Donald does not care about the controversy. He just wants his mother to get “the best” that technology has to offer. Luckily, he has found a surgeon in the area who does disc replacement surgeries. Weeks later, the surgeon finally sees Donald’s mother, but tells her that she is not a good candidate for this type of surgery. Instead, the surgeon offers other options which are better suited for her situation.
One thing that researching artificial disc replacement (ADR) has taught all surgeons is that patient selection is the key to successful outcomes. Only certain patients meet the criteria for disc implants. The best chances for success are for those with a single painful disc, preferably with a disc herniation. Single disc replacements tend to be more successful because those who have had multi-level disc replacement surgery are not as satisfied with the results as those with just one artificial disc. Leg pain, facet pain, and spine instability (spondylolisthesis) are other reasons people are excluded from having disc replacement surgery. In fact, with the current recommendations about patient selection, very few people qualify for ADR. Eventually as the technology improves, the selection criteria will broaden. For now, research continues and more will be learned about the long term effects of a disc implant that has the potential to wear out over time.
Until further research is completed, disc replacement is still experimental in this infancy stage. Like a baby learning how to walk, there have been some bumps and bruises from complications like implant shifting and improper positioning. Because of these technical difficulties, the spine has proven to be much more complicated than hips, knees or even shoulders. Surgeons and patients must proceed with caution and with a clear understanding of the issues such as: patient selection, long term effects, complications, satisfaction rates, and alternatives. Overall, the goal for any surgery is too improve a patient’s ability to live comfortably. Maybe surgery is not the best treatment option on the horizon for disc degeneration? Maybe surgery is not the best option for a particular individual? All the options need to be considered carefully before jumping on the joint replacement bandwagon because the person with the most replaced parts does not necessarily win.
