During a Total Disc Replacement procedure, your BSSNY surgeon will remove the injured disc and replace it with an artificial disc that is designed to replicate the natural motion of the spine.

This procedure is typically performed for patients who have disc herniation or degenerative disc disease that is causing them chronic pain, which hasn’t been relieved from non-surgical treatments.

Through this type of surgery, patients:

• Maintain normal motion
• Have none of the complication or issues sometimes associated with a bone graft or fusion
• Have a reduced chance of degenerative disc disease in adjacent joints

The procedure is designed to relieve the pressure on your spinal cord or nerves that are causing the pain, numbness, and weakness.

The Procedure

Your surgeon will make a small incision through which the damaged disc will be removed. After s/he removes the damaged disc, s/he will smooth away any bone spurs and then place and anchor the artificial disc in the empty space that is left. The surgeon then closes the incision and covers it with a dressing.

You will then be moved to a recovery room where you will be monitored for the next few hours. After you have recovered, you will be sent home with post-op instructions.