Artificial discs are rods made of metal or ceramic that can be implanted someplace inside your body where a broken or diseased disc may exist. These wires give you back the ability to control the movement of your spine and limbs, allowing you to walk again. With qualified specialists from adrspine.com, a new artificial disc can be implanted in a matter of hours.
This operation is performed with the patient under local anaesthesia and if you want to learn about how artificial disc replacement works, read on.
Artificial discs are currently the most common and most effective solution for the treatment of spinal injuries. They are placed surgically inside broken or damaged intervertebral discs in the spine. The implantation of the artificial disc is followed by appropriate physical therapy to improve movement and muscle strength.
Artificial discs provide an excellent alternative to spinal fusion surgery, especially for those experiencing significant pain. However, the artificial disc must be properly positioned within the injured disc and then attached to it with a strong metallic or ceramic rod.
Artificial disc replacement works just like a normal disc, as it replaces the damaged or diseased intervertebral disc space with a stack of two artificial discs. The upper part of the artificial disc replacement is called an “endplate” and this segment receives information from the brain. Signals from the brain are then sent to the lower part, which is called the “torque plate”.
The upper and lower segments of the artificial discs are separated by a soft, gel-like substance known as the “nucleus” of the disc. This gel is usually made from silicone or a polymer.
The Benefits Of Artificial Disc Replacement
The artificial disc replacement is the most common solution for treatment of a number of different spine problems, including:
i. Osteoporosis
The aging process can lead to the breakdown of the intervertebral disc and this can result in osteoporosis, which is a serious medical condition. The connection between the vertebrae becomes brittle and may lead to a number of different symptoms. In addition, the loss of bone density in the discs can result in herniation, a medical condition where pressure is exerted on nearby nerves.
ii. Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a debilitating medical condition that can lead to dysfunction of the vertebrae, nerves, and muscles. Spondylolisthesis is caused by abnormal movement or pain in the disc and this may cause the vertebrae to move forward or backward. The artificial disc replacement has been shown to be a viable alternative for treating spondylolisthesis.
iii. Artificial Disc Replacement for Myelopathy
Spinal cord injuries can result in myelopathy, which is a syndrome where the signals from the brain are not received by other parts of the body. This can result in weakness, numbness and paralysis. The artificial disc replacement can treat myelopathy.
Artificial discs can be used for a number of conditions and it is very helpful in mitigating pain. Artificial discs are made from metal or ceramic and they are implanted into your body where the damaged or diseased disc may exist. Different artificial discs are specially designed to treat a number of conditions. Artificial discs are usually placed between the vertebrae and they are separated by a soft substance.
