Disc Replacement
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Intervertebral discs (or intervertebral fibrocartilage) are found between adjacent vertebrae in the spine. Normally they allow elements of motion and act as 'shock absorbers' during activity. However, deterioration or trauma sometimes occurs leading to pain and stiffness.
Disc replacement in New Zealand is now being routinely performed for certain indications. The technology allows for the substitution of a damaged or diseased intervertebral disc with an artificial replacement. The prosthesis is made from specially modified titanium and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. In effect there are similarities to hip and knee replacement and the objectives are largely the same - pain-relief, improved mobility, and a solution that endures. Most disc replacements are currently in the cervical spine. Disc replacement functions in a quite different way to spinal fusion surgery, although both approaches to the patient's problem share the same basic objective. That is to pursue elimination of the debilitating pain and diminished quality of life associated with damaged and compressed nerves. Fusion can perhaps be described as the 'welding together' of appropriate vertebrae. In contrast the design of a disc replacement allows for some measure of physiological movement. Disc replacement can mitigate towards minimally invasive spine surgery when patients circumstances are suitable. Intervention into adjacent spinal structures is also more subtle when this technique is deployed. In summary there are some potential benefits for carefully selected patients from spinal disc replacement. |
Publications
As well as performing disc replacement surgery Dr Kieser has contributed to a number of peer-reviewed publications that are relevant to this progressive approach:
Kieser DC, Cawley DT, Fujishiro T, Mazas S, Boissiere L, Obeid I, Pointillart V, Vital JM, Gille O. Risk factors for anterior bone loss in cervical disc arthroplasty. The Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine 2018; 29 (2): 123 - 129.
Kieser DC, Cawley DT, Fujishiro T, Tavolaro C, Mazas S, Boissiere L, Obeid I, Pointillart V, Vital JM. Anterior bone loss in cervical disc arthroplasty. Asian Spine Journal 2019; 13 (1): 13 - 21.
Kieser DC, Mazas S, Roscop C, Cawley D, Boissiere L, Obeid I, Pointillart V, Vital JM, Gille O. Anterior bone loss in an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. JSNS 2019; 8 (2).
Kieser DC, Cawley DT, Roscop C, Mazas S, Coudert P, Boissiere L, Obeid I, Vital JM, Pointillart V, Gille O. Spondylolisthesis adjacent to a cervical disc arthroplasty does not increase the risk of adjacent level degeneration. European Spine Journal. 2018; 27(6):1440-1446.
Kieser DC, Mazas S, Boissiere L, Obeid I, Vital JM, Pointillart V, Gille O. Adjacent segment disease in cervical disc arthroplasty. Spine Neurosurg. 2019; 8:3.
Kieser DC, Cawley DT, Fujishiro T, Mazas S, Boissiere L, Obeid I, Pointillart V, Vital JM, Gille O. Risk factors for anterior bone loss in cervical disc arthroplasty. The Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine 2018; 29 (2): 123 - 129.
Kieser DC, Cawley DT, Fujishiro T, Tavolaro C, Mazas S, Boissiere L, Obeid I, Pointillart V, Vital JM. Anterior bone loss in cervical disc arthroplasty. Asian Spine Journal 2019; 13 (1): 13 - 21.
Kieser DC, Mazas S, Roscop C, Cawley D, Boissiere L, Obeid I, Pointillart V, Vital JM, Gille O. Anterior bone loss in an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. JSNS 2019; 8 (2).
Kieser DC, Cawley DT, Roscop C, Mazas S, Coudert P, Boissiere L, Obeid I, Vital JM, Pointillart V, Gille O. Spondylolisthesis adjacent to a cervical disc arthroplasty does not increase the risk of adjacent level degeneration. European Spine Journal. 2018; 27(6):1440-1446.
Kieser DC, Mazas S, Boissiere L, Obeid I, Vital JM, Pointillart V, Gille O. Adjacent segment disease in cervical disc arthroplasty. Spine Neurosurg. 2019; 8:3.
Back pain restricts motion & causes disability
Around the world back pain is the leading cause of years lived with disability. Suitable cases may be relieved with a disc replacement. To make an enquiry or to request a consultation with David KIeser please use the online form or phone our rooms on (03) 968 3132. Alternatively please feel free to email:
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