Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
11:30
Multilevel Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Degenerative Lumbar Disc Disease with Instability
Published on: July 25, 2025
Prosthetic lumbar disc replacement for degenerative disc disease
Arvind G Kulkarni1, Ashish D Diwan
1Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St George Hospital Campus, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Neurology India
|March 28, 2006
Summary
Artificial disc replacement offers a promising alternative to spinal fusion for low back pain. While short-term results are comparable, long-term outcomes of lumbar disc arthroplasty remain largely unknown.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomedical engineering
- Spinal medicine
Background:
- Low back pain due to disc degeneration is a common condition.
- Spinal fusion is a traditional treatment, but carries risks like adjacent segment degeneration.
- Mechanical articulated devices offer a potential alternative to fusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rationale, indications, and contraindications for lumbar disc arthroplasty.
- To discuss various artificial disc devices and their insertion techniques.
- To summarize the current evidence on short- and mid-term outcomes and highlight the lack of long-term data.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of lumbar disc arthroplasty.
- Discussion of surgical techniques and device types.
- Analysis of existing clinical outcome data (short- and mid-term).
Main Results:
- Short-term outcomes of lumbar disc arthroplasty are comparable to spinal fusion.
- Mid-term results show mixed outcomes.
- Long-term efficacy and safety data are currently unavailable.
Conclusions:
- Lumbar disc arthroplasty is a promising option for selected patients with disc degeneration.
- Potential benefits include preserved mobility and avoidance of fusion-related complications.
- Further long-term studies are essential to fully understand the device's performance and safety profile.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...