prodisc L Total Disc Replacement in Dallas, TX

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Normally, the disc sandwiched between each vertebra provides the cushioning space that keeps the bones separated. Degenerative Disc Disease, or DDD, is a condition that can occur when the discs in your spine no longer function normally because of aging, wear, or from being injured. This can cause pain that limits your ability to perform daily activities. This condition can often be treated non-surgically with medications, physical therapy, spinal injections, chiropractic care, braces, exercise programs, or rest. However, in some cases, the symptoms may not improve or may get worse, and then your doctor may suggest surgery. The traditional surgery for DDD has been spinal fusion surgery. In spinal fusion surgery, the unhealthy disc is removed, the bones are held in position with medical devices, and a bone graft is placed in the area. In most cases, the bone for the graft is obtained from the patient’s hip bone through a separate incision. After surgery, bone is supposed to grow between the two vertebrae, creating one solid piece of bone. If you have fusion surgery, it may take your pain away, but you may have less motion in your back. Another option your doctor may consider is surgery with an artificial disc replacement device. The prodiscL Total Disc Replacement is one artificial disc replacement device.

The prodisc L Total Disc Replacement is an artificial disc replacement device for the lower spine designed to replace your unhealthy disc.

All of the materials used to make the prodisc L Total Disc Replacement are materials frequently used in spine surgery. The prodisc L Total Disc Replacement is a ball and socket implant consisting of two Cobalt Chromium Molybdenum alloy (metal) endplates and a polyethylene (plastic) inlay. The polyethylene inlay snap-locks into the lower endplate and provides the ball that rides in the socket of the upper endplate.

There are also keels (fins) on both endplates that are designed to help hold them in the vertebral bone. The metal surfaces that are in contact with the bone are also coated with titanium (a metal). This coating is designed to help the bone attach to the metal endplates.

The prodisc L Total Disc Replacement is designed to allow motion in flexion and extension (bending forward and backward) as well as lateral bending (bending side to side); however, not all patients will achieve motion after treatment with the prodisc L Total Disc Replacement.