What is disc arthroplasty surgery and is it different from disc replacement surgery?
Disc arthroplasty surgery is a surgical procedure whereby a person’s own disc is removed and replaced with a mechanical device, called an artificial disc. Disc arthroplasty is another name for disc replacement surgery.
Is disc arthroplasty surgery experimental?
Disc arthroplasty surgery is not experimental. Artificial discs were first introduced in the United States in March of 2000. Since that time, there have been many of these devices designed by multiple manufacturers and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What are the discs replaced with during surgery?
The natural disc is made of tissue similar to cartilage, which can become damaged over time. The damaged disc is replaced with an artificial disc made with a variety of polymers (i.e. plastics) and alloys (i.e. metals). Some artificial discs are designed with all metal components, some are designed with a combination of metal and medical grade plastic components, and all are designed to maintain motion.
Who is a candidate for disc arthroplasty?
Many patients are candidates for artificial disc replacement (disc arthroplasty). If a damaged disc is causing significant pain and limitation that does not improve with nonoperative treatments, then disc arthroplasty should be considered. The spine surgeon will determine on a case-by-case basis if each patient is a candidate for this surgery or not, which is based on several factors.
Is disc arthroplasty successful?
Disc arthroplasty is very successful in alleviating symptoms associated with painful degenerative discs, disc herniations, and compression of the spinal cord or nerves. This procedure has been intensely researched to track outcomes since the beginning of their use and continues to show impressive results.
How long does it take to recover from surgery?
Recovery time from this type of surgery is less than the traditional fusion surgery. In a traditional fusion, the bones take months to heal and eliminate motion. During healing, activities are restricted. In disc replacement surgery, motion is maintained so the restrictions during healing are much less. Symptoms typically improve within a week or so and light activities can gradually resume. Expect several weeks of healing, ranging from 3-12 weeks depending on the region of the spine and how many discs were involved in surgery. Disc replacement surgery can be done as same day surgery or outpatient surgery in the hospital or as an ambulatory procedure in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC).
What are the benefits of disc arthroplasty surgery?
The benefits of disc arthroplasty surgery include faster recovery time, preservation of motion, and less biomechanical stress on the other discs in the spine. When motion is maintained, restored, or improved at the surgical disc level(s), then the other remaining discs can function normally (without extra stress) and should not rapidly deteriorate as was seen with traditional fusion surgery.
What are the risks of disc arthroplasty surgery?
All surgeries have some risks. The risks associated with disc arthroplasty are very similar to traditional fusion surgery which include continued pain, trouble swallowing, nerve injury, blood vessel injury, device issues, infection, and the risks of general anesthesia.
Do all spine surgeons perform this surgery?
Not all spine surgeons performed this type of surgery. Disc arthroplasty has gained popularity among patients and surgeons as long-term data has been released. It is important to ask your spine surgeon if they perform disc replacement surgery so that you can be sure this procedure was considered in your treatment options.
Does insurance cover this surgery?
Once FDA approval is gained, insurance coverage is the next hurdle to bringing new treatments to patients. After many years of work, health insurance coverage for disc arthroplasty is improving. Specific plans, network contracting, and deductibles play a large role in out-of-pocket costs to patients for disc arthroplasty. Surgeons who are skilled to perform this surgery are also skilled at navigating insurance challenges that exist. Currently, the majority of insurance plans cover disc arthroplasty surgery.
