Artificial Disc Technology

By Mudit Sharma, MD

Virginia Spine Specialists

. http://www.virginiaspinespecialists.com/

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Artificial Disc Technology

Our spine is a complex and unique system. It protects our spinal cord and nerves and at the same time allows for free movement of our body. It does so through a complex system of cushions and joints. The cushions between the bones of the spine (vertebrae) are called discs. The joints are called facets. All of these components are essential for normal function of the spine.

If any one of these components does not perform its function as it is designed to do, the result is spinal disease. This can take many forms including degenerated discs, overgrown joints or a combination of both.

Fortunately, most of the time we can treat this disease with conservative non-surgical measures. However, when surgery becomes necessary for disc disease, one of the only surgical options available to us until very recently was spinal fusion. This is still a useful technique in a select group of patients. But a new technique called disc replacement is becoming popular as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional fusion. This technique allows the surgeon to completely replace the diseased disc with an artificial disc.

The advantages are readily apparent. The patient preserves their original spine motion while gaining all the benefits of a new disc. The drawback of this technique is that it’s still in its infancy and many spine surgeons are unfamiliar with its safe and proper use. But, as is the case with all new technology, artificial discs are destined to soon become one of the leading surgical solutions for spinal disease when traditional conservative therapy has failed.