Frequently Asked Questions
Are there possible disadvantages of fusion of vertebral bodies
Abolition of mobility. Increase in the load on the intervertebral discs in neighboring
segments. Resulting connection instability of neighboring segments. Shifting of disc
degeneration and resulting discomfort to adjacent segments of the spine
what material is a disc prosthesis made of
A disc prosthesis consists mainly of two metal plates. These are mainly made of titanium.
When can I do sports again
About six weeks after the procedure, you should be able to go swimming or cycling again
regularly. You can resume your usual sports training about nine to twelve weeks after the
procedure, gradually increasing the amount of exercise you do.
4-Level Cervical ADR: Neurosurgeon Andreas Schmitz
Can an artificial disc also slip?
Slippage of the artificial disc is prevented by the titanium-coated outer plates and by small
barbs, so-called keel feet, which anchor themselves to the vertebral bodies.
What types of disc prostheses are there?
A distinction is made between two different disc prostheses: the cervical and the lumbar disc
prosthesis.
How long hospital after disc prosthesis?
The inpatient stay after surgery of a disc prosthesis lasts 2-5 days. After a few days, the
patient can be discharged home after appropriate healing of the surgical wound. You should
take time to recover for about 6 weeks until the healing process is complete.
When can you ride a bike again after disc surgery?When can you ride a bike again after disc surgery?
You can start cycling again as early as six weeks after disc surgery - unless your doctor
recommends otherwise based on your individual diagnosis. At the beginning, however, make
sure to choose routes that are as flat as possible and without inclines.
When to get a disc prosthesis?
Disc prosthesis is used when patients suffer from back pain caused by a degenerated disc.
Usually this pain occurs in a single segment of the spine.
How long does surgery on the intervertebral disc take?
The surgical microscope with various instruments is inserted through the skin incision and
the herniated disc can be removed microsurgically. The operation is generally performed
under general anesthesia and lasts approximately one hour.
How heavy can I lift after disc surgery?
5 kg allowed, higher load at the earliest after 12 weeks with the doctor's agreement.
Who invented the artificial intervertebral disc and since when there are disc prothesis
The first description of an intervertebral disc prosthesis is attributed to Fernström, who
described the implantation of a stainless steel ball into the intervertebral disc space in 1966,
although Reitz and Joubert published a study on 75 implantations of an intervertebral disc
replacement as early as 1964.
