The artificial intervertebral disk

1. Spinal fusion is used frequently as a treatment for low back pain and intervertebral disk degeneration. 2. There is increasing concern, however, that the biochemical rigidity of internal fixation may predispose adjacent spinal motion segments to rapid deterioration. 3. The advantages of artificial disk replacement include the following: no loss of motion in the back; no increased pressure on adjacent disks; and a shorter recovery time.