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Disc Replacement Surgery
The human spine is an extremely important structure in the body. It not only gives support to the body, but also allows mobility of the back in different directions. In addition to that, it houses the most important connection between the brain and the rest of the body - spinal cord.

The spine is made up of number of vertebral bones stacked one on top of the other. In between the vertebrae are discs which lend mobility to the spine and act as shock absorbers. On the back side, there are two small joints at each levels - called facet joints. This type of structure allows one to bend and rotate in different directions.

When the discs wear out, the spine at that particular level does not function normally and the back becomes painful. The degeneration of disc leads to a condition called Degenerative Disc Disease. Whereas large majority of such patients can be treated with painkillers, braces, physical therapy, small percentage of such patients do not respond to non-operative treatment and need surgery.

What are the surgical options?
There are two types of surgical option in such cases -
  • Spinal Fusion
  • Disc Replacement
Disc replacement is the most innovative and modern treatment that is now available. In spinal fusion surgery, the disc (which is a soft material between two vertebrae) is removed and the space is packed with bone graft. In due course of time, the bone creates a solid bony bridge across the two vertebrae. By doing away with movement, previously painful segment is made pain free.

However, the disadvantage of this procedure is that not only does this takes away normal movements of spine at that particular level but also ultimately leads to degeneration of higher level of spine which were uninvolved earlier on. This thus leads to pain in uninvolved segment over the course of time.

Modern innovative operative treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease is - Disc Replacement. After removing the disc, it is replaced by an artificial disc which thus restores movements in that particular segment and also does not make higher motion segment of vertebral column painful in the longer run.

Artificial DiscWhat is an artificial disc ?
It is a three-piece medical device consisting of a sliding core sandwiched between two metal endplates. The sliding core is made from a medical grade plastic and the end plates are made from medical grade cobalt chromium alloy. These materials usually do not harm the human body and are used in many other medical implants such as total knee replacement implants.

WHO is a candidate for Artificial Disc? - The Artificial Disc is an alternative to spinal fusion for patients who have one or two degenerated, painful discs usually between L4/L5 and L5/S1. The disc deterioration is confirmed by history, x-rays and MRI Scan. Patients who have not responded positively to at least six months of non-surgical treatment such as pain medication, a back brace, or physical therapy are ideal candidates for an Artificial Disc. Patients who have had some type of minor lower back surgery may still receive the Artificial Disc.

MRI Showing Degenerated Disc Post op Disc Replacement X-Ray Post op Disc Replacement X-Ray
MRI Showing Degenerated Disc Post op Disc Replacement X-Ray Post op Disc Replacement X-Ray


Bending one day after surgery Bending one day after surgery Bending Fifth day after surgery
Bending one day after surgery Bending one day after surgery Bending Fifth day after surgery

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Testimonials


Mohsin Ali

Dear Dipa,

Aploogies for the delay in responding but I have only just returned to the UK and a computer which works!

The following is what I wrote in the Apollo Comments Book when we left and please feel free to use any of it on your web page.

"Mohsin is an 8 year old Pakistani orphan from the SOS Village in Karachi. He needed urgent spinal fusion surgery to give him the chance of a normal life. The operation was not possible in Pakistan but we heard about the Apollo Hospital and Dr Yash Gulati through The Taj Medical Group. The care Mohsin has received from Dr Gulati and his team has been exceptional. The individual attention he has received has surpassed anything I have experienced in the UK Health Service in the past 5 years, whether it be National Health or Private.

Mohsin AliThe operation appears to have been a success and the post-operative care given to Mohsin has been meticulous but above all warm and friendly. In spite of the discomfort Mohsin was able to smile because he felt loved. Dr Gulati made a point of visiting Mohsin at least once a day and Mohsin respected him and trusted him absolutely. All the nurses made such a big fuss of Mohsin that we love them all, particularly S/N Sherin who saw Mohsin through the first difficult post - operative nights and gave him the most wonderful soothing bed baths. The housekeeping services were excellent. I wish the UK NHS was half as efficient and clean and everything done with a smile! .......Read more..

Kay Lanes, UK (Mohsin's Guardian)
Spinal Surgery
July 2006

Stephen Mobley


Stephen Mobley, 44 had been suffering with chronic back pain for the last two years. He could not walk (more than 200m), stand or sleep very well and was prescribed high doses of morphine for pain relief.

Shortly after contacting The Taj Medical Group, Stephen underwent spinal surgery at their Specialist Clinic in Cologne, Germany. The operation comprised placing a flexible Dorsal Spacer Implant. Stephen, (left) is pictured here with his parants.

Below is a short note from his father, David soon after the operation.

Dear Dipa,

I thought that it is time I wrote to express our sincere thanks for your kind assistance in arranging surgery for our son Steve aged 44.

If I have worked it out correctly we first contacted you around 20th November 2006 and Steve actually had his surgery in Cologne on Tuesday 23 January 2007.

From our first contact with you we were provided with detailed information about hospitals and surgeons around the world and at one time we thought that we might go to India for the surgery, after you had kindly arranged for us to speak to the surgeon in India, but we felt that the long flight would probably prove very painful for Steve with his Lumbar Disc problem.

We were therefore, very pleased when you mentioned that there was an excellent Dutch Surgeon at the MediaPark Klinik in Cologne who could carry out the operation which Steve needed, known as a Dorsal Spacer Implant, at a much lower cost than the UK, had it been available in the UK, which it is not..........Read more...

David Mobley, (Father of Stephen, 44)
Staffordshire, UK
Spinal Surgery, Dorsal Spacer Implant
January 2007


Hello Sabina,

Thanks for the greeting. I am sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your e-Mail. Since the day that I returned to the U.S. I have felt a compelling need to relate my experience to the people in my country as well as the rest of the world.

There are many who feel the sense of hopelessness that I experienced, who also believe they have no options and that their life will lead to a never ending struggle with chronic and debilitating pain. Nothing could be further from the truth !!! The level of care that I received in Bangalore was extremely professional and compassionate. As I reflect back upon my experience several things have become clear to me...... Read more..

Ted Grenier (45)
Austin Texas, USA
Artificial Disc Replacement
November 2007

News Coverage of Ted Grenier's Surgery - Special Health Feature on CBS 42 Medical Watch Texas, USA
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