Lumbar Disc Replacement: A Modern Solution for Chronic Low Back Pain

Oleh: dr. Asrafi Rizki Gatam, Sp.OT (K) Spine - Spesialis Orthopedi dan Traumatologi Konsultan Spine

What is Lumbar Disc Replacement (LDR)?

This procedure involves replacing damaged spinal discs with artificial ones that allow normal spinal movement.

Who Needs This Procedure?

1. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Occurs due to aging or heavy activity that causes the spinal discs to thin
2. Herniated Nucleus Pulposus (HNP)/Pinched Nerve
   1. when part of the disc protrudes and presses on a nerve, it often causes lower back and leg pain. Partial removal of the disc without replacement can accelerate thinning and increase pain.
   2. LDR helps restore disc height, relieve nerve pressure, and prevent long-term pain.

Symptoms That Indicate LDR is Needed

• Chronic low back pain for more than 6 weeks, interfering with daily activities
• Discography (bearing test) results show pain originating from damaged discs

Operative Procedure & Preparation

• Performed under general anesthesia
• The doctor makes an incision in the abdomen, removes the damaged disc, then replaces it with an artificial disc
• Before surgery, the patient must undergo examinations such as X-rays, MRI/CT, ​​and discography

Recovery Period

Benefits & Risks

Advantages over spinal fusion:

• Preserves spinal mobility
• Faster recovery
• Reduced risk of damage to other parts of the spine

General risks:

• Infection, bleeding, local pain, nerve injury, or need for reoperation

Conclusion

Lumbar Disc Replacement is suitable for patients with chronic pain due to disc degeneration or herniation who have undergone conservative treatment for at least 6 weeks, and proven by discography. This procedure offers:

• Better spinal mobility than fusion
• Faster recovery (light activity returns in 4–6 weeks)
• Minimal hospital stay (1–2 nights)
• Good long-term results

If you experience chronic low back pain, especially after failing conservative therapy, immediately consult RS Premier Bintaro for evaluation and consideration of whether Lumbar Disc Replacement is right for you.

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