Surgeons perform the artificial disc procedure under general anesthesia. The patient is positioned on his or her back. The neurosurgeon operates on the spine through an incision in the abdomen near the belly button. A general surgeon may also be present to assist the neurosurgeon in gently moving organs to one side so that the neurosurgeon can visualize the spine.

First, the collapsed degenerative disc(s) is removed. The neurosurgeon then uses a specially designed device to restore the natural height of the disc space. Following preparation of the disc space, the neurosurgeon must determine what size disc to implant. Once this decision has been made, the two endplates of the disc device are pressed in the spine above and below the disc space. Teeth along the border of each endplate allow the device to grip the bone. The polyethylene core is then placed between the endplates.

Bending x-rays of patients after the surgery show that the motion of the artificial disc can closely approximate the normal motion of a healthy disc.

The hospital stay for this procedure is approximately three days. Backward bending movements are restricted for several weeks after surgery. Patients can begin a therapy program shortly after surgery.

To schedule an appointment with a surgeon at Rush trained to implant the artificial disc, please call (888) 352-RUSH.