Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement
When a disc has become worn and damaged disc replacement is undertaken to help with the symptoms of back and leg pain.
When to Consider Disc Replacement Surgery
Disc replacement is a good option to consider in cases of back pain caused by a degenerate or damaged disc in the lower back.
Disc replacement can certainly be undertaken at one or two levels in the lower back but Mr Boeree would express considerable caution about replacing more than two discs.
There are some circumstances in which disc replacement would be inadvisable. Movement at the level of the spine where the surgery is carried out will continue, so if the facet joints at the back of the spine are much worn they may cause pain. This is also the reason why disc replacement may not be a good idea if the disc has become very narrow as this may also have damaged the facet joints. It may be helpful to clarify if the facet joints are causing pain themselves through diagnostic facet joint injections.
The back parts of the spine are essential to help stabilize the disc replacement. If these are damaged or defective for any reason (perhaps as a result of a condition called spondylolisthesis) then disc replacement may be inadvisable.
The disc replacement needs a sound bony foundation so that if the bone is weak the disc replacement may sink or subside into the bone. Mr Boeree may well recommend a check for thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), particularly in women over 50 and men over 55. If there is thinning of the bones in the spine disc replacement should not be undertaken
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In memory of Nick Boeree
Following the sudden death of Nick Boeree we have set up a tribute page to allow you to share your memories, thoughts, and feelings. Click here.
Everything just clicked into place! All the uncertainties, the muddle and the contradictory advice we had received before, just dropped away once we came along to see you. Very quickly we got the answers, the information and the treatment my wife needed.
John Temple
