Replacement of severely degenerated discs of the lumbar spinal column (LSC) and cervical spinal column (CSC) through an artificial joint (prosthesis) with retention of the natural mobility of the spinal column.

By distinct disc arthrosis (discopathy) of the lumbar spinal column or cervical spinal column with severe, chronic back or neck pain (possibly radiating to an arm or leg), the insertion of an artificial disc (also called disc or intervertebral prosthesis) comes into consideration. This holds true also for patients with severe pain following disc surgery (post-laminectomy or post-discotomy syndrome).

The artificial disc consists of two metal plates with a sliding plastic core in between. Medical science has been using artificial discs for already more than 15 years. In the meantime, they have been further developed. Today they are a reliable method of therapy for patients who can't be helped by minimally invasive treatments.

Surgical technique

In the lumbar spinal column, the operation is conducted through the abdomine. The doctor first completely removes the degenerated disc and corrects the placement of the individual vertebrae to one another. Under x-ray guidance, he anchors the prosthesis exactly in the proper position between the vertebrae. In the next few weeks, it anchors itself tightly together to the bone substance. In the cervical spinal column, the doctor also conducts the procedure from the front (similar to a thyroid gland operation) via a small incision approximately three centimeters long.

Indication

• chronic disc-related pain

• no improvement through minimally invasive methods of treatment

• under 55 years old

• little or no osteoporose

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