preservation, and he takes the time to explain every step of the process to you.

Since 1999, Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic has served clients from Jackson, MS, and the surrounding states. We have a long track record of outstanding results. Let us help you recover the functionality of your neck or lower back with TDR and other minimally invasive surgical procedures. Make an appointment todayor call (601) 366-1011 for more information on our services. We’ll find a solution that works for you!

• Tags TDR, total disc replacement