It is important to understand that preparation for your surgical procedure is one of the more important aspects to a successful disc replacement recovery. After you and your surgeon have agreed that disc replacement surgery is the right choice for treating your condition you may begin to make preparations for your upcoming surgery.

Most surgery requires that you need to be in good health. You will be required to visit your primary health care provider to obtain medical clearance to undergo artificial disc replacement surgery. To have the highest chance of avoiding complications during and after your procedure it is important that you are in your best possible physical shape. Before the surgery you will also consult with an anesthesiologist to evaluate you and provide council regarding your anesthesia.

There are other factors you can control that will have an impact on how your body handles the procedure and the disc replacement recovery. One of the major concerns would be to give up smoking before your surgery. Even if you cannot quit for good (although it would be great if you could!) it is important to try to avoid tobacco products before you surgery and during your initial recovery. Tobacco has been known to interfere with anesthesia and the body’s healing process.

The recommended amount of time that you should be on anti-inflammatory medication after disc replacement surgery is 10 days. It is important that you speak with your doctor before stopping the use of this medicine as you will need to know which medication it actually is. You doctor may also suggest that you continue with the medicine depending on your specific circumstances.

Prior to your surgery you may be required to donate one or two units of your own blood incase complications arise and you require a blood transfusion during or after your surgery. This blood will be stored in a blood bank until it is needed.

Disc Replacement Surgery – The Day of Your Surgery

Like with most other surgical procedures, you will most likely be admitted to the hospital in the morning on the day of your surgery. You will be advised not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. If you have a diabetic condition it is important that you inform your surgeon; let him know how you manage your condition, whether it is with the use of an insulin pump, insulin injections, or diet and exercise. Depending on your pre-operative stress level you may need to have your glucose levels monitored a week prior to your surgery and continuing on for several weeks after.

Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery – The Procedure

Although artificial disc replacement surgery is revolutionary in the material and design used for the disc, the procedure and methods used to implant the disc are both routine and safe.

The first step in this procedure is to remove the damage spinal disc between the vertebrae. Once the disc has successfully been extracted two metal plates are then inserted above and below the space where the damaged disc was. The metal plates are attached to the bone with metal spikes. During the healing process bone will grow over the metal plates. A synthetic disc made of polyethylene is then inserted into the area where the old disc once was. It is the patient’s own body weight that completes the process as it compresses the spacer during recovery.