The success rate for artificial cervical disc replacements is over 95 percent. This modern surgical procedure improves strength, and resolves numbness and associated arm symptoms (ie; arm weakness, tingling, burning, numbness).
How long does it take to recover from a disc replacement?
Your recovery may take from a few weeks to a few months. A lumbar disk replacement generally improves pain, but it does not eliminate it completely. Talk with your doctor to get a realistic idea about what you can expect after this surgery.
How effective is disc replacement surgery?
Outcomes. Most patients can expect improvement of lower back pain and disability in weeks to months following surgery. Studies show that disk replacement improves, but does not completely eliminate pain. Before your surgery, it is important to talk with your surgeon about realistic expectations for pain relief.
Is disc replacement surgery painful?
There is usually some pain and discomfort in the days and weeks following cervical artificial disc replacement (ADR) surgery. Most commonly, the recovering patient has some pain and soreness at the incision site at the front of the neck. Other symptoms may also be present, such as trouble with swallowing or speaking.
How long do lumbar disc replacements last?
The average age of a patient needing a lumbar disc replacement is about 35 years. This means that to avoid the need for revision surgery, the artificial disc must last at least 50 years.
What happens after lumbar disc replacement surgery?
On average, artificial disc replacement recovery time takes about 3-5 weeks; however, artificial disc replacement recovery time varies from patient to patient. Many patients can return to light activities and desk work within 1 week, but a few may not be at full activity level for up to 3 months.
What can you not do after cervical disc replacement?
Certain activities need to be limited or avoided during the first week or two after surgery:
- Excessive neck movements.
- Heavy lifting.
- Baths or other water submersion.
- Driving.
- Running or other vigorous activities.
How long does pain last after disc replacement?
Pain should improve over the first few days such that you can switch to acetaminophen or NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen. Most people no longer need any pain medications 10 to 14 days after cervical artificial disc replacement surgery. Some patients have persistent or delayed onset of nerve pain.
Can an artificial disc be removed?
In patients who have had failed artificial disc replacements, most surgeons will remove the disc and fuse the spine there.
Can you herniate an artificial disc?
Today, spine surgeons can offer certain patients with cervical disc herniation another option: artificial disc replacement (ADR). During the ADR procedure, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial one that moves and shifts like a real disc, preserving a patient’s range of motion.
How should I sleep after cervical disc replacement?
The best sleeping position to reduce your pain after surgery is either on your back with your knees bent and a pillow under your knees or on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between your legs.
How much is a disc replacement surgery?
If you need to pay for it yourself, the surgery will typically cost about $35,000. The alternative, ACDF, is usually covered by insurance. Some surgeons are now starting to offer cervical disc replacement in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC), rather than in a hospital.
How much does a disc replacement cost?
The average cost of artificial disc replacement surgery ranges from $35,000 to $45,000 US. Unfortunately in the eyes of most insurance companies the procedure is still deemed to be experimental or unproven.
What is the difference between spinal fusion and disc replacement?
The key differences between artificial disc replacement and spinal fusion surgery is that artificial disc replacement surgery offers the advantages of being reversible, and avoids the accepted shortfalls of the traditional spinal fusion surgery. With artificial disc replacement techniques there is no fusion of the motion segment in the spine.
What is the recovery time for lumbar disc replacement surgery?
Recovery from lumbar artificial disc replacement generally lasts 3 months while the spine adjusts to the implanted device and the body recovers from surgery. Recovery times can vary between patients.
When do I need surgery for a herniated disk?
Surgery for a herniated disk would be considered if there is nerve damage, if pain and other symptoms are so severe that they interfere with daily activities, or if non-surgical treatment is not effective. Surgery often can resolve herniated disk symptoms more quickly than other treatments.
