Damage or disease can cause deterioration of one or more spinal discs, the cushioning pads between the vertebrae of your spine. These discs provide the space needed for spine movement and absorbing the loads typically borne by this central pillar of your body.
In the past, spinal fusion was often the surgical solution to an injured or degenerated disk. The adjacent vertebrae became mechanically connected so that the function of the compromised disk was no longer necessary.
However, this means your spine can no longer move as it once did since screws and plates now connect bones that eventually grow together, or fuse, giving the procedure its name.
The new state-of-the-art for damaged discs is now prosthetic replacement, a surgery known as artificial disc replacement, or ADR. As a leading practitioner specializing in ADR, Sanjay Khurana MD offers leading-edge care for his patients.
Usually completed in three hours or less, ADR accesses the spine through the abdomen, unlike other spinal surgeries. This anterior approach reduces the risk of damage to spinal nerve tissue.
First, Dr. Khurana removes the affected disc to make room for the replacement prosthetic. This restores the correct distance between adjacent vertebrae and replicates the functions of the original, natural disc.
There are several types of ADR design, each recreating the function of a natural disc but using different means to achieve this. There’s even research to replace the original, gel-like center with a prosthetic while preserving the natural outer ring, though this technique is still in the experimental phase.
Some artificial discs use only metal, like cobalt chrome or alloys of titanium, while others combine metals and plastics, similar to knee and hip prosthetics. Your condition may make one style of artificial disc a better choice.
Back pain has many origins, and only some involve problems with spinal discs. You’re a candidate for ADR when you meet the following criteria:
Most ADR procedures involve the replacement of a single disc. If you have more than one problem with spinal discs, ADR might not be recommended.
Consult with Dr. Khurana to learn more about ADR and whether it’s the best procedure for you. Call or click to schedule an appointment with our Marina Del Rey or Manhattan Beach offices. Dr. Khurana can help you with your back pain, so plan your visit today.
