Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery

Post Operative Recovery

• While you are in the hospital, a physical therapist will see you and advise you about ways to move
• Your surgeon may prescribe outpatient physical therapy within one to two weeks after surgery
• Active treatments are used to improve flexibility, strength, and endurance. You will begin a series of strengthening exercises to help tone and control the muscles that stabilise the trunk and back
• You may have immediate relief from your painful symptoms, but many people notice a gradual improvement over the next weeks to months
• Your hospital stay will depend on how quickly you recover
• Your surgeon will continue to follow-up with you. X-rays will be done from time to time to make sure the implant is still in its proper place
• Your surgeon will let you know when you can return to work. Depending on the type of work you do, this should be in about two to four weeks
• If your job requires moving and lifting heavy items, you may need a longer period of recovery

Complications

• All types of spine surgery, including artificial discreplacement, have certain risks and benefits
• Complications from any kind of surgery can also occur from anesthesia, infection, and bleeding
• Medical complications arising from spinal surgery are rare but could include stroke, heart attack, spinal cord or spinal nerve injury, pneumonia, or possibly death

This list is not exhaustive and only includes the most common/serious potential complications.

• Thrombophlebitis
• Infection
• Nerve damage or paralysis
• Spontaneous ankylosis (fusion)
• Retrograde ejaculation (men only)
• Ongoing pain
• Problems with the implant. Long-term studies to assess the safety and effectiveness of artificial disc replacements are ongoing. So far results show a low rate of complications