When most people think of neurosurgeons, they think of brain surgery. But neurosurgeons also treat conditions of the spine. And one of the most common spine procedures we perform is artificial disc replacement (ADR).

What Is an Artificial Disc Replacement?

Neurosurgeons treat the brain and spine. One common surgery for the spine is called artificial disc replacement (ADR). This is when a doctor takes out a damaged disc in your spine and replaces it with an artificial one.

Most people have heard of artificial disc replacement surgery but may not know what it is or what to expect. In this article, we will discuss the basics of ADR surgery including what it is and who is a candidate for the surgery. Hopefully, this will also help clear up some common misconceptions about ADR surgery.

Types of Artificial Disc Replacement

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from chronic back pain, your doctor may have recommended artificial disc replacement surgery as a possible treatment.

There are several types of artificial disc replacement surgery, each with its own set of benefits and risks. Here is a brief overview of the three most common types: ACDF, ALIF, and PLIF.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgery that replaces a damaged or diseased disc in the neck with an artificial disc. This type of surgery is most commonly used to treat conditions such as cervical spondylosis, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease.

ACDF is a minimally invasive surgery, and patients typically experience a quick recovery time. The main risks associated with this surgery are damage to the nerves or blood vessels in the neck, and infection.

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a surgery that is used to treat problems in the lumbar spine. The surgery involves fusing together two or more of the lumbar vertebrae. This can be done using screws, rods, or artificial implants.

ALIF is a relatively new procedure, and there is still some uncertainty about the long-term effects. However, it has been shown to be effective in relieving pain and restoring function in some patients.

Posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion (PCLF)

Posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

The lamina are the bony plates that make up the back of the spine, and when they become compressed, it can cause pain and numbness in the arms and legs.

Fusion is a process where two or more bones are joined together permanently, and it is often used during posterior cervical laminectomy to stabilize the spine.

This procedure can be performed using traditional open surgery, or more recently, with minimally invasive techniques such as laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation.

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF)

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a surgical procedure used to treat conditions of the lower back.

The surgery involves the removal of a disc in the lower back, and the replacement of it with an implant that stabilizes the spine.

This procedure can be used to treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.

Are You A Candidate For Artificial Disc Replacement in Florida?

If you’re experiencing back pain, you may be wondering if ADR is right for you. Here are 10 signs that may indicate you’re a candidate for the procedure:

1. You’ve tried everything else

If you’ve tried physical therapy, epidural injections, and other nonsurgical treatments for your back pain and nothing has worked, it may be time to consider surgery.

2. You have disc damage

If an MRI or other imaging tests show that you have damaged discs, ADR may be an option.

3. Your pain is localized

If your pain is confined to one area of your back, it’s more likely that a herniated disc is the cause. And that’s one condition that can be treated with ADR.

4. You’re not getting any younger

Age is a factor in degenerative disc disease, which is another condition that can be treated with artificial disc replacement surgery.

5. You want to avoid fusion surgery

If you want to keep as much mobility in your spine as possible, ADR may be a better option than spinal fusion surgery, which fuses together vertebrae in your spine.

6. You’re healthy enough for surgery

To undergo ADR, you must be in good health overall and have no medical conditions that could complicate the surgery or impede healing afterward.

7. You don’t smoke tobacco products

Smoking increases the risk of complications from any type of surgery, including ADR.

8. You understand the risks involved

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with ADR surgery such as infection and nerve damage.

However, these risks are usually low and can be minimized by working with an experienced surgeon who performs this procedure regularly.

9. You have realistic expectations

Before undergoing ADR surgery, it’s important to have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve.

For example, while ADR can relieve pain and improve mobility, it cannot guarantee perfection..No matter how successful the surgery is, some patients may still experience some degree of pain afterward..It’s also important to remember that artificial discs will eventually wear out and will need to be replaced at some point down the road.

10. You’re ready for a long recovery

After undergoing ADR surgery, you can expect to spend several days in the hospital followed by weeks of at-home recovery.

During this time, you’ll need help with everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and driving. You should also expect to miss several weeks of work before slowly returning on a part-time basis.

Book an ADR Surgical Consultation

When it comes to our health, we often know when something isn’t right. And while some problems may be easier to ignore than others, it’s important to listen to our bodies and take care of ourselves.

If any of the items listed above apply to you or a loved one, you may want to speak to an expert about artificial disc replacement surgery.

If all of these sound like things you’re prepared for, then ADR surgery may be right for you. Contact Florida Surgery Consultants if you’d like to book a surgical consultation with one of our local neurosurgeons.

Don’t wait – get the treatment you need so that you can feel better and live a healthier life.