Specialist Services

Total Disc Replacement

Spinal fusion, a time tested surgical option for spinal disorders, has been performed for nearly one hundred years. Spinal fusion stops movement at the diseased region of the spine and thereby reduces pain. The movements of the spine are a result of small amounts of movements at numerous segments. Therefore, stopping movement at one part of the spine can increase the stress on the adjacent mobile segments. Over a period of time, the segment adjacent to the fusion has the potential to undergo excess wear and tear and become painful.

Replacement of the spinal intervertebral disc with an artificial disc (Total Disc Replacement) was first introduced in Germany in the early 1980's. Numerous technological advances in the design and components of the artificial disc have led to the increasing popularity of the procedure.

The pain producing intervertebral disc is replaced by an artificial disc that retains movement at the operated segment. The mobile artificial disc does not increase stress at the adjacent non-operated levels (unlike spinal fusion) and has the potential to prevent the adjacent levels from becoming painful. Total disc replacement is an alternative to spinal fusion in the treatment of painful disc degeneration. However, disc replacement cannot be used to treat spondylolisthesis, spinal infection and severe facet arthritis.

Spine Service is a regional (Asia-Pacific region) training centre for total disc replacement and Dr. Ashish Diwan has considerable experience in this field.