Motion surgery is an innovative approach to back surgery that lets you maintain your spine’s natural flexibility that might otherwise be lost when your vertebrae are fused. If you are considering surgery, contact Jocelyn Idema, D.O., for artificial disk replacement in Pittsburgh, PA. At Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center, the doctor offers a wide range of motion preservation techniques in a minimally invasive procedure to maintain the natural suppleness of your spine.
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What is Motion Preservation?
Motion preservation is an alternative to avoiding lost mobility arising from fusion surgeries. Techniques including microdiscectomy and endoscopic discectomy can help you avoid spinal fusion. If you are to undergo surgery, Dr. Idema applies cutting-edge artificial discs to foster motion preservation.
How Motion Preservation Surgery Works
Motion preservation surgery entails replacing a damaged or diseased disc with an artificial disc made from plastic, metal, or combining the two. These artificial discs resemble the construction of your natural spine, retaining a degree of movement following surgery.
Artificial discs are of two types:
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Total Disc Replacement
Total disc replacement entails replacing both the inside of the disc (nucleus) and the outer shell (annulus). This disc applies a mechanical device to imitate the natural spine rotation, giving you normal spine function.
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Disc Nucleus Replacement
This replacement involves the replacement of the nucleus with a mechanical device while neglecting the annulus. It is a far less common approach than total disc replacement.
Dr. Idema expels the faulty disc into tiny pieces when conducting motion preservation surgery, relieving pressure from the affected nerves. After removal, Dr. Idema creates tiny incisions in the vertebrae where the artificial disc is to go. These incisions aim to hold the new disc in position.
Who Can Benefit from Motion Preservation Surgery?
You can be eligible for motion preservation surgery if your condition causes nerve compression such as:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Herniated disc
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spine injury
- Facet joint osteoarthritis
After scheduling your consultation with Dr. Idema, she examines your condition and advises whether motion preservation surgery is a viable alternative. In most instances, motion preservation surgery is inapplicable for patients with scoliosis, morbidly obese, or patients who have undergone spinal surgery.
Other Services
Besides artificial disc replacement, the Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center specialists also offer other top-class services. Contact them to receive treatments such as:
- Independent Medical Evaluation- Also known as a second opinion, is an essential component during workers’ compensation or personal injury claims to provide an impartial assessment of your health.
- Work Injuries Specialist- Suffering an injury at work can be horrendous and may affect your life’s quality. Contact Jocelyn Idema, D.O., to claim your workers’ compensation and resume work with minimal delays.
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery- This treatment lets you avoid pain, scarring, and lengthy healing time after open surgery. Contact Steel City and Orthopedic Center if you experience stubborn back or neck pain.
To realize whether motion preservation surgery is viable in your case, contact Jocelyn Idema, D.O., at Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center. Call the offices to speak to a provider or book your appointment online today.