Advancements in Artificial Disc Replacement

There are many issues that could occur with the human body that would lead to pain and other difficulties. One of the more common of those problems exists in the back. Because of abuse over the years or perhaps because of an accident, we may find ourselves in the position in which one of the discs has ruptured in our back, leading to severe pain. That pain exists because of pressure being applied to a nerve in the area.

At one time, the options were fairly limited as what could be done if you had a ruptured disc. There were various nonsurgical options have been considered but, at some point, your doctor may also have considered one of the surgical options as well. In today's advancing medical field, one of the options that is open to you is an artificial disc replacement. This is a relatively new type of surgical procedure but it is one that is quickly gaining popularity. After all, it is one of the medical choices that can help to relieve some of the symptoms that you are experiencing, including the pain and the restricted movement.

Although the actual procedure that replaces a disc with an artificial disc has not been around very long, the concept of doing so has been around for many decades. The real problem in taking it from a conceptual idea to the surgery table is the issue of finding a material that would be suitable for replacement. After all, it was not only necessary for it to be strong but it also had to be flexible as well. In essence, it had to work like a natural disc so that further problems were less likely to occur.

It was in 2005 that a material came on the market that allowed an artificial disc replacement to occur. This material included in upper plate, a lower plate and an insert in the middle. The insert was a type of polyethylene that were react similarly to the way that your actual disc would operate. The plates on the top and the bottom were able to be connected to the vertebrae both above and below the disc material.

As you can imagine, it took quite some time for this particular operation to gain speed and for surgeons to begin recommending it to their patients. Now that some years have passed since the surgical procedure took place, it can be said that in the majority of the cases, the artificial disc is going to continue to work properly, even after years have passed. For 95% of the individuals provided with an artificial disc, it resulted in a full range of motion and no pain with no relapses as well. I would call that a significant advancement.