What Is Lumbar Disc Replacement with activeL®
With the introduction of total disc replacement (TDR) surgery, surgeons can offer their patients an alternative to spinal fusion surgery for the treatment of symptomatic degenerative disc disease (DDD). The TDR procedure is intended to relieve pain and preserve motion in the spine.During both TDR surgery and spinal fusion surgery, the pain-generating disc is removed and the normal disc height is restored. During a fusion surgery, the spinal segment is stabilized with an implant and plate and/or rods and screws. Bone graft may be used to promote osseous fusion of the vertebrae. Conversely, during a TDR surgery an implant that allows motion is inserted into the disc space.
Both treatments are usually effective for relieving pain. However, preserving motion at the treated vertebral segment may enable the spine to restore its sagittal balance and maintain more natural mechanics after surgery than fusing the vertebral segment. This may potentially decelerate degeneration in healthy adjacent levels in the spine.
What is the activL Artificial Disc?
The activeL® Artificial Disc consists of two endplates made of a mix of metals commonly used in spine surgery and a plastic insert that fits between the two endplates. The plastic insert is flat on the bottom and round on the top and is designed to move as you move during daily activities.
The two endplates are held to the top and bottom surfaces of the involved vertebrae (the bones of the spine), and the plastic insert fits between them.
The activeL® Artificial Disc is designed to allow motion at the treated level of the spine as the plastic insert can move front to back within the metal endplates but not side to side.
Now FDA Approved!
The activL Artificial Disc for one-level lumbar use is a weight-bearing modular implant consisting of two endplates and one polyethylene inlay and is intended as an alternative to fusion. It’s designed to allow controlled motion at the surgery level.
These facts are given to help you make the right choice about artificial disc surgery.
There are good reasons to choose an artificial disc. The activL Artificial Disc may help end or lessen your pain and discomfort.
Surgery with the activeL® Artificial Disc:
- Will remove your worn out disc
- May help maintain motion in your low back
- May match the disc height to the levels above and below which may help un-trap nerves
- May lessen your back and/or leg pain
- May lessen any leg tingling
- May help you return to your normal life