Overview
Lumbar disc replacement removes a degenerated disc in the lower back, usually through an incision in the abdomen, and replaces it with an artificial disc designed to keep motion.
It is considered for a small group of patients with disc-related back pain at one or two levels who have not improved with extensive nonsurgical care.
Watch and learn
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Who may be a candidate
- Back pain from one or two degenerated discs, confirmed by imaging and evaluation
- No significant facet arthritis, instability, stenosis or osteoporosis
- Several months of nonsurgical care without enough improvement
Your exam, imaging and overall health decide whether this surgery is appropriate for you.
How it is done
- General anesthesia; an approach surgeon often helps reach the spine through the abdomen.
- Organs and blood vessels are gently moved aside.
- The disc is removed and the artificial disc is placed.
- The incision is closed; hospital stay is usually a few days.
This surgery is usually performed in a hospital, sometimes with an overnight or longer stay. Procedures that are appropriate for outpatient care may be performed at GSMC’s surgery center; others are done in a hospital. Your surgeon will explain what to expect.
Recovery timeline
Walking daily; avoid heavy lifting.
Gradual return to most activities.
Return to more strenuous activity as advised.
Recovery depends on the procedure, your health and how many levels are treated. Your surgeon will give you a written plan.
Risks
Every surgery has risks. Your surgeon will review them with you, including:
- Blood vessel or abdominal organ injury
- Infection or bleeding
- Device movement or wear
- Persistent pain
- Need for further surgery
Alternatives to consider
- VIA Disc NP
- Intracept (Basivertebral Nerve Ablation)
- Lumbar Fusion (TLIF, PLIF, ALIF, XLIF)
- Core strengthening
See all nonsurgical options, or ask for a second opinion.
Who performs it
Call 732-202-3000 to confirm which surgeon performs this procedure and where.
Frequently asked questions
Is it common?
It is used much less often than fusion because strict criteria apply.
Why go through the abdomen?
The front approach gives direct access to the disc space for placing the device.
What if I am not a candidate?
Your surgeon will discuss other options, including nonsurgical care and fusion.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary. No outcome can be promised.