Artificial disc replacement (ADR)
What is it?
Artificial disc replacement (ADR) represents a significant advancement in spinal surgery, offering an alternative to traditional spinal fusion for certain conditions. This procedure involves replacing a damaged or degenerated spinal disc with an artificial one, with the aim of restoring mobility and alleviating pain while maintaining the spine’s natural biomechanics.
ADR is primarily indicated for patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) who have not responded to conservative treatment methods like physical therapy or medication. It is typically focused on the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine, where disc degeneration is most common.
Recovery times for disc replacement surgery can be shorter compared to spinal fusion. Patients may experience immediate relief from symptoms, although full recovery can still take several weeks to months. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery, helping patients regain strength and flexibility in the spine and surrounding muscles.
Vreme oporavka od operacije zamene diska obično je kraće u poređenju sa fuzijom kičme. Pacijenti mogu doživeti brzo, gotovo trenutno olakšanje od simptoma, iako potpuni oporavak može da potraje nekoliko nedelja do meseci. Fizikalna terapija igra ključnu ulogu u oporavku, pomažući pacijentima da povrate snagu i fleksibilnost u kičmi i okolnim mišićima.
Procedure
Traditional spinal fusion surgery eliminates motion at the problematic disc level, which can lead to increased stress and potential degeneration of adjacent discs. Disc replacement, on the other hand, aims to preserve the natural movement of the spine, potentially reducing the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. There are various types of artificial discs, including those made from metal, plastic, or a combination of both. These discs are designed to mimic the natural disc’s size, shape, and function.
Preoperative Evaluation includes detailed imaging studies, such as MRI and CT scans, to determine the precise location and extent of the disc degeneration and to plan the surgical approach.
The approach to the spine depends on whether the cervical or lumbar spine is being operated on. For cervical disc replacement, a small incision is made in the front of the neck. For lumbar disc replacement, the approach is typically through an incision in the abdomen.
The surgeon removes the damaged disc and prepares the disc space for the artificial disc. The artificial disc is then inserted into the space and positioned correctly to align properly with the spine’s natural anatomy.