Disc Replacement - Invasive Spine Surgery with Complications

Why is Total Disc Replacement recommended by some spine surgeons?

An illustration comparing a healthy spine segment with degenerative disc and a spine segment that has undergone total disc replacement with an artificial disc implant.

Radiculopathy (nerve root dysfunction) from compressed/pinched nerves
Sciatica (pain down leg to foot) from compressed/pinched nerves
Cauda Equina Syndrome (poly radiculopathy) from compressed/pinched nerves
Spinal stenosis
Herniated Disc
Recurrent disc herniation
Strong financial incentives for spine surgeons and hospitals

How is Total Disc Replacement performed?

Why should Total Disc Replacement be avoided?

Highly invasive: large incision and excessive cutting of normal tissues between skin and spine during Total Disc Replacement.

Excessive and unnecessary bleeding during and after surgery from tissue trauma by the surgeon.

Unnecessary removal of a functional disc

Destruction of normal stabilizing spinal ligaments by the surgeon during Total Disc Replacement.

Destruction of normal muscles around the spine by the surgeon during Total Disc Replacement.

Excessive scar tissue forms around the spine and nerves after Total Disc Replacement.

Complications are common after Total Disc Replacement.

Spinal instability is common after Total Disc Replacement.

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.

Stenosis either persists or reoccurs commonly after Total Disc Replacement and will require additional surgery.

Adjacent segment disease is common after Total Disc Replacement and requires additional surgery.

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.