Cervical and Lumbar Disc Replacement
Cervical or lumbar disc replacement, also known as total disc arthroplasty, entails removing the damaged disc or discs and replacing them with artificial discs. The procedure is similar to the previously explained discectomy, with the difference being the implantation of artificial discs to replace the cervical or lumbar intervertebral disc that was removed.
The replacement disc is technically composed of two metal discs, one of which is attached to the upper vertebrae while the other is attached to the bottom vertebrae. A sheet of medical-grade plastic goes between these two metal pieces so they can slide and mimic natural movement as possible. The ideal goal of cervical or lumbar disc replacement is to prevent the need for spinal fusion.