Bad Back Blog - Herniated Disc

Most of the breaking news surrounding treatment for bulging discs concerns emerging surgical techniques aimed at providing long term relief to those who have been unsuccessful with conservative treatment.

A Cochrane review by Gibson & Waddell (2007) found that a discectomy could alleviate disc-related sciatic pain in specific patients quite quickly. Another common surgical intervention known as spinal fusion (whereby the bony material is joined together thus closing up the disc and joint space) can produce good results in around 80% of cases (Cluett, 2007). However there can be lingering pain and problems after a spinal fusion due to a change in the normal biomechanics of the spine.

One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of a “disc replacement”. This approach has only been performed in the last few years (Cluett, 2007), and is still considered to be experimental, with research being completed mainly in Europe (An & Juarez, 2007). The normal disc is replaced by a metal and plastic device that behaves as a normal disc would. The advantage of this approach is that unlike spinal fusion, normal biomechanics of the spine are preserved and fewer complications develop (Cluett, 2007).

Disc replacements are particularly effective for relieving pain associated with degenerative disc problems (an ageing disc) at L4/5 or L5/S1 when six months of conservative intervention has failed to improve symptoms (Holt & Majd, 2007). Research also suggests those with post-discectomy syndrome (continued back pain after surgery for a herniated disc) may benefit from a disc replacement (An & Juarez, 2007). As this is a new intervention, it is difficult to evaluate whether there are any longer term complications arising from a disc replacement (Cluett, 2007).The current selection criteria includes single level disc disease, strong bone composition and the absence of problems such as scoliosis and spondylolisthesis(Holt& Majd). Potential complications include damage and dislocation of the implant and infection. As with any artificial device, the disc may be prone to damage over time from wear and tear (An & Juarez).

If you have any other specific tops you want covered, drop a comment!

Consult your GP, specialist or physiotherapist for any personal advice. Already done so? Why not get another opinion? Many disc problems can be successfully treated.

Author: Natalie Szmerling B.Physio
Suite 4/75 Bay St Brighton, Victoria 3186 Australia
03 95306353
info@baysidetherapies.com.au
www.baysidetherapies.com.au
Read Natalie’s other articles here

This information is informative only and shouldn’t be used to diagnose or treat any ailment, disease [or anything else].

References:

An, H Juarez, K. Artificial Disc Replacement. Available from URL http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article1671.html [Accessed 2007 August 17]

Cluett, J. Lumbar Disc Replacement. Available from URL http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/backpain/a/discreplacement.htm [Accessed 2007 August 17]

Gibson, A Waddell, G. Surgical Interventions For Lumbar Disc Prolapse: Updated Cochrane Review. Spine 2007; 32 (16): 1735-1747

Holt, R Majd, M. Disc Replacement Surgery. Available from URL www.spine-surgery.com [Accessed 2007 August 17]

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 21st, 2007 at 9:50 pm and is filed under Specialist Posts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.