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Lumbar disc prosthesis

SURGERY

Replace a worn or damaged lumbar disc with a mobile prosthesis to preserve segment mobility, relieve pain and avoid arthrodesis.

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Lumbar disc prosthesis

Operating techniques

About the treatment

Lumbar disc prosthesis

Procedure

Lumbar disc prosthesis is an alternative to spinal fusion for treating pain associated with a worn or degenerative lumbar disc. It involves removing the affected disc and replacing it with a mobile prosthesis that maintains the mobility of the lumbar spine while eliminating pain.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, via an anterior incision in the lower abdomen. It requires specific preparation and is performed by a surgical team experienced in this technique.

Steps and Benefits

  • Preservation of lumbar mobility thanks to a prosthesis that reproduces natural movement.
  • Relieves lower back and sciatic pain through effective decompression.
  • No bone fusion: avoids vertebral blockage and allows natural movement.
  • Reduced stress on adjacent discs, limiting secondary degeneration.
  • Quick return to daily and professional activities.

About the treatment

About the treatment

Post-operative instructions for lumbar disc prosthesis

Europe

80+

America

60+

Asia

40+

Hospitalisation

No X-ray examination for the first 6 weeks, except for signs of severity. After 6 weeks: MRI (recommended) or CT scan, followed by specialist consultation.

Lumbar prosthetic surgery: short hospital stay (1 to 2 nights).
Mobilization the next day with the help of the nursing team.

Conservative Treatment

Relative rest, avoiding heavy exertion, moderate activity, time off work if necessary. Painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and 1 to 3 infiltrations if necessary.

Discharge within 48 hours depending on progress.
Accompanied return (car or VSL). Lumbar belt prescribed if necessary.

Physical therapy

Can be useful on a case-by-case basis to treat herniated discs and, once the problem has been resolved, to prevent recurrence. Focuses on rehabilitation, muscle strengthening and postural correction.

Monitoring of lower back pain, analgesics as required.
Simple scar care, no complex stapling.

Indications for Surgery

Surgery proposed if conservative treatment fails or in cases of severe neurological disorders. Objective: nerve decompression and symptom relief.

Gradual resumption between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on the type of activity.

Rehabilitation / Physiotherapy

In case of walking or urinary disorders, numbness of the private parts, erectile dysfunction or ponytail syndrome.

Start: 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
Duration: 1 to 3 months.
Pace: 2 to 3 sessions/week, daily exercises recommended.
Objective: lumbar mobility, muscle tone, posture.
Wear lumbar belt as indicated.

Hospitalisation

Lumbar prosthetic surgery: short hospital stay (1 to 2 nights).
Mobilization the next day with the help of the nursing team.

Back home

Discharge within 48 hours depending on progress.
Accompanied return (car or VSL). Lumbar belt prescribed if necessary.

Post-operative care

Monitoring of lower back pain, analgesics as required.
Simple scar care, no complex stapling.

Back to school or back to work

Gradual resumption between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on the type of activity.

Rehabilitation / Physiotherapy

Start: 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
Duration: 1 to 3 months.
Pace: 2 to 3 sessions/week, daily exercises recommended.
Objective: lumbar mobility, muscle tone, posture.
Wear lumbar belt as indicated.

CONSULTATION

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team members.

Neurological complications: Less than 5%.

No X-ray examination for the first 6 weeks, except for signs of severity. After 6 weeks: MRI (recommended) or CT scan, followed by specialist consultation.

There is a risk of nerve damage, resulting in neuropathic pain, muscle weakness or, very rarely, partial paralysis. This is due to the proximity of the nerve structures manipulated during the procedure.

Infection: Less than 1%

Relative rest, avoiding heavy exertion, moderate activity, time off work if necessary. Painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and 1 to 3 infiltrations if necessary.

Une infection post-opératoire est rare (<1 %), elle peut concerner la cicatrice ou le site opératoire profond. En cas d’infection, un traitement antibiotique est instauré, parfois avec réintervention pour nettoyage ou remplacement de la prothèse.

Hemorrhagic complications

Can be useful on a case-by-case basis to treat herniated discs and, once the problem has been resolved, to prevent recurrence. Focuses on rehabilitation, muscle strengthening and postural correction.

Bleeding may occur during or after the procedure. Significant hemorrhage requiring transfusion is rare. A compressive hematoma may lead to pain or neurological disorders, which may require reoperation.

Migration or wear of the prosthesis

Surgery proposed if conservative treatment fails or in cases of severe neurological disorders. Objective: nerve decompression and symptom relief.

The prosthesis may shift or wear over time, leading to pain or loss of mobility. Re-operation may be required to reposition or replace the implant.

Persistence or Recurrence of Symptoms

In case of walking or urinary disorders, numbness of the private parts, erectile dysfunction or ponytail syndrome.

Some pain may persist despite surgery, or reappear over time. Regular follow-up allows us to adapt the treatment and consider other options if necessary.

Neurological complications: Less than 5%.

There is a risk of nerve damage, resulting in neuropathic pain, muscle weakness or, very rarely, partial paralysis. This is due to the proximity of the nerve structures manipulated during the procedure.

Infection: Less than 1%

Une infection post-opératoire est rare (<1 %), elle peut concerner la cicatrice ou le site opératoire profond. En cas d’infection, un traitement antibiotique est instauré, parfois avec réintervention pour nettoyage ou remplacement de la prothèse.

Hemorrhagic complications

Bleeding may occur during or after the procedure. Significant hemorrhage requiring transfusion is rare. A compressive hematoma may lead to pain or neurological disorders, which may require reoperation.

Migration or wear of the prosthesis

The prosthesis may shift or wear over time, leading to pain or loss of mobility. Re-operation may be required to reposition or replace the implant.

Persistence or Recurrence of Symptoms

Some pain may persist despite surgery, or reappear over time. Regular follow-up allows us to adapt the treatment and consider other options if necessary.

Risks of lumbar disc prosthesis surgery

Europe

80+

America

60+

Asia

40+

3

FAQ

Answers for our patients

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

How can I make an appointment?
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You can book an appointment directly on our website or by telephone on 04 72 43 03 43 (choice 1).
How long does it take to get an appointment?
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Appointments take around 1 to 2 months. In an emergency, your GP can contact us directly by email.
How does the first consultation work?
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At your first consultation, you will complete an iPad questionnaire in the waiting room so the doctor has your information in advance. The consultation will then determine whether surgical or non-surgical treatment is needed.
What documents should I bring to my visit?
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Please bring your carte vitale, your GP's referral letter, and any radiological examinations already carried out.