Arthroplasty

Arthroplasty is a minimally invasive surgery to replace a damaged spinal disc with an artificial joint to provide better cushion and restore movement.

As we age, the cartilage pads and bones of our joints can break down, causing pain and stiffness. Arthroplasty can relieve pain and restore movement when other treatments no longer relieve joint pain and disability.

There are two types of arthroplasty:

Cervical disc arthroplasty, performed in the neck, can alleviate arm and neck pain.

Lumbar disc arthroplasty, performed in the lower back, can alleviate lower back and leg pain.

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Best candidates for arthroplasty

Younger patients with a single herniated disc and normal range of motion are the best candidates for arthroplasty. Replacement of multiple discs is possible in some patients.

Arthroplasty is not a first step for treating pain. Patients who need arthroplasty must first undergo nonoperative treatments like physical therapy, injections, or wearing a neck brace to comply with health insurance requirements and to reduce risks of unnecessary surgery.

Our team is experienced and can develop a treatment plan with you that best meets your needs.

Benefits of arthroplasty:

Preservation of motion
Less stress on nearby levels
Quicker recovery (compared with fusion)
Long-lasting pain relief

Risks of arthroplasty:

Complications are less likely to occur in minimally invasive surgery than in open surgery; however, the risks are similar

Nerve damage
Bleeding
Device failure
Allergic reactions or complications from anesthesia
Infection

What to expect

During the procedure, you will be placed under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make a small incision in your spine using X-ray imaging to make sure they're working in the right place. The damaged disc will be removed and the replacement disc implanted before the surgeon closes the incision. Arthroplasty is typically a brief surgery and should not last more than a few hours. You will likely require a brief stay in the hospital after the procedure. During your stay we'll discuss your recovery plan and options for pain management and physical therapy.

Recovery

Arthroplasty is a minimally invasive surgery, so you're likely to be discharged from the hospital a few hours after the procedure.

After surgery, you must:

Avoid showering until the next day
Avoid baths for a month (soaking your incision in water may increase your risk of infection)
Avoid lifting heavy objects for a month
Use ice, heat, or anti-inflammatory medicine for mild pain relief

In rare cases, your surgeon may temporarily prescribe narcotic pain medication.

Signs of healing

During your recovery, you may experience the return of sensation as previously numb areas begin to normalize, muscle twitching, restless legs. These symptoms are a normal part of your recovery and not a cause for concern. If you experience intense pain at the incision site or develop fever and chills, contact our team immediately.

Follow-up care

You will have a follow-up appointment with your spine provider four to six weeks after surgery. We may schedule you for another follow-up up to six months after your surgery, depending on where you are in your recovery progress. Physical therapy can improve the results of your surgery.

Success Rate

Spine arthroplasty has a high success rate. Over time, you will be able to resume some activities you once had to avoid because of your spinal condition.

Why choose University of Utah Neurosurgery Spine Group?

We are the destination for complex spine patients in the Mountain West. Our spine surgeons perform a high volume of procedures each year, and are both experienced and successful. We also publish our research findings for other physicians and surgeons to learn.

With the University of Utah Health Neurosurgery Spine Group, you will receive care from an experienced team of experts who are national leaders in spine surgery and train residents, fellows, and other physicians.