Our Services / Artificial Lumbar Disc

What is an artificial lumbar disc?

Your spine is a series of bones called vertebrae stacked one on top of the other. Discs sit between the vertebrae, cushioning the vertebrae and allowing spinal movement but keeping the vertebrae from rubbing against each other.

An artificial lumbar disc is a replacement for an injured disc in your lumbar spine (lower back). The artificial disc can be made of metal or a metal-plastic combination. Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic uses the Centinel Spine® state-of-the-art prodisc® L Total Disc Replacement system.

Lumbar disc replacement surgery offers several benefits. It takes the pressure off the facet joints and spinal nerves, significantly reducing lower back pain in a few weeks or months. The new disc also restores the standard gap between the vertebrae, maintaining spinal alignment and stability.

The alternative to artificial disc replacement is spinal fusion, which limits movement. With an artificial lumbar disc, you can enjoy more natural spinal motion without transferring stress to other areas.

Why would I need an artificial lumbar disc?

You might need an artificial lumbar disc if you have lower back pain caused by a damaged disc. Pain in your hips, buttocks, and legs can also develop with lumbar disc disorders. Nerve damage can result in unpleasant tingling or prickling sensations, weakness, and loss of function that affect the legs.

The usual cause is disc herniation. This happens if the inner part of the disc, which is like jelly, pushes through the tough outer layer. Disc herniations result from trauma, like an auto accident, or years of wear and age-related deterioration (degenerative disc disease).

Nonsurgical treatments are often effective in relieving symptoms of herniated discs. But they don’t work for everyone. If you’re suffering severe symptoms that affect your day-to-day life, the Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic team might suggest surgery to fit an artificial lumbar disc.

What happens when I get an artificial lumbar disc?

Artificial disc replacement surgery requires general anesthesia so that you sleep during the operation. Your surgeon carefully makes an incision in your belly. They move the internal organs and blood vessels aside to access your spine. Then they remove the affected disc and insert the artificial disc in its place.

You might need to stay in the hospital for a few days after artificial lumbar disc replacement surgery. But you can expect to heal more quickly than you would after spinal fusion surgery since lumbar disc replacement doesn’t involve bone healing. It’s likely to take several months for you to regain full function.

Call Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic today or book an appointment online to learn more about artificial lumbar discs and see if you’re a good candidate for surgery.