Total disc replacement arthroplasty

Degenerative disc disease is a common problem affecting millions of people worldwide. It is most often initially treated with conservative management, consisting of analgesics, activity management, and an exercise program to strengthen the musculature that supports the area of the spinal problem. Invasive treatment, including a spinal fusion with or without instrumentation, may be necessary if conservative management is not successful. A spinal fusion will eliminate at least one motion segment of the spine, often adding stress to adjacent levels and causing the degenerative process to affect those discs above or below the fusion. It has been hypothesized that maintaining motion at the affected level rather than fusing it will lessen the risk of more degenerative disc levels.