Indications for lumbar artificial disc replacement

Abstract

There is a trend in spinal surgery to pursue motion-sparing alternatives to lumbar fusion. This article discusses the indications for lumbar disc arthroplasty. As with most surgical procedures, patient selection is crucial. Carefully selected patients may benefit from this new technology. However, many patients may not be appropriate for disc replacement and will still necessitate a lumbar fusion for treatment of their degenerative disc disease.