Artificial disc replacement is a surgical procedure that implants an artificial disc into a patient’s vertebral column to replace the natural spine and alleviate chronic back pain.

Visceral changes are created to maintain a steady blood supply and avoid blood flow restrictions. The general goal of this technique is to restore mobility, reduce inflammation, and decrease pain.

Before an artificial disk replacement by the spine.md can be performed, it is essential for appropriate scans; imaging studies such as CT or MRI must be completed. Then, the surgeon will perform an incision at one end of the abdomen/pelvis region and insert a device that uses fluoroscopic X-ray guidance. A small tube made of polyethylene can be inserted into the incision site and through the tissue to release Furoxone/Fentanyl into the abdomen. The surgeon will then scan the X-ray. The fluoroscope will guide a camera onto the X-ray, providing an image of where to put the artificial disc that is inserted.

The first type is a rim implant which is used when replacing a damaged disk. This type of disk is shaped like a horseshoe. A disc is passed from the pelvic cavity through a surgically-created opening into the intervertebral space. A small piece of plastic is placed over the installation of the disc. The ring portion of the artificial disc can be removed and replaced or left in place for years. The first type of artificial disk is used when ruptures or tears occur on one or both sides of a disc.

The second type of artificial disk replacement is an endplate implant, also known as a bi-lateral implant. In this procedure, a thin piece of plastic is attached to the artificial disc’s top and bottom. This type of artificial disc has been proven to be more stable than a rim implant if there is insufficient cushioning material over the ends of the disc. A notch is made on both sides of an endplate implant, and one can be used to stabilize the spine in an x-ray after surgery. The second type of artificial disk replacement is used when there are no tears or ruptures in a disc but only degeneration, resulting in pain and limitation of movement.

The third type is called a mobile ring implant, or an articulating ring implant, which uses design features that allow it to move with your back as you move. The third type of artificial disk replacement occurs when ruptures or tears occur on one or both sides of the disc. The big difference in this procedure is that the ring and ball portions of the artificial disc are replaced intermittently throughout the day, allowing for flexibility and movement. This implant is less likely to cause an infection and helps eliminate pain without causing scar tissue to develop.