Artificial Spine Lumbar Disc Replacement Cost in India

Who needs this surgery ?

50% to 70% of people experience lower back pain in their lives. In most of the cases, surgery is not required to remove the pain. The surgeon will only recommend the surgery after having done some tests (such as MRI, CT scan, X – rays, discography) because not everyone is suitable for this surgery. The reasons why replacement is needed are-

• When the disc between 2 vertebrae in the spine gets worn or damaged 
• Persistent pain in the back
• If the patient doesn’t get benefit from spinal fusion surgery (fusion permanently joins two vertebrae together).  

Complications 

• Wearing of the artificial disc
• Discomfort or other problems due to poor position
• Infection
• Dislocation of disc
• Narrowing of spine 
• Blood clots in the leg region due to reduced activity
• Stiffness of spine 
• Neck pain 
• Tissue swelling 

It is advisable that you should discuss the risks of the surgery with your surgeon, because the risk factors may differ.

Procedure      

Before  surgery 

• The orthopedic surgeon will do a physical examination of spine and shall advise diagnostic tests.
• The doctor basis the results of tests, medical history, current medications, allergies shall decide if the patient is an ideal candidate for the procedure
• The patient if a smoker is asked to refrain, stop certain medications and reduce weight, if obese
• Fasting of 8 – 12 hours before surgery and medications is taken with small sips of water before surgery

During surgery 

The main objective of lumbar disc replacement is to relieve the pain caused by pinched nerves or discogenic pain in the lumbar spine by replacing the damaged disc with specialized metal.

• The patient is given anesthesia in the arm and does not feel any pain during the surgery

• Then an incision (cut) is made in the abdomen and the organs and blood vessels are moved aside to access spine

• The surgeon removes the damaged disc and puts the new artificial disc in place. The position of the prosthesis is carefully evaluated visually and with the X-ray. The organs and blood vessels are put back in place and the incision is closed

• The patient is kept under monitoring until he is awake from the anesthesia. Catheter remains in bladder to make urination easier

Post surgery 

• The patient remains in the hospital for a few days. The surgery does not require any bone to heal hence the recovery is faster
• The patient is encouraged to walk within a day of surgery and catheter is removed after a few days
• A physical therapist will help to move about and exercise the trunk for quicker rehabilitation and recovery
• Lumbar disc replacement though improves mobility and lowers the back pain, but it does not completely eliminate pain. The doctor may be talked-to before the surgery to  get a realistic idea about what to expect after the surgery