ARTIFICIAL DISC
FEATURED ARTICLE
What is Artificial Disc Replacement?
Traditionally, the common treatment for repairing herniated discs in the neck was an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) procedure. In a fusion surgery, the disc is removed and either a bone spacer or a [read more]
Who Qualifies for Artificial Disc Replacement?
By John Stokes, MD
Board-Certified Neurological Surgeon
Fellowship-trained in Spine Surgery
What to Ask the Spine Surgeon When Considering Neck Surgery?
By Sanjay Jatana, M.D.
Fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon
How much does artificial disc replacement cost?
Artificial disc replacement, also referred to as disc arthroplasty or total disc replacement, is an alternative to spinal fusion that involves removing a damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial implant. The artificial disc is able to retain the original bending and rotating motion [read more]
How an artificial disc works, successes and obstacles…
An artificial disc replacement is intended to duplicate the rotation of a normal, healthy disc and retain motion in the spine, which lessens the risk of herniation at the other disc levels. Artificial discs have been used in Europe since [read more]
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery – How Does It Work?
In traditional spine surgery, the surgeon makes a three inch incision to access the herniated disc, which can disrupt ligaments and tendons making recovery longer and more painful. By contrast, a surgeon who is proficient in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery uses special tools called tubular [read more]
Back outdoors with Dr. Craig Humphreys
Diagnosis: Severe spinal stenosis with bilateral leg painTreatment: Decompressive laminectomy and foraminotomyFor the past seven years, Frank and his wife Deborah have operated a popular brewery and bar in Alaska. For Frank, work in the brewery often involved some heavy lifting [read more]
How therapy is used to treat chronic back pain without surgery
Sadly, many back and neck pain sufferers travel from doctor to doctor trying to find relief from recurring back pain symptoms and spasms. Along the way, a doctor may have recommended therapy as a non-surgical treatment option. Unfortunately, some people [read more]
Unbiased source of information about cervical and lumbar artificial disc technology
CentersforArtificialDisc.com was created to provide an unbiased source of information to consumers, primary care physicians and chiropractors about cervical and lumbar artificial disc technology and current research on spine care about potential disadvantages of traditional spinal fusion. Recognizing that individual [read more]
Get the Rx for Rotation IN RECREATION
Why is that all of the fun outdoor sports place extra strain on the back? The reality is that tennis and golf are perhaps the two most demanding “rotational” sports. Both sports require the core of the body to rotate, [read more]
The problem with fusion & instrumentation
Surgery to relieve the symptoms of a herniated disc involves removing some or all of the damaged disc. But something has to be inserted between the two vertebrae in the place of the disc tissue that is removed. For the [read more]
HOW YOGA CAN HELP YOUR BACK THIS YEAR
Yoga is becoming a popular recreational activity for both men and women. Yoga, which has been around for thousands of years, is a form of exercise that involves holding various poses to develop core strength. To the casual observer yoga [read more]
Dr. Craig Humphreys travels to Kenya to provide free spine surgery for those in need
Throughout Dr. Humphreys’ career, he has looked for ways to give back to patients and the communities in which he has served. Over the years, Dr. Humphreys has also found great personal satisfaction providing free spine care, knowledge, and expertise [read more]
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you find centers that specialize in artificial disc surgery? Spine specialists can include neurosurgeons specialized in spine surgery, orthopedic surgeons specialized in spine surgery, physical medicine doctors, anesthesiologists and physical therapists who specialize... Read more How do you [read more]
The new O-arm provides the most advanced surgical navigation tool
Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna was the first hospital in Alaska to install the most current surgical navigation technology — the O-arm. O-arm® Surgical Imaging allows the surgeon fast access to real-time 3D high quality images of a patient’s anatomy [read more]
Benefits of the artificial disc: PROS & CONS
Benefits of the artificial disc: PROS & CONS Retains motion of the vertebrae. Prevents damage to other levels. No bone graft required. Quicker recovery. Less painful surgery than a fusion. Less blood loss during surgery. Spine surgeons may be cautious [read more]
The Artificial Disc Offers New Hope for those with Herniated Discs
While most back or neck pain is caused by either a muscle or ligament strain, which never requires surgery, some people can herniate a disc which can require spine surgery to relieve the symptoms. In some cases, the presence of [read more]
How Injections Alleviate Back and Neck Pain Symptoms
Back and neck pain can sometimes be caused by a disc bulge or herniation that presses on a nearby nerve root branching off from the spinal cord. This can cause painful inflammation around this nerve root. The symptoms can include [read more]
Spine Therapy – Treat Chronic Back Pain Without Surgery
Spine therapy relieves pain and makes the back stronger, more flexible & resistant to future strain Sadly, many back and neck pain sufferers travel from doctor to doctor trying to find relief from recurring back pain symptoms and spasms. Along [read more]
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Traditional “open” spine surgery may require several days in the hospital as it may involve a three-inch long incision, in which muscles and tissues are separated for optimal access to the injury site. The surgery usually results in trauma to [read more]
The Problems with Spinal Fusion in the Neck
By Sanjay Jatana, M.D.
Fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon
The Latest in Lumbar Disc Replacement Technology
By Craig Humphreys, M.D.
Fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon
What is Artificial Disc Replacement?
Traditionally, the common treatment for repairing herniated discs in the neck was an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) procedure. In a fusion surgery, the disc is removed and either a bone spacer or a plastic implant is be placed [read more]
The Risks and Challenges of Artificial Disc in the Low Back
While there are risks of any surgery, one should be especially cautious when it comes to operating on the spine. If you are faced with a back issue, no matter how simple or complex the issue may be, it is [read more]
What is Adjacent Segment Disease and Why is it Important?
Between the vertebrae are discs that act as shock absorbers and allow your neck to move freely side to side and forward and backward. Over time, or after an injury, these discs can break down, lose their height and have [read more]
What You Need to Know About Herniated Discs
The spine is composed of many vertebrae stacked on top of each other. Between these bones are discs, which act as shock absorbers. The shock-absorbing discs resemble jelly donuts, each having a jelly-like center. As we age, the discs naturally [read more]
How Long Does an Artificial Disc Last?
Artificial disc replacement, also referred to as disc arthroplasty or total disc replacement, is an alternative to spinal fusion that involves removing a damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial implant. The artificial disc is able to retain the [read more]
How Does a Surgeon Select an Artificial Disc Implant?
When talking about artificial disc replacement it is important to recognize that there is a huge difference between lumbar disc replacement (low back) and cervical disc replacement (neck). Many spine surgeons are more cautious about lumbar disc replacement than cervical [read more]
Who is a Candidate for Artificial Disc Replacement?
Typically, artificial disc is considered a treatment option for a herniated disc in the low back or neck. It typically does NOT relate to any back or neck pain limited to the low back or neck, or any soft tissue [read more]
Lumbar Disc Replacement vs Cervical Disc Replacement?
By Maahir Haque, M.D.
Fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon
Pros and Cons of Artificial Disc Replacement
If you’ve been told you have a herniated disc in your neck or low back, the natural thing would be to go to the Internet to learn your treatment options. You may also have been told you need a spinal fusion [read more]
Problems specific to treating herniated discs in the neck
By Dr. Michael Rohan, Jr.
Fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon
EXPERT CORNER
Who Qualifies for Artificial Disc Replacement?
By John Stokes, MD
Board-Certified Neurological Surgeon
Fellowship-trained in Spine Surgery
What to Ask the Spine Surgeon When Considering Neck Surgery?
By Sanjay Jatana, M.D.
Fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon
The Problems with Spinal Fusion in the Neck
By Sanjay Jatana, M.D.
Fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon
The Latest in Lumbar Disc Replacement Technology
By Craig Humphreys, M.D.
Fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon
Lumbar Disc Replacement vs Cervical Disc Replacement?
By Maahir Haque, M.D.
Fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon
Problems specific to treating herniated discs in the neck
By Dr. Michael Rohan, Jr.
Fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon