Are You a Candidate for Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement?

At the Spine Institute, we advocate for artificial disc replacement over fusion for a number of reasons. While everyone's condition is unique and you must always discuss your options for artificial disc replacement with your physician, here are the criteria for a candidate for a ProDisc-L implant made by Synthes:

• You must be suffering from Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) at only one level between L3 and S1. DDD is defined as a disc that is worn out or has become injured and is causing pain. This determination is made based on history, physical examination and x-rays
• You should have at least six months of conservative treatment (e.g., medications, physical therapy, etc.) without relief of symptoms
• Your vertebrae must be dimensionally large enough to support the device
• You must not have an active infection, either throughout your body or localized to your spine
• You must have good bone quality (no osteoporosis or osteopenia)
• You must not be allergic to cobalt chromium, molybdenum, polyethelene, titanium, or tantalum
• You must be old enough that the bones in your body are mature and no longer growing
• You must not have spinal anatomy that would prevent implantation of the device or cause the device to be unstable in your body, as determined by your doctor

Learn more about other devices we use for lumbar artificial disc replacement on our website.

Remember, these are just criteria for the artificial disc replacement device. Only you and your doctor can decide the best treatment for you and your condition.

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