A discectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing part or all of a spinal disc that is pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord. This can relieve pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area. While the removal of the damaged disc can provide relief, many wonder what happens next. This article will explore what replaces the disc after a discectomy and what patients can do to boost their odds of a smooth recovery.
Why Discs Need to Be Replaced
The spinal discs are soft, cushion-like structures that sit between the vertebrae (bones) of the spine. They act as shock absorbers and allow the spine to bend and twist. However, sometimes the discs can become damaged or degenerate due to injury, aging, or disease. This can cause the disc to bulge, or herniate, meaning some of the inner material of the disc leaks out through a tear in the outer layer. This can irritate or compress the nearby nerves or spinal cord, causing pain and other symptoms.
A discectomy or less invasive microdiscectomy aims to remove the herniated part of the disc to relieve the pressure on the nerves or spinal cord. However, this also means the disc becomes smaller and less effective as a cushion. Depending on how much of the disc is removed, this can lead to instability, abnormal motion, or increased stress on the adjacent discs. Therefore, sometimes the disc needs to be replaced with something else to restore the normal function and alignment of the spine.
Options for Disc Replacement
There are two main options for disc replacement after discectomy: artificial disc replacement and spinal fusion. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on several factors, such as the location and extent of the disc damage, the patient’s age and health, and the surgeon’s preference and experience.
Artificial Disc Replacement
Artificial disc replacement is a procedure that involves inserting a synthetic or artificial disc in place of the original disc that was removed. The artificial disc is usually made of a combination of various metals and softer materials to mimic a real disc as much as possible. The artificial disc is designed to allow normal motion and flexibility of the spine as well as prevent adjacent disc degeneration.
Artificial disc replacement is a relatively new and less invasive procedure than spinal fusion. It has some potential benefits, such as faster recovery, less pain, and better long-term outcomes. However, it also has some risks and limitations, such as infection, implant failure, nerve injury, or revision surgery. Additionally, not all patients are suitable candidates for artificial disc replacement, and the long-term results are still uncertain.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion surgery involves joining two or more vertebrae together to prevent excess movement. This can be done by using a bone graft, which is a piece of bone taken from the patient’s own body or from a donor, or a synthetic bone substitute. The bone graft is placed between the vertebrae where the disc was removed and then secured with metal rods, screws, or plates. The bone graft eventually grows and fuses with the vertebrae, creating a solid and stable segment of the spine.
Spinal fusion is a more established and widely performed procedure than artificial disc replacement. It has a high success rate in relieving pain and restoring stability of the spine. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as longer recovery, more pain, and reduced range of motion and flexibility of the spine. Moreover, spinal fusion can increase the risk of adjacent disc degeneration, meaning the discs above or below the fused segment can wear out faster and cause more problems in the future.
Post-Discectomy Recovery
Regardless of the method used to replace the disc, following the doctor’s advice during discectomy recovery is crucial for a successful outcome. Patients typically undergo physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine, increase flexibility, and restore mobility. It is essential to follow the rehabilitation program prescribed by healthcare professionals to optimize recovery and minimize the risk of complications.
Some general tips include:
- Avoid lifting, bending, or twisting your spine for the first few weeks after surgery.
- Gradually resume your normal activities as advised by your surgeon and physical therapist.
- Perform gentle exercises and stretches to improve your strength, flexibility, and posture.
- Maintain a healthy weight and diet to reduce the stress on your spine and discs.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake, as these can impair your healing and damage your discs.
- Seek medical attention if you experience any signs of infection, nerve damage, or implant failure, such as fever, redness, swelling, increased pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Both artificial disc replacement and spinal fusion have pros and cons. The best option for you depends on your individual situation and preferences. By following your surgeon’s advice and taking care of your spine, you can navigate the road to recovery with confidence and optimism.
Even though discectomy surgery is a common and generally quite successful procedure, a hole is frequently left in the outer wall of the disc. In fact, patients with these large holes in their discs are more than twice as likely to reinjure themselves by having what is known as a reherniation. These reherniations often require additional surgery or even fusions. Fortunately, there is a new treatment specifically designed to close the large holes that are often left in spinal discs after discectomy surgery. Barricaid is a bone-anchored device proven to reduce reherniations, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital.
If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment or how to get access to Barricaid, ask your doctor or contact us today.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.
Comments