Herniated discs can cause excruciating lower back pain or neck pain that affects daily lives. If not treated, it can lead to permanent nerve damage that can affect mobility. One of the best options in such case is to go in for artificial disc replacement, or arthroscopy. 

This is a precise surgical process that removes the affected disc and replaces it with an artificial disc that protects the vertebra from rubbing against each other. 

Types of artificial disc replacement surgery

As opposed to spinal fusion in which a damaged disc is removed and the space is filled with a stabilizer comprising a cage filled with a bone graft screwed into the bones above and below, artificial disc replacement involves removal of the damaged disc and replacing it with a metal and medical plastic disc that helps to preserve motion. 

Arthroscopy may be carried out for the lumbar L4-L5, or for cervical vertebra. The disc itself may be of different types, such as: 

• A composite disc typically made of metal endplates with medical polymer infill and a lubricant contained in a flexible membrane, recommended for L4 and L5 or between L5 and S1. 
• An elastic differs in that the metal plates have an inner, flexible polycarbonate urethane core to mimic the natural disc’s elastic properties. There may also be silicone rubber sandwiched between titanium plates. 
• A hydraulic disc is made up of a gel core sandwiched between polyethylene jacket soaked in saline. 
• A mechanical disc comprises two articulating components made up of metal or metal-ceramic. 

Treatment and duration of artificial disc replacement surgery

A patient undergoes a thorough medical checkup comprising blood tests, MRI, CT Scan, X-rays, and a check for the extent of spinal damage. The patient does not eat or drink anything the night prior to the surgery. 

The next morning, the patient is given anesthesia, and the surgeon carries out the operation by creating an incision in the abdomen, moving aside the organs to access the spine, removal of the damaged disc, and replacement with the artificial disc or discs. 

The organs are then put back and the incision is sewn up. The patient recovers for a week with follow up care. 

Risks in artificial disc replacement surgery

There are risks associated with arthroscopy or artificial disc replacement, such as: 

• The implants may bend or break.
• Local infections may arise.
• There may be arm and neck pain. 
• Patients may experience difficulty in swelling, speech impairment, numbness, and even impairment.
• Patients may experience progression of disease at other cervical levels.
• Blood clot formation and changes to mental status.
• Death due to damage to spine or important nerves. 
• Surgical procedure may be ineffective and may even worsen the condition. 

However, given today’s high level of competence of medical professionals, surgical instruments, and care, the risks are mitigated. 

The success rate is high in most cases, considering that surgeons are extremely diligent prior to recommending and carryout out arthroscopy. 

Why India for Arthroscopy?

There are good enough reasons to choose to have arthroscopy done in India: 

• Costs are quite competitive and affordable in comparison to costs in the US and Europe. 
• India boasts of a highly skilled pool of qualified and top-notch neuro surgeons and spinal surgeons. 
• India has some of the finest private and public hospitals for arthroscopy with world class instruments and processes. 
• India has a tradition of service and for caring, right from top professionals to people lower down the health care services ladder. People care and it shows. You will like the humane approach. 
• Costs of stay and accommodation are far lower in India, allowing for better post operative care. 

If you are a likely candidate for arthroscopy, consider India as the destination for the procedure: you get the best at the lowest cost.