Disc Replacement - Indications and Surgical Technique

Indications are still evolving and recommendations at our level of knowledge should be based on recently disclosed data from the FDA trial. The Artificial Disc Replacement concept aims at replacing a painful intervertebral disc and replacing it with a synthetic one. By doing so, the height of the previously collapsed intervertebral space is restored, alleviating subsequent nerve compression. Most back disorders, however, are successfully treated by non-surgical methods, and a minimum of 6 months of such conservative treatment is strongly recommended. Patients with severe discogenic back pain, resistant to non-operative treatment are candidates of choice provided they do not present any of the following contra indications: spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis, and spondylolisthesis), severe spinal stenosis and osteoporosis. The FDA study concentrated on single level disease. Reasonable indications should be limited to localized disease, excluding extensive spinal degeneration until further data is available.

Charite Surgical Technique (PDF)