Artificial lumbar disc replacement is one of the most complicated surgical procedures. In the lower area of the spine, the degenerated or worn disk gets replaced with an artificial one that is made of metal or a mix of plastic and metal.
The artificial lumbar disc replacement is a back or spine surgery that is meant to eliminate back pain while keeping the natural motion that is better than other procedures like spinal fusion. The spine is made of vertebrae known as bones. Discs are present between the bones to function like cushions to move without having the bones rub against one another. The discs and lumbar vertebrae are present at the bottom of the spine.
Indications that artificial lumbar disc replacement is necessary
Not each person with a lower back problem is a suitable candidate for the artificial lumbar disc replacement procedure. The doctor will run suitable tests to determine if the procedure is right for you. The artificial lumbar disc replacement is recommended if the conditions listed below exist for you.
- Most of the discomfort in your back is the result of one or two discs in the lower spine
- You are not overly fat or overweight
- You have no deformities present in the spine
- You have never undergone lumbar spine surgery before this
- There aren’t any serious facet joint disorders or bony compression of the spinal nerves in the body.
Tests and diagnosis for the artificial lumbar disc replacement
The doctor can ask for a host of tests to ensure that you are the right candidate for the artificial lumbar disc replacement. These tests are as follows:
- Complete physical exam of the spine
- Blood tests
- Discography
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI
Details of lumbar disc replacement surgery cost
The lumbar disc replacement surgery cost varies to some extent from one hospital to another. In general, the cost of the surgery is around INR 4,98,000 in most hospitals. The cost can be more or less depending on the experience of the surgeon, infrastructural facilities of the hospital, and so on.
Moreover, you can ask your insurance provider whether the artificial lumbar disc replacement procedure is included in your health policy. In case it is included, you can be assured of getting back most of the money that you spend on the surgery.
Complications and risk of artificial lumbar disc replacement
As in case of any other surgery, there are risks involved in artificial lumbar disc replacement as well. Some of the possible complications of the procedure are given below:
- blood clots
- spine narrowing
- a badly placed implant causing issues
- rigidity or stiffness of the spine
- failure or fracturing of the implant
- wearing out or loosening of the implant
- dislocation of the spinal discography
- infections occurring due to the artificial disc or on the area right around it
Now that you know the cost of artificial lumbar disc replacement and other details of the procedure, make sure and get the treatment done. Book your appointment right away.
