Choosing to undergo replacement surgery is not an easy and single decision but a journey you take with your spine surgeon after considering all the essential aspects. Every person’s reason to undergo artificial disc replacement surgery may differ but the ultimate goal is to relieve your pain and regain lost mobility.
Knowing that some artificial device will replace your natural bone can be uncomfortable and scary for you. However, you must understand that your healthy spine is the core of your wellbeing. Artificial disc or implants can keep your cervical or lumbar disc disease from interfering with your quality of life and help ensure the comfort and security of your spine. It does not mean you do not need to know about the artificial device replacing your disc but understanding the artificial device and how it will work will help you feel confident and comfortable.
Now, let’s talk about the questions that you should ask your spine surgeon about the artificial discs and their implants.
What Made Me A Candidate For Artificial Discs And Their Implants?
Artificial discs and implants mimic the function of your damaged discs. These discs carry your load and help in motion like your normal boney discs. Your spine surgeon may recommend artificial disc replacement for various conditions, such as:
- Back and neck pain that is not going away
- Failed spinal (fusion) surgery
- Vertebral compression
- Degenerative disc disease
Other than the conditions mentioned above, there are several factors that your spinal surgeon will take into consideration before recommending an artificial disc.
What Material Will The Artificial Disc Or Implant Be Made Of?
It is necessary for you to know the type of material your artificial disc will be made of because this will enable you to inform your surgeon if you are allergic to the particular material. The material, mechanical design, angles of movement, and the way your artificial disc will anchor in your vertebrae differ based on the model.
Typically, artificial discs and implants are made of a material whose biomechanical behaviors are approximately similar to your natural disc and allow your spine to move in the most natural way possible. These artificial disc materials, which are highly resistant to wear, may be made of metal, ceramic, plastic, or other material.
What Are The Risks Of Artificial Discs And Their Implants?
You may already know that all surgical procedures have risks. So do the artificial discs and implants. The risks associated with an artificial disc are chances of infection, implant failure, and allergic reaction to the artificial discs or implant’s material. There may be complications such as pain, swelling, redness, and bruising at the surgical site during the placement or removal of an artificial disc or implant.
Infection is the most common risk, and when you get an infection, your spine surgeon will insert a drain near your implant. You can expect antibiotics to prevent and fight the infection.
Rarely the artificial implants or discs may move, break, or even stop working. Your spine surgeon will repair or replace the artificial implant or disc with additional surgery in such circumstances.
How Can Artificial Discs Benefit Me?
You should ask your surgeon how an artificial disc or implant would benefit you. It is also important to ask how long the benefits from an artificial disc or implant can last and if you will need additional surgery or not. The most obvious benefits of artificial discs are that they can replace your disc that is causing pain, improve your spine mobility and range of motion, and improve your quality of life.
Artificial Discs and Their Implants In Colorado Springs, CO
If you or the one you care for is a candidate for an artificial disc replacement, visiting Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery can prove beneficial for you. The skilled and highly qualified surgeons here will offer you artificial disc replacement surgery with minimal or no associated risk. Our surgeons will use state-of-the-art facilities to provide you the spinal care you deserve.
Do not hesitate to consult an appointment with our skilled spinal surgeons. You can call (303) 790-1800 or fill out an online form to set up a consultation.
We will help you have a healthy spine!
