Disc Replacement
and
Spinal Fusion Surgeries
Disc Replacement and Spinal Fusion Surgeries in Mexico
Is Back Pain Still Affecting You?
Consider Non-Surgical Options for Long-Term Management
If back pain is limiting your mobility and impacting your daily routine
Orthopedic Surgeries Mexico in Mexico City, can help. We offer high-quality, affordable Disc Replacement and Spinal Fusion Surgeries to get you back to doing the things you love.
What Are Disc Replacement and Spinal Fusion Surgeries?
Disc Replacement and Spinal Fusion are two different surgical procedures designed to address spinal issues, particularly in cases of degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or other spinal conditions.
In a disc replacement, the damaged intervertebral disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc made of metal or a combination of metal and plastic. The goal is to replicate the function of a natural disc, allowing for continued motion in the spine.
Disc replacement is generally recommended for patients with degenerative disc disease or a herniated disc that has not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications.
The artificial disc is designed to maintain normal motion at the treated spinal segment.
By preserving motion, disc replacement may reduce the risk of adjacent segment degeneration, a condition where nearby vertebrae experience increased stress leading to further issues.
Some patients may experience a quicker recovery time compared to spinal fusion, with potentially less pain post-surgery.
Not all patients are suitable candidates for disc replacement. Factors such as spinal instability, arthritis, or multiple-level disc disease can affect eligibility.
While disc replacements are generally successful, their long-term durability compared to spinal fusion is still being studied.
Spinal fusion involves the permanent joining of two or more vertebrae using bone grafts, metal rods, and screws. This procedure stops motion at the fused segment of the spine, which can reduce pain caused by movement at the affected area.
Spinal fusion is often recommended for conditions like spinal instability, severe degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, or after a spinal fracture.
Fusion provides strong, long-term stabilization of the spine, which can be especially beneficial in cases of severe degeneration or deformity.
By stopping movement at the problematic segment, spinal fusion can effectively relieve chronic pain.
The fused vertebrae no longer move independently, which can reduce the overall flexibility of the spine.
The increased stress on adjacent segments can lead to degeneration in those areas over time.
Recovery from spinal fusion can be longer and may require more intensive rehabilitation.
Disc replacement preserves motion at the affected spinal level, while spinal fusion eliminates it.
Spinal fusion may lead to issues in adjacent spinal segments due to increased stress, whereas disc replacement is designed to mitigate this risk.
The choice between disc replacement and spinal fusion depends on the specific condition, the extent of spinal degeneration, patient health, and individual goals for surgery.
Both procedures have their own advantages and limitations, and the best choice depends on the patient's condition, the surgeon's recommendation, and the desired outcome.
5 Benefits of Disc Replacement and Spinal Fusion
Pain Relief
Both procedures effectively reduce or eliminate chronic pain caused by spinal conditions, such as degenerative disc disease or herniated discs. This leads to a significant improvement in quality of life.
Spinal Stability and Functionality
Spinal fusion provides long-term stability by fusing vertebrae, while disc replacement preserves the natural motion of the spine, helping to maintain overall spinal functionality. Depending on the condition, either approach can enhance spinal support and movement.
Versatile Treatment Options
These procedures offer solutions for a wide range of spinal issues. Spinal fusion is ideal for complex cases requiring stabilization, while disc replacement is suitable for patients who need pain relief but wish to retain flexibility.
Reduced Risk of Future Complications
Disc replacement minimizes stress on adjacent vertebrae, potentially lowering the risk of future degeneration. Spinal fusion, though reducing motion, prevents further instability in the treated segment, helping to avoid additional complications.
Proven Long-Term Success
Both treatments are well-established, with high success rates in relieving pain and improving patient outcomes. Depending on the patient's condition, either procedure can offer durable, long-lasting relief.
US$ 15,200
US$ 19,800
US$ 23,500
US$ 27,000
YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES
- The Surgical Procedure
- Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons fees
- Certified Anesthesiologist and all Medical Team fees
- Certified Hospital Stay- Supplies and disposable materials / All medication required during surgery
- 7 days in a 4**** Hotel
- All the Pre and Post-operative Consultations
- All the local Transportations
- Bilingual Assistant
- A Medical Doctor (M.D.) will visit you in your hotel room 6 days a week to monitor your post-surgery health, assist with bandage changes, and support any other needs during your recovery time at the hotel.
Our packages are all inclusive, with NO HIDDEN COST!
PROCESS OF DISC REPLACEMENT AND SPINAL FUSION SURGERIES IN MEXICO
What to Expect at Orthopedics Surgeries Mexico
What happens before the procedure?
During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your symptoms, review your medical history, and conduct a physical examination. They will explain the hip microdiscectomy procedure along with the potential risks and benefits specific to your case.
What happens during the procedure?
Both disc replacement and spinal fusion aim to relieve pain and improve spinal function but differ in their approaches—disc replacement maintains motion, while spinal fusion provides long-term stability.
The patient is placed under general anesthesia, ensuring they are unconscious and pain-free throughout the surgery.
The surgeon makes an incision to access the spine. For disc replacement, this is typically done through the front of the neck (cervical) or abdomen (lumbar). For spinal fusion, the incision is made over the specific area of the spine that requires treatment, which could be in the neck, back, or lower spine.
In both procedures, the surgeon removes the damaged or degenerated disc from between the vertebrae. This step relieves pressure on the spinal nerves and prepares the area for the next phase of treatment.
Disc Replacement: An artificial disc made of metal or a combination of metal and plastic is inserted into the space where the natural disc was removed. This artificial disc is designed to replicate the natural disc's function, allowing for motion at the treated spinal segment.
Spinal Fusion: Bone graft material is placed between the vertebrae that were previously separated by the disc. Metal hardware, such as rods, screws, or plates, is used to stabilize the spine, ensuring that the vertebrae remain in proper alignment as they fuse together over time.
In both procedures, ensuring spinal stability is crucial. For spinal fusion, the metal hardware holds the vertebrae in place as they fuse. In disc replacement, the artificial disc is securely positioned to maintain the spine's natural motion.
How long does the surgeries take?
The duration can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the specific spinal segment being treated, and the surgeon's experience.
For disc Replacement typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.
For disc Spinal Fusion it can take from 2 to 6 hours.
What happens after this procedure?
After either disc replacement or spinal fusion, the patient is taken to a recovery room where they are closely monitored as they wake up from anesthesia. Vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, are observed to ensure the patient is stable.
Pain relief is a priority, with medications administered to manage discomfort. Patients may receive painkillers through an IV initially, transitioning to oral medications as they begin to recover.
Patients undergoing disc replacement usually stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days due to the less invasive nature of the procedure, allowing for a quicker recovery time. In contrast, spinal fusion patients typically require a longer hospital stay, ranging from 3 to 5 days or more, depending on the surgery's complexity and the patient's overall health.
Depending on the surgery and the surgeon’s recommendations, patients may be encouraged to start moving and walking shortly after surgery, sometimes as soon as the same day or the following day. Early mobility helps prevent complications like blood clots and promotes healing.
Physical therapy is a critical part of recovery for both procedures. For disc replacement, therapy focuses on regaining strength and flexibility while preserving motion at the treated level. After spinal fusion, therapy aims to improve strength, stability, and overall spine health without stressing the fused segment.
THE RESULTS OF SURGERY
Getting Back to Your Life
After disc replacement, patients generally experience a quicker recovery with a hospital stay of 1 to 3 days. Due to the less invasive nature of the procedure, many can resume light activities, such as walking, within a few days of discharge. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process, focusing on regaining strength and flexibility while preserving spinal motion. Many individuals can return to work within a few weeks, depending on their job's physical demands.
In contrast, spinal fusion involves a longer hospital stay of 3 to 5 days or more, given the complexity of the surgery and the need for spinal stabilization. The recovery is more gradual, with patients starting with light movements and gradually progressing to more strenuous activities as healing permits. Physical therapy is essential for rebuilding strength and stability, though full return to work and normal activities may take several months, particularly for physically demanding jobs.
Both procedures require careful management of post-surgery activity. Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, twisting, and high-impact activities during recovery. For disc replacement, many patients regain a significant range of motion and can return to an active lifestyle with fewer restrictions. Spinal fusion provides substantial pain relief and improved quality of life, though it may involve some loss of flexibility at the fused segment. Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers ensure proper healing and adjustment of activity levels.