Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
01:24
Full-Endoscopic Transforaminal Approach for Lumbar Discectomy
Published on: September 8, 2023
[Perioperative morbidity in lumbar disc replacement].
Zeitschrift Fur Orthopadie Und Unfallchirurgie
|August 18, 2010
Summary
Total lumbar disc replacement (TDR) shows perioperative morbidity comparable to interbody fusion. The number of levels operated on and intraoperative blood loss significantly influenced complication rates in this study.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Interbody fusion is the gold standard for degenerative disc disease.
- Adjacent disc degeneration after fusion prompted development of non-fusion techniques.
- Total lumbar disc replacement (TDR) represents a key spine arthroplasty philosophy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the perioperative morbidity associated with lumbar disc replacement.
- To compare TDR morbidity with existing literature and interbody fusion outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 66 patients who underwent TDR between 2001 and 2007 (78 prostheses).
- Evaluation of patient-related variables (comorbidity, prior surgeries), blood loss, operation duration, and complications.
- Analysis of factors influencing perioperative morbidity, including number of levels operated on.
Main Results:
- Mean operation time was 112 minutes with average blood loss of 560 mL.
- Significant factors influencing morbidity included the number of levels operated on and intraoperative blood loss.
- General complications (9%) included UTI; technical complications (6%) involved severe blood loss; specific complications included iliac vein injury, retrograde ejaculation, and dural tear with infection.
Conclusions:
- Perioperative morbidity of lumbar disc replacement in this study is comparable to published data.
- TDR appears to have perioperative morbidity comparable to lumbar interbody fusion.
Related Concept Videos
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...
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...
01:27Degenerative 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...