The chances of a successful procedure are high – especially if you are receiving the operation by an experienced spinal neurosurgeon, like Dr. Lanman. But why are these lumbar operations so successful? After all, very few surgeries can boast a success rate above 90%.
The estimated success rate of lumbar spinal fusion is 70% to 90%. This rate can vary depending on the condition that the procedure's used to treat.
According to the FDA, however, this surgery has a success rate of more than 90%. Unlike spinal fusion surgery, which has a success rate of 70 to 90%, artificial disc replacement surgery for the cervical or lumbar spine has over 90%, making it a more effective and reliable procedure.
Results: Overall clinical failure occurred in 26% (24 of 91 patients) at 2-year follow-up. Clinical failure occurred in: 28% (Maverick) (7 of 25 patients), 39% (Charité) (12 of 31 patients), and 14% (Kineflex) (5 of 35 patients). Causes of failure included facet pathology, 50% of failure patients (12 of 24).
Most people can expect a full recovery from artificial disc replacement surgery within 3 months after the procedure. Some patients will fully recover sooner than this, while a few may need just a bit longer.
Patients who have other spinal abnormalities such as spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis and scoliosis are usually not candidates for this surgery. Patients with osteoporosis may not have strong enough bone to support a disc replacement.
Typically, activity is quite limited for the first two weeks of lumbar disc replacement surgery recovery. Patients certainly cannot perform any lifting of more than five or 10 pounds, and driving will not be possible.
Cervical disc replacement is a way to return to a normal, healthy, active lifestyle for most patients. Of course, people will not be able to return to work or lift heavy objects for several weeks after surgery.
The scientists found that artificial discs could withstand approximately 10 million simulation cycles. This number of simulation cycles equates to between 50 and 100 years of wear.
The greatest benefit of artificial disc replacement surgery is that it allows your spine to bend, twist, and flex normally. Unlike spinal fusion, which limits the movement of your spine by fusing two vertebrae together, disc replacement only affects the one vertebral set that houses the diseased disk.
A small incision is made in the front of the neck usually only 3-4 centremetres long. No significant muscle is cut during the approach to the spine so there is minimal post-operative pain. It is common to have a sore throat and some mild discomfort with swallowing after the surgery. This usually settles over 2-3 days.
Start walking as soon as possible after your surgery. Walking prevents blood clots and increases muscle strength. Avoid heavy lifting for two to four weeks after surgery or as approved by your doctor. Avoid activities with physical contact until cleared by your doctor.
Outcomes. Most patients can expect improvement of lower back pain and disability in weeks to months following surgery. Studies show that disk replacement improves, but does not completely eliminate pain.
A slipped disc is one of the most common causes of a pinched nerve. An L4-L5 disc bulge or slip-disc (slipped disc) pinches and leads to serious health issues, including impotence, reproduction issues, infertility, loss of bowel and bladder control, or paralysis in one or both legs.
The symptoms of L4-L5 nerve damage are typically chronic lower back pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness that radiate to the legs and feet. Spinal nerve damage can be severe.
Running, biking, and participating in sports are typically discouraged the first few weeks after cervical artificial disc replacement surgery.
For those who choose disc replacement, patients may need to have their artificial joint replaced in 40+ years, or even longer. Artificial disc replacement offers some advantages over spinal fusion. The biggest advantage is that disc replacement preserves motion and mobility in the spine while fusion does not.
The two outer titanium plates have fixation keels that anchor the artificial disc into the vertebral bone and are coated with a titanium plasma spray to help promote integration with bone.
With that being said, there are some reasonable precautions you should take as you recover from spinal disc surgery. One precaution to take is not doing anything, such as bending, that could overstress the affected area.
You can expect your back to feel stiff or sore after surgery. This should improve in the weeks after surgery. You may have relief from your symptoms right away, or you may get better over days or weeks. In the weeks after your surgery, it may be hard to sit or stand in one position for very long.
The main risks with disc replacement surgery are:
post-operative bleeding. nerve injury leading to weakness or numbness. blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) failure or displacement of the prosthesis.
Most patients fully recover from spinal fusion around eight to 12 months after the procedure. At this point, patients may be able to partake in all of their normal activities. However, spinal fusion patients will never regain the ability to bend, twist, or flex the fused segment.
Spinal fusion for back pain
Spinal fusion is the riskiest type of surgery for back pain and the most expensive orthopaedic procedure performed in Australia. Depending on your health insurance arrangements, the total cost of the surgery can be around A$58,000 and out-of-pocket costs might be close to A$10,000.
No matter what type of surgery a person has, most experts recommend avoiding lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs. for at least 4-6 weeks. Lifting more than this can put undue pressure on the spine and interfere with recovery. Avoid bending, lifting, or twisting for at least as long as the surgeon directs.