Lumbar Disc Replacement
The discs are soft cushions in between your vertebrae that act as shock absorbers for your spine.
They consist of a soft central portion (nucleus pulposus) and harder outer covering (annulus fibrosis). Over time discs may degenerate, causing stress on the bone and back pain. If nonoperative measures fail to relieve the symptoms, Dr. Steinhaus may recommend disc replacement. This procedure consists of a small incision in the front around the belly button, removing the diseased disc and placing a device which allows motion of the spine. Only certain patients are candidates for disc replacement. Younger patients without significant arthritis of the spine, compression of the spinal nerves, osteoporosis, and instability or deformity/scoliosis may be candidates. If you are experiencing these symptoms without relief, ask Dr. Steinhaus if you may be a candidate for disc replacement.