Lumbar Disc Prosthesis

Degeneration of spinal disks can lead to severe chronic or intermittent back pain with or without radiations into the legs. This pain can have considerable impact on daily life activities. Many patients with degenerative spine disease had disk prolapses in their previous medical history. Whereas, on x-ray images, disk degeneration will not be readily detectable, the degenerative structures can be clearly seen on MRI Magnetic Resonance Images.

However, the most important question is, if the visible degenerative changes correlate to the prevailing symptoms. It could be shown, that patients without back pain often show considerable degenerative changes, whereas other patients with “normal” MRI findings suffer from most severe pain. In other words: imaging techniques alone cannot lead to an adequate solution to the problem.

Before a decision for surgery is made, a thorough physical examination and evaluation of images is required. If MRI findings fit to the prevailing symptoms – the solution for the problem is possibly near at hand.

If MRI findings fit to the prevailing symptoms – the solution for the problem is possibly near at hand.

Thanks to progress in implant development modern artificial disk replacements are fitted ideally to the functional setting of the lumbar spine and allow for natural movement – preserving by this means, the mobility of the lower back.

Additionally, their elasticity lets them work as shock absorbers just like their natural counterparts. This helps to prevent the adjacent sections of the spine from undue stresses.