Lumbar Disc Prosthesis
An alternative solution to fusion for certain patients with lower back pain or recurrent disc herniation.
> Preserve disc mobility and function
> Relieve pain
RETURN TO A NORMAL LIFE
The goal after disc replacement is to resume a pain-free life, compatible with your professional and sports activities.
ARE YOU A POTENTIAL CANDIDATE FOR A DISC PROSTHESIS?
Although lower back pain can have various origins (muscular, ligamentous, articular, or psychological), severe, chronic, and disabling lower back pain in young individuals is primarily caused by lumbar disc disease, characterized by the progressive degeneration of one or more intervertebral discs.
The main symptoms of degenerative disc disease are the following:
> Horizontal lower back pain, aggravated by effort, driving, and prolonged standing or sitting
> Morning stiffness, requiring “warming up” to start the day
> Sensation of electric shocks or sharp pains in the back during certain movements
> Sensation of imminent locking during certain movements, especially when bending forward
> In case of disc herniation associated with disc disease, the appearance of sciatic pain radiating down the leg
Towards a Pain-Free Life
Resume Your Activities with Comfort and Safety
THE IMPLANTATION TECHNIQUE
The surgical technique for implant insertion is minimally invasive. It allows the surgeon to access the spine through a 5 to 8 cm incision in the abdomen, utilizing a natural space around the peritoneal sac, which protects the abdominal organs. The main blood vessels (aorta and vena cava) are mobilized, enabling a complete visualization of the disc.
After the implant is placed, the intestines return to their natural position with the simple removal of the retractors. The only element cut during the entire procedure is the abdominal muscle sheath, which will be sutured at the end of the surgery.
Why insert through the abdomen?
The disc is located in the anterior part of the spine, while the nerves and spinal cord pass through a canal in the posterior part. By accessing the disc through the abdomen, disc replacement can be performed without interfering with the nerve roots. Consequently, there is a lower risk of spinal nerve injury compared to more traditional techniques that use a posterior approach to the spine.
POST-OPERATIVE
After the lumbar disc replacement is performed, the patient is encouraged to walk briefly on the day of the surgery or the following day.
The patient is usually discharged the day after or two days after the surgical procedure.
CONVALESCENCE
Average recovery time:
Full recovery: 6 to 8 weeks.
First 2 to 4 weeks:
Rest and light walking recommended.
Gradual return to light daily activities.
From the 8th week:
More intense physical activities and endurance sports can be started.
Throughout the 1st year:
The exercise capacity will gradually increase.
There are no contraindications for any specific sport or activity after disc replacement.
Summary of Activities:
Professional activities: Return permitted to jobs such as office work, driving, civil construction, and agriculture.
Sports activities: Total freedom for golf, tennis, soccer, skiing, kitesurfing, among others, if there is no pain.
Note: Not all patients achieve this goal, and reduced levels of lower back or sciatic pain may persist. Pain is the only limiting factor for activities during recovery or long-term. Listen to your body to adjust the level of exertion according to tolerance.