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What is Total Disc Replacement?

Total Disc Replacement (TDR) is a surgical procedure that involves removing a damaged or degenerated intervertebral disc and replacing it with an artificial disc. The primary goal of TDR is to relieve pain, restore normal spinal movement, and improve overall function. Unlike traditional spinal fusion surgery, which limits motion by permanently joining the vertebrae, Total Disc Replacement preserves the natural movement of the spine, offering a more flexible, long-term solution. This procedure can be performed in either the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine. It is typically recommended for patients with conditions such as:

  • Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD): Age-related disc degeneration that leads to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
  • Herniated Discs: When the soft inner material of a disc pushes out and presses on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.
  • Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
  • Facet Joint Osteoarthritis: When the small joints of the spine become worn and inflamed.

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Benefits of Total Disc Replacement

Total Disc Replacement in NYC with our team offers several advantages over traditional spinal fusion:

  • Preserves Motion: TDR allows for the preservation of natural spinal motion, which is important for the mobility of the neck or lower back.
  • Reduced Pain: By removing the damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial one, pressure on the spinal nerves is relieved, helping reduce pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs.
  • Faster Recovery: TDR is often associated with a faster recovery time compared to spinal fusion, allowing patients to return to their daily activities more quickly.
  • No Bone Graft Needed: Unlike spinal fusion, which requires a bone graft to promote healing, TDR does not require bone graft material, making the procedure less invasive.
  • Long-Term Results: The artificial disc mimics the natural function of the spine, providing long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility.

The Total Disc Replacement Procedure

The Total Disc Replacement procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. Here’s what you can expect during the surgery:

  • Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision in the front (for cervical cases) or through the abdomen (for lumbar cases) to access the damaged disc.
  • Removal of the Damaged Disc: The degenerated or herniated disc is carefully removed, and the surrounding tissue is cleaned to prepare for the artificial disc.
  • Implantation of the Artificial Disc: The surgeon inserts the artificial disc into the empty disc space. The device is designed to mimic the natural height and movement of a healthy disc.
  • Alignment and Verification: The surgeon ensures that the artificial disc is properly aligned and that the spinal alignment is restored. X-rays may be taken during the procedure to confirm correct positioning.
  • Closure: Once the artificial disc is in place, the small incision is closed with sutures or staples.

The surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours, and most patients can return home the same day or the day after the procedure.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

After Total Disc Replacement surgery, patients can expect the following:

  • Hospital Stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days, depending on the complexity of the surgery and individual recovery.
  • Pain Management: While some discomfort is expected following surgery, pain medications will be prescribed to manage any post-surgical pain.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is often recommended to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the neck or lower back.
  • Activity Restrictions: During the initial recovery phase, patients should avoid heavy lifting or high-impact activities to allow the artificial disc to settle into place.
  • Recovery Timeline: Most patients can return to light activities within a few weeks, while a full recovery typically takes 6 to 12 weeks.
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Advantages of Total Disc Replacement

  • Minimal Risk of Adjacent Segment Degeneration: Traditional fusion surgery can sometimes lead to additional stress and degeneration in the neighboring discs. With TDR, the preserved motion reduces the risk of this complication.
  • Improved Flexibility: The artificial disc restores natural movement in the spine, making activities such as bending, twisting, and turning easier to perform.
  • Reduced Need for Future Surgeries: Since the artificial disc preserves the normal biomechanics of the spine, the likelihood of needing future surgeries in adjacent spinal segments is lower than with fusion.
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Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, Total Disc Replacement carries some risks, including:

  • Infection
  • Nerve injury
  • Bleeding
  • Implant failure or displacement
  • Adjacent segment degeneration (though less likely than with fusion)
  • Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Your surgeon will work with you to minimize these risks and ensure the best possible outcome.

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Why Choose Gerling Spine Care NY?

At Gerling Spine Care NY, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for patients seeking treatment for spine conditions. Dr. Michael Gerling, along with our experienced team, is committed to offering the most advanced spinal treatments, including Total Disc Replacement, to help you find long-lasting relief and regain your quality of life.

We understand that every patient is unique, which is why we offer personalized care tailored to your specific condition and needs. With a focus on minimally invasive techniques, the latest technology, and compassionate care, we strive to help you achieve the best possible results and return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

If you're suffering from neck or lower back pain due to degenerative disc disease or disc herniation, contact Gerling Spine Care today to schedule a consultation and find out if Total Disc Replacement in NYC is the right option for you. Let us help you take the next step toward a healthier, pain-free future!

Our Locations

Gerling Spinecare & Research Institute consists of NY Orthopedics & Gerling Institute NJ. Two practices, one standard of excellence.

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Relief starts with quality orthopedic care. Contact us today to take the next step toward a more active, pain-free life.

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