Artificial Disc Replacement Specialist
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Brain and Spine Institute of New York and New Jersey
Board-Certified Neurosurgeon located in East Brunswick, NJ, Bayonne, NJ, Midtown, New York, NY, & Bayside, NY
Artificial disc replacement offers an innovative alternative to traditional spinal fusion surgery. Unlike traditional surgeries that leave you with limited function and range of motion, artificial disc replacement decreases pain while preserving your normal movement patterns. Board-certified neurosurgeon Arien Smith, MD, FACS, of Brain and Spine Institute of New York and New Jersey, offers artificial disc replacement to resolve your back problems and restore your quality of life. Call one of the locations in New York City in Bayside, Queens, and Midtown East, Manhattan, or in East Brunswick and Bayonne, New Jersey, or schedule an appointment online today.
Artificial Disc Replacement
What is an artificial disc?
Discs are cushion-like pads that sit between each of the vertebrae in your spine. They absorb impact and make your spine flexible, allowing for movements like forward folding, side bending, and twisting.
An artificial disc replaces one of these natural discs when they’re damaged beyond repair. It can replicate all the functions of a natural disc.
Replacement of your degenerated, damaged disc with an artificial disc preserves your range of motion but reduces pain so you can function normally.
Artificial discs are made of either a plastic-like material known as a biopolymer, metal, or a combination of the two. The materials are completely safe to implant in the body and are FDA approved.
Is artificial disc replacement an alternative to spinal fusion?
Spinal fusion is a procedure that seals two or more vertebrae together. It’s done to reduce pain from a degenerated disc but can lead to a compromised range of motion.
Artificial disc replacement preserves your spine’s natural movement patterns so you reduce pain and can bend and twist relatively normally.
Who is a candidate for an artificial disc replacement?
Before recommending an artificial disc replacement, Dr. Smith treats your back issues with medications, injections, and physical therapy.
When these conservative treatments aren’t effective, and you’ve had screening tests that show disc degeneration, he may conclude artificial disc replacement is the best course of treatment.
What should I expect during artificial disc replacement?
Artificial disc replacement is an advanced surgery that requires a few days of recovery in the hospital. The exact length of your stay depends on your pain level and restoration of function but usually lasts at least two to three days.
During the surgery, you’re placed under general anesthesia, and Dr. Smith removes damaged tissue and implants the artificial disc. On the first day after surgery, staff will assist you in walking to kickstart the healing process.
In the weeks following surgery, you’ll start basic physical therapy to help restore back function. You’ll be given a comprehensive aftercare plan that includes movement modifications. Follow it carefully to ensure proper healing and recovery.
If you have degenerative disc disease and conservative treatments aren’t helping resolve your pain, call Brain and Spine Institute of New York and New Jersey to learn more about artificial disc replacement or book an appointment online today.