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Surgeons Review Early Results of Disc Replacements

When anything new comes out it makes sense to step back and take a look at the big picture. That's what these two doctors do in this review article about artificial disc replacements. Long-term results aren't available but the reasons for its use and short-term results are presented.

Those in favor of using disc implants say this device gives patients normal spine motion and disc height. A disc replacement helps prevent damage at the level above and below the replaced disc. The operation is shorter and has fewer problems than spinal fusion. Best of all the patient gets pain relief and returns to normal activities quickly.

Disc replacement for the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (low back) must be studied separately. Range of motion and loads put on the spine with daily activities are different for these two segments of the spine. Typical loads for the lumbar spine are much higher than for the cervical spine.

Different implant designs, safety, wear testing, and results are also reviewed by these authors. Scientists are trying out different materials to see which one holds up while giving the patient normal movement. Not enough is known yet about each type to say which one is best.

Very few failures of disc implants have been reported. Likewise complication rates after surgery are low--much lower than after spinal fusion. The authors remind us that anyone thinking about a disc replacement must keep in mind it's still an experimental form of treatment. Long-term results are unknown.

References: Paul A. Anderson, MD, and Jeffrey P. Rouleau, PhD. Intervertebral Disc Arthroplasty. In Spine. December 1, 2004. Vol. 29. No. 23. Pp. 2779-2786.

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