Aching neck or lower back pain can be very uncomfortable and may require prompt medical attention. Conservative treatments like medications and other therapies might help. But, if they are ineffective, surgical intervention might be needed for the spinal disc. Spinal surgeons diagnose the back or neck problem and might suggest disc replacement surgery. This surgery involves replacing a diseased or damaged disc joint in the spine with a new, artificial one.
Arete Hospitals is one of the reputed hospitals for Disc Replacement Surgery in Hyderabad.
The spine department comprises top-notch Spine Disc Replacement Surgeons in Hyderabad, unparalleled medical infrastructure, and high-end technologies, all ensuring the best possible surgical outcome.
Benefits of Disc Replacement Surgery
- Preserves spinal motion which further reduces stress and degeneration of surrounding vertebrae
- Highly effective surgery that enables patients to lead a normal life; and enjoy improved everyday functions and life quality without any back or neck discomfort
- Treats radiculopathy symptoms, such as nerve pain that spreads down the arms or legs.
What is Disc Replacement Surgery?
Disc replacement surgery involves the removal of damaged disc tissue and the implantation of a prosthetic disc implant. The prosthetic disc is intended to sustain natural spine motion while being securely attached to the surrounding vertebral bones.
This surgery can be performed in both the cervical and lumbar regions. Lower back pain is frequently addressed with lumbar disc replacement surgery while neck pain is addressed by cervical disc replacement surgery.
Total disc replacement is a novel procedure that is carried out less frequently than traditional spinal decompression and fusion surgeries. However, it is gaining popularity for its ability to preserve motion while alleviating neck or back discomfort as more long-term studies confirming its effectiveness have become available.
Ideal Candidates for Disc Replacement Surgery
Disc Replacement Surgery in Hyderabad is not appropriate for anyone suffering from back or neck pain. The ideal candidates for disc replacement have the following aspects in general:
- Back pain is caused by one or two arthritic intervertebral discs in the lower spine
- There is radiating arm pain from a cervical disc replacement.
- Back pain is caused by a slipped disc
- There is no substantial facet joint disease (current or previous)
- There has been no previous major spine surgery
- There is no spine abnormality/deformity like scoliosis
- There is no osteoporosis (bone weakness)
- There is no infection
- There is no anxiety
- The patient is not overweight or obese.
For more details get in touch with Best Total Disc Replacement Doctors in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals.
Before Disc Replacement Surgery
Just like any other surgery, before disc replacement surgery, the patient needs to make some preparations. A Spinal Surgeon in Hyderabad will first review the patient’s medical history and carry out a thorough physical examination. Thereafter, they may advise the patient to do the following:
- Undergo pre-surgical tests like blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to confirm candidacy for the surgery
- Abstain from smoking and consuming tobacco, if a smoker, as smoking can cause surgical complications and delay recovery
- Provide prior information on current intake of medications and any underlying medical condition
- Avoid intake of any blood thinning medications or supplements
- Arrange for a driver and caretaker in advance
- Avoid eating and drinking for at least 8 hours before the disc replacement procedure.
What Does Disc Replacement Surgery Involve?
Disc replacement surgery is performed individually, depending on the location of the diseased/damaged disc in the spine. There are two surgical approaches:
Cervical Disc Replacement in Hyderabad- In this surgery, the spinal surgeon makes a small incision across the front of the neck (anterior). The soft tissues of the neck, including the oesop-hagus, trachea, and blood arteries, are carefully protected and shifted away to reach the spine. When the appropriate spinal level has been established, the surgeon removes the problematic disc. The remaining vertebral bones above and below the problematic disc are then prepared to receive the implant.
Finally, the prosthetic disc is inserted in place of the problematic disc and attached to the vertebral bones. X-rays are used to confirm the placement. Following the placement of the prosthetic disc, the blood vessels and organs are re-positioned in their destined place and the incision is sealed with suture.
Lumbar Disc Replacement in Hyderabad- In this surgery, a small incision is made across the front of the abdomen. The vital organs, blood arteries, and nerves are carefully protected and shifted away from the spine's front. The diseased disc is removed once the appropriate level has been determined. The remaining bone above and below the problematic disc is prepared to receive it. After that, the prosthetic disc is placed and attached to the bone. An X-ray is used to confirm placement.
After Disc Replacement Surgery Discharge
Initially, the patient may require the support of a walker or a cane to walk. The urine catheter and IV lines may be removed after a few days.
Some of the factors that can influence the post-surgery time and so need to be taken care of after surgery include:
- Smoking: Avoid smoking for a few weeks following surgery because it can increase infection risks at surgical sites.
- Incision care: Avoid immersing the incision site in water after surgery, as this can cause infection.
- Spinal motion: It is best to limit the severe range of motion of the spine during the early recovery period.
- Physical activity: The patient is instructed to perform some simple exercises, such as trunk twists, very gently. This will aid in the patient's quick recovery. Gradually, the patient will be instructed to stretch and walk without support. While physical activity is encouraged, heavy weight lifting must be avoided.
Possible Risks of Disc Replacement Surgery
Some of the risks and complications associated with artificial disc replacement surgery are listed below:
- Allergic reaction to the artificial disc
- Swelling of the spinal tissues
- Stiffness of the spine
- Hematoma or bleeding or blood clots formation in the legs
- Breaking, bending, loosening, or dislocation of the artificial disc
- Wound infections
- Speech impairment
- Injury to the nerves or spinal cord, which may result in disability or paralysis
- Numbness or tingling sensations in the extremities
- Arm and/or neck pain
- A tear in the dura that covers the spinal cord
- Infected artificial disc or infection of the area surrounding the artificial disc.
1. How soon after disc replacement surgery can one drive and work on a computer?
Patients can resume driving within two to three weeks of surgery. The patient should use a pillow or lumbar arch for support while driving. Patients can return to work or start working on a computer 2-4 weeks after surgery.
2. Is it necessary to wear a collar or a brace following surgery?
This is determined by the patient's condition and the procedure. The additional support may aid in recovery following surgery. Collars provide support for the head and spinal cord while restricting neck and head movement. The brace supports the spine, back, and stomach.
3. Is it painful to have disc replacement surgery?
Disc Replacement Treatment in Hyderabad is performed under general anesthesia to ensure no discomfort during the procedure. To obtain an excellent result, disc replacement surgery can be carried out in a minimally invasive manner, involving little soft-tissue dissection and minimal discomfort.
4. How lengthy is recovery after disc replacement surgery?
A brief hospital stay, 1-2 days long, is usually recommended following Total Disc Replacement in Hyderabad to monitor for pain and any problems. Mostly, people can resume strenuous activities by the end of 12 weeks. The complete recovery period after disc replacement surgery can range from a few weeks to several months. Complete recovery of lumbar disc replacement is a few weeks longer than cervical disc replacement.
5. What types of artificial discs are available for disc replacement surgery?
There are four prosthetic discs available for the replacement of problematic discs in the lumbar or cervical part of the spine. These are composite discs, hydraulic discs, elastic discs, and mechanical discs.
For in-depth information, consult the specialists at Arete Hospitals, renowned for excellence and known as the best Lumbar Disc Replacement Hospital in Hyderabad. Prioritise your spine health with confidence.
