Motion-preserving spine surgery
Disc replacement
For the right patient, an artificial disc can relieve pain and pressure on the nerves while keeping that part of the spine moving.
What is a disc replacement?
The discs are the cushions between the bones of your spine. When a disc wears out or bulges, it can cause pain or press on nearby nerves. A disc replacement swaps the damaged disc for an artificial one.
The worn disc comes out
The damaged cushion between two bones is removed.
Nerves get room
Disc material or bone spurs pressing on nerves or the spinal cord are cleared away.
A new disc goes in
An artificial disc takes its place, so that level can keep bending and turning.
How is it different from a fusion?
Both operations remove the damaged disc and take pressure off the nerves. They differ in what goes back in.
What goes in the space
- Disc replacement
- An artificial disc with a ball-and-socket joint
- Fusion
- A spacer and bone graft, often with a plate or screws
Motion at that level
- Disc replacement
- Kept
- Fusion
- Stopped on purpose
Waiting for bone to heal
- Disc replacement
- Not needed
- Fusion
- Bones need months to grow together
Stress on nearby levels
- Disc replacement
- May be lower over time
- Fusion
- Nearby levels take on more of the work
Best suited for
- Disc replacement
- Disc problems with healthy joints and a stable spine
- Fusion
- Instability, slipped vertebrae, deformity, or advanced arthritis
Fusion is still the right operation for some problems, such as an unstable or slipped vertebra or a large curve. Dr. Wey recommends whichever one fits your spine.
Neck
Cervical disc replacement
- Who it can help
- Arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness from a disc or bone spur pressing on a nerve, and in some cases pressure on the spinal cord. It can treat one or two levels in the neck.
- How it is done
- Through a small cut in a skin crease on the front of the neck, Dr. Wey gently moves the natural structures aside, removes the disc, frees the nerves, and fits the artificial disc. Most patients go home the same day or the next morning.
- Recovery
- A sore throat, hoarse voice, or mild trouble swallowing for a few days is common. Most people walk the same day and return to desk work within one to two weeks.
Low back
Lumbar disc replacement
- Who it can help
- Low back pain coming from one or two worn discs (degenerative disc disease) between L3 and S1, when months of non-surgical care have not helped and the small joints in the back of the spine are healthy.
- How it is done
- The disc is reached from the front, through the abdomen, working around the organs rather than through the back muscles. An access surgeon often works with Dr. Wey for this part. Most patients stay in the hospital one to two nights.
- Recovery
- Walking starts the day of surgery or the next day. Desk work usually resumes in two to four weeks, and heavy lifting and twisting wait about six weeks.
The implants: prodisc®
Dr. Wey uses the prodisc family of artificial discs, made by Centinel Spine. Every prodisc uses a ball-and-socket joint, and the design has been studied in FDA clinical trials. Because necks differ in shape, there are four cervical designs, and Dr. Wey chooses the one that best fits your spine.
Neck
prodisc C Vivo
FDA-approved for 1 or 2 levels
Domed top and small spikes instead of a keel
Neck
prodisc C SK
FDA-approved for 1 or 2 levels
Low-profile keel for a secure fit
Neck
prodisc C
FDA-approved for 1 level
The original design, with a central keel
Neck
prodisc C Nova
FDA-approved for 1 level
Flat endplates with keel fixation
Low back
prodisc L
FDA-approved for 1 or 2 levels, L3 to S1
Ball-and-socket design in use since 1990
prodisc® is a registered trademark of Centinel Spine, LLC.
Am I a candidate?
These are general guides. Dr. Wey decides with you after an exam and a careful look at your X-rays and MRI.
Often a good fit
- Arm or leg symptoms from a pinched nerve, or back pain from a worn disc
- One or two levels involved
- Healthy joints in the back of the spine
- Good bone strength
- Symptoms that have not improved with non-surgical care
Usually not the right choice
- Weak bones (osteoporosis)
- A slipped or unstable vertebra
- Advanced arthritis in the small joints of the spine
- A significant curve or deformity
- Active infection, or certain metal allergies
If disc replacement is not right for you, other options can still help.
What recovery looks like
Everyone heals at their own pace. This is a typical path; Dr. Wey gives you a plan for your own recovery.
- 1Day of surgery
Neck: Walking. Home the same day or next morning.
Low back: Walking. Hospital stay of one to two nights.
- 2First 2 weeks
Neck: Light activity and short walks. Desk work often resumes.
Low back: Daily walks, longer each day. No lifting or twisting. Desk work often resumes at two to four weeks.
- 3About 6 weeks
Neck: Most daily activities. Lifting limits ease.
Low back: Most daily activities. Lifting limits begin to ease.
- 4About 3 months
Neck: Most people are back to full activity.
Low back: Most people are back to full activity.
What are the risks?
Every operation has risks. Serious problems are uncommon, and Dr. Wey reviews them with you before surgery.
- Infection, bleeding, or a blood clot
- Injury to a nerve or the spinal cord (rare)
- Neck: sore throat, hoarse voice, or trouble swallowing, usually short-lived
- Low back: injury to a blood vessel or abdominal organ during the approach, and in men a rare change in ejaculation
- Extra bone forming around the implant, which can reduce its motion
- The implant shifting or wearing over time, or the need for another operation
Common questions
How long does the surgery take?
For one level, usually one to two hours. Two levels take longer.
How long does an artificial disc last?
The prodisc design has been in use since 1990, and clinical studies have followed patients for many years. It is designed to last, and Dr. Wey checks it with X-rays at your follow-up visits.
Can I still have an MRI?
Usually yes. Tell the MRI team you have a disc implant. The metal can blur the picture right at that level.
Will it set off airport security?
It might. You can let security know you have a spine implant.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan and your diagnosis. Our office checks your benefits and handles the approval process with you.
What if I am not a candidate?
There are other good options, including physical therapy, injections, surgery that removes pressure without fusion, and fusion when the spine needs to be stabilized. Dr. Wey will explain which one fits you.
Find out if disc replacement is right for you
Bring your MRI and X-rays to your first visit. Office (201) 836-1663