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Artificial disc in the lumbar spine

The causes of back pain are varied. In the acute stage, pain often results of tension, imbalances of the muscles and ligaments and blockages of the small facet joints. These symptoms can be controlled conservatively with physical therapy, chiropractic and pain medication. If these symptoms accumulate, however, and no longer respond to conservative measures, a wearing process on the disc can be the cause.

As shown in chapter disorders, the intervertebral discs consist of The outer fibrous ring becomes fragile and the whole disc can no longer fulfill its damping function. It comes to so-called micro-instabilities, which are mechanically connected to inflammation and the release of pain mediators. This in turn may irritate free nerve endings and cause back pain. In MRI, this wear process becomes visible through the so-called "black disc" and the bone-marrow (Modic sign). In such cases, the removal of the worn disc as a pain generator and the implantation of an intervertebral disc prosthesis, can eliminate the pain.two parts, an outer fibrous ring and a soft inner core. In the course of life the soft core loses liquid due to a permanent exposure. This also affects the stability of the outer fibrous ring, similar to a car tire. When the air escapes from the hose and thus the pressure, then the cladding is susceptible for damage.

As shown in chapter disorders, the intervertebral discs consist of two parts, an outer fibrous ring and a soft inner core. In the course of life the soft core loses liquid due to a permanent exposure. This also affects the stability of the outer fibrous ring, similar to a car tire. When the air escapes from the hose and thus the pressure, then the cladding is susceptible for damage.

Gallery artificial disc in the lumbar spine

The implantation of the artificial disc from the front is through the abdomen. It is a very challenging operation. The peritoneal cavity with the organs will be shifted to one side and the large vessels are presented. At the level 4 / 5 of the lumbar vertebrae and above, also the major abdominal vessels are shifted to the side and the broken disc is removed to a large extent, although parts of the fibrous ring remain. Then the artificial disc is implanted central.
On the level LWK 5/SWK1, the disc is shown between the vascular fork and the operation is carried out the same way between the vessels. Artificial discs are often applied at a level, at which it has previously been tested by discography, which the painful level is. Sometimes however, the implantation in two heights and exceptionally even in several heights is required.

Example for the implantation of an intervertebral disc prosthesis


Example for the implantation of two intervertebral disc prosthesis