Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a term used to describe a condition in which the intervertebral discs of the lower spine suffer damage or wear and tear to the extent that they are no longer able to provide a cushioning effect for the vertebrae situated above and below them, causing the suffer anything from mild discomfort to debilitating pain.

Disc degeneration can be the catalyst for a number of other conditions of the spine such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, retrolisthesis and osteoarthritis as well as being responsible for causing sciatica, which manifests itself as pain in the lower back and legs.

Procedure information
Disc repair is now a modern procedure which can in fact involve entirely replacing affected discs with artificial ones. There are four types of artificial disc currently available: composite, hydraulic, elastic and mechanical. Which type of disc a patient receives depends very much on the country the procedure is performed in, the surgeon involved and the condition of the patient’s spine.

The procedure is performed with a general anesthetic and involves inserting the new disc through the abdomen, allowing for easier removal of the damaged disc(s) and similarly easy insertion of the artificial one(s).

Recovery time
Disc degeneration repair is considered a fairly major surgical procedure and as such, patients are expected to remain in hospital for up to 2 weeks following their operation. Physiotherapists will begin mobility exercises with the patient the day after surgery and a course of physiotherapy treatment then needs to be followed for at least 6 months, with appointments at a frequency of two to three times a week.

Post-operative complications are possible and include localized infections, dislocation of the implant and breakage of metal plates used to hold discs in place.