Lumbar Disc Replacement

Lumbar disc replacement is one of the newest options given to patients suffering from lower back pain due to a herniated disc. This particular treatment is received with much enthusiasm in that it has been approved by the FDA and has been performed all over the world.

Lumbar disc replacement is similar to other joint replacements like those performed on the hips and knees. What happens in the procedure is that the doctor removes the damaged disc in the lumbar area and replaces it with a metal or plastic substitute. The implant functions the same way as a normal lumbar disc.

The advantage of performing this particular procedure is that the movement of the patient is not impaired and would not put nearby areas under stress. Ultimately, its goal is to retain the normal capacity for movement of the person by mimicking its usual structure as closely as possible. However, there are some disadvantages in choosing this strategy of repair. Lumbar disc replacement is a particularly new technology so more research needs to be conducted. The lumbar substitutes can also break and cause and infection within the body. It is also prone to wear and tear after prolonged periods of time.