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 to permanently fix the herniated disc.

Many people though may be under the impression that the disc is being repaired during this surgery, when in fact the disc is being removed from between the vertebrae, and a piece of bone is installed in its place, along with a plate and screws, permanently locking the vertebrae together.

During that search you may learn that spinal fusion procedure is a common treatment for herniations in the low back, simply because artificial discs for the low back are still evolving and improving.

In the neck, however, there have been many advances over the past five year, along with corresponding research that is now favoring the benefits of artificial disc surgery for the neck.

In the neck, however, there have been many advances over the past five year, along with corresponding research that is now favoring the benefits of artificial disc surgery for the neck.

If your spine surgeon determines your herniation does qualify for an artificial disc, you may be able to retain the natural rotation in your neck which would lessen the stress placed other discs in your neck, and lowering the risk of a second herniation and another spine surgery later on.

As to evaluating the pros and cons, another factor is your age at the time of your surgery. For the person in their 50s or 60s, chances are good that the disc may last a lifetime. For the younger person with a herniated disc, such is in their 20s, 30s or 40s, revision surgery may be an issue at some point if the artificial disc wears out.