Operation course - implantation of the disc-disc prosthesis on the lumbar spine
This surgery will be performed under general anesthesia, via skin incision of 6-centimeter-long on the lower abdominal area. The incision will be deepened to the muscle layers till the peritoneum (peritoneum). The peritoneum is then shifted to the side, in order to create, with special instruments a direct access to the front side of the lumbar spine (usually L5/S1). With the help of special surgical microscope and micro instruments we reach the affected intervertebral disc. The anterior longitudinal ligament (lat. ligamentum longitudinale anterius) is opened and here from the space between the vertebrae we remove the degenerated disc completely. If disc material (herniated disc) is present in the spinal canal, it will be also removed. Ossifications are also removed in order to give movement to the segment. Then we bring the vertebrae back to their original height and insert the prosthesis into the gap between them – which means we anchor them without cement, serving as a future placeholder and movement segment.
Through the rough surfaces of the metal plates, the prosthesis grows in the following weeks with the adjacent vertebral bodies, which means that the bone material grows in the coated base and covers the plates of the intervertebral disc prosthesis.
Right after surgery
The procedure takes place under general anesthesia and lasts approximately 60 minutes. After the procedure, our competent team will welcome you in your recovery where, as usual, your heart and lung functions are going to be monitored. Well-trained nurses won't leave you alone. The day of the operation we recommend you to rest well. Slight temporary swelling or muscle tension are treated.
The next days after the operation
The implantation of disc prosthesis requires the highly concentrated use of a first-class surgical team. Patients must follow doctor's instructions carefully in order to maintain the successful results of the treatment. Basically, your impatient stay will be of about 10 days but for a total recovery you will have to wait at least four weeks. Patients will also wear a lumbar bandage for 4-8 weeks. The frequency and direction of the lumbar spine movements must be determined by the doctor. Lifting and carrying heavy loads should be avoided. Before being discharged, your doctor will prescribe you an individual physiotherapeutic program for general relaxation of the muscles and later for their strengthening. The inability to work will be of about 8 weeks. Once you feel that the affected segments are “normal” again, you can start to move your spine. However: It is recommended not to drive for at least four weeks, as well as cycling. Golf and tennis are allowed, but after about ten weeks.
Advantages of an intervertebral disc prosthesis
Normally, with the implantation of intervertebral disc prosthesis you can expect to have a painless era in your life. Thanks to the modern disc prosthesis you get back a natural mobility of your cervical spine. You will especially appreciate that because the movement segment was significantly disturbed before the procedure. Another advantage is that by implanting one of these modern prostheses, the affection of the adjacent segments (the adjacent intervertebral discs) is significantly reduced.
The surgery allows a tissue-conserving approach (without damaging nerve roots), so you can recover quickly. Complications of this procedure such as bleeding or inflammation are rare. Even less frequently structures in this area can be injured. In about 15% of cases, the disc loses elasticity and stiffens.
The Avicenna Clinic in Berlin is always willing to help you
Since the year 2001, the Avicenna Clinic is based in Berlin. Our doctors have at least 25 years of international experience in their respective fields (neurosurgery, spinal surgery, anesthesia, and orthopedics).
If you have severe back pain, a herniated disc or a suspected herniation, please contact us using the following information: