Cervical and Lumbar Disc Replacement in Fort Myers
Artificial disc replacement is a motion preserving surgical option for selected patients with painful or damaged spinal discs. Instead of permanently joining the adjacent vertebrae, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an implant designed to maintain movement at the treated level.
Dr. Franco Vigna has completed fellowship training in both cervical and lumbar disc replacement. He evaluates each patient carefully to determine whether artificial disc replacement, fusion, or another treatment offers the most appropriate solution.
What Is Artificial Disc Replacement?
Artificial disc replacement removes a damaged intervertebral disc and replaces it with a mechanical implant. The implant maintains spacing between the vertebrae and is designed to allow controlled movement.
Disc replacement is not simply a treatment for an abnormal MRI. The damaged disc must correspond with the patient’s pain, neurological symptoms, or functional limitations.
Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical disc replacement is performed in the neck. It may be considered when a damaged or herniated disc is compressing a nerve root or the spinal cord.
During surgery, the damaged disc and any material pressing on the neurological structures are removed. An artificial disc is then positioned between the adjacent vertebrae.
The goals may include:
- Relieving pressure on the nerves or spinal cord
- Reducing arm pain, numbness, or weakness
- Maintaining motion at the treated level
- Restoring normal disc height
- Avoiding fusion in an appropriate candidate
Lumbar Disc Replacement
Lumbar disc replacement is performed in the lower back and is generally intended for carefully selected patients with disc related pain originating from a specific lumbar level.
Because lumbar pain can come from the discs, joints, nerves, muscles, or sacroiliac joints, identifying the source is particularly important. Patients with advanced arthritis, significant instability, severe osteoporosis, deformity, or extensive nerve compression may require a different procedure.
Disc Replacement Versus Spinal Fusion
Fusion eliminates movement at the treated level to provide stability and reduce painful motion. Disc replacement attempts to preserve movement.
Neither option is automatically better for every patient. Fusion may be more appropriate when the spine is unstable, significantly deformed, or affected by advanced joint disease. Disc replacement may be considered when the surrounding anatomy remains healthy enough to support the implant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is artificial disc replacement different from fusion?
Disc replacement is designed to preserve movement at the treated level. Fusion allows two or more vertebrae to heal together, eliminating movement between them.
Is everyone with a damaged disc a candidate?
No. Candidacy depends on the source of pain, condition of the surrounding joints, spinal alignment, bone quality, degree of instability, and other health factors.
Can more than one disc be replaced?
Some patients may qualify for treatment at more than one level. The number of levels that can be treated depends on the location, anatomy, implant indications, and individual diagnosis.
Can disc replacement restore completely normal movement?
Is the recovery the same for cervical and lumbar replacement?
Cold laser therapy improves nerve function by stimulating cellular regeneration and increasing blood flow to affected nerves, helping reduce tingling, numbness, and burning sensations.
Explore Motion Preserving Spine Surgery
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Franco Vigna to find out whether cervical or lumbar artificial disc replacement may be appropriate for your condition.