Artificial Disc-TDR (Total Disc Replacement)

How is Total Disc Replacement performed?

Why should Total Disc Replacement be avoided?

01
Highly invasive: large incision and excessive cutting of normal tissues between skin and spine during Total Disc Replacement.
02
Excessive and unnecessary bleeding during and after surgery from tissue trauma by the surgeon.
03
Unnecessary removal of a functional disc
04
Destruction of normal stabilizing spinal ligaments by the surgeon during Total Disc Replacement.
05
Destruction of normal muscles around the spine by the surgeon during Total Disc Replacement.
06
Excessive scar tissue forms around the spine and nerves after Total Disc Replacement.
07
Complications are common after Total Disc Replacement.
08
Spinal instability is common after Total Disc Replacement.
09
Disc herniations and degenerated discs are not treated properly when Total Disc Replacement is performed. The source of back pain (inflammation) is not removed. Untreated posterior annular tear and herniation is the most common cause of back and leg pain after Total Disc Replacement.
10
Stenosis either persists or reoccurs commonly after Total Disc Replacement and will require additional surgery.
11
Adjacent segment disease is common after Total Disc Replacement and requires additional surgery.
12
Excessive postoperative pain always occurs after Total Disc Replacement due to soft tissue injury, muscle trauma and necrosis all caused by the surgeon. During Total Disc Replacement the muscles of the abdominal wall are cut and intestines displaced, to get down to the disc. The surgically damaged tissues cause severe postoperative inflammation and pain that always requires opioid painkillers and muscle relaxers after Total Disc Replacement. Opioid painkillers are highly addicting, cause tolerance, abuse and even death from breathing failure.
13
Back pain often becomes worse after Total Disc Replacement. Pain management will be recommended indefinitely.
14
Total Disc Replacement has one of the highest chances of complications including bowel perforation, vascular injury and sexual dysfunction.
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Long operating times are needed for Total Disc Replacement.
16
General intubated anesthesia is needed for Total Disc Replacement.
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Additional surgery will be necessary in many patients having Total Disc Replacement.
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Most Total Disc Replacement patients end up in pain management after surgery.

What complications occur with Total Disc Replacement?

01
Nerve root damage
02
Spinal fluid leak
03
Infection: discitis, osteomyelitis, blood, spinal fluid, lungs, bladder & kidney
04
Recurrent disc herniation
05
Residual stenosis
06
Hardware failure: implant migration or separation
07
Proximal junction kyphosis and failure
08
Vertebral fracture, subsidence, telescoping of implant
09
Adjacent segment disease, spinal instability
10
Deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, pneumothorax
11
Failed back surgery, chronic pain
12
Sexual dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation
13
Injury to blood vessels, bladder or ureters
14
Excessive scar tissue formation
15
Heterotopic ossification, osteonecrosis
16
Death
17
Excessive radiation exposure
18
Allergic reactions