What Is Lumbar Disc Replacement?

Lumbar disc replacement is a minimally invasive surgery that replaces a damaged or worn-out spinal disc in the lower back (lumbar spine) with an artificial disc. It helps restore movement and reduce chronic back pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments.

 Why Is This Disc Important?

The lumbar spine is made of bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of each other, with discs in between. These discs act like shock absorbers, helping you:

• Bend and twist

• Sit, stand, and lift comfortably

• Move without pain

When a disc wears out (degenerative disc disease), it can cause nerve pressure, stiffness, and pain that limits daily life.

How the Procedure Works

1. Small incision in the lower abdomen

2. Surgeons gently move muscles and organs aside (no cutting through back muscles)

3. Remove the damaged disc

4. Insert a custom-fitted artificial disc

5. Close with minimal scarring

Advanced, Minimally Invasive Technology

• Motion-preserving implants that mimic natural disc movement

• Robotic-assisted guidance for precision placement

• Fluoroscopy or navigation systems for real-time imaging

• Smaller incisions = faster recovery and less blood loss

Benefits

• Reduces back pain and leg pain

• Restores spinal movement and flexibility

• Faster return to daily life than traditional fusion

• No bone grafts or long-term fusion restrictions

 Who’s a Good Candidate?

You may be a candidate if:

• You have single-level disc degeneration

• You’ve had chronic lower back pain for over 6 months

• You’ve tried physical therapy or injections with little relief

• You don’t have spinal instability or advanced arthritis