Patient FAQ

Who is a candidate for Prodisc-L total disc replacement surgery?

If you have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and your pain has failed to improve after at least 6 months of conservative (non-surgical) treatment such as physical therapy or medication, you may be a candidate for Prodisc-L total disc replacement surgery. In order to be a candidate to receive the Prodisc-L implant, you must meet the following minimum requirements.

–	Must be suffering from degenerative disc disease (DDD) at the lumbar spine.  DDD is defined as a disc that is worn out or has become injured and is causing pain.  This determination is made based on history, physical examination and x-rays.
–	Should have had at least 6 months of conservative treatment without relief of symptoms (e.g., medications, physical therapy)
–	Vertebrae must be dimensionally large enough to support the device
–	Must not have an active infection, either throughout your body or localized to your spine
–	Must have good bone quality (no osteoporosis or osteopenia)
–	Must not be allergic to cobalt, chromium, molybdenum, polyethylene or titanium
–	Must be old enough that the bones in your body are mature and no longer growing
–	Must not have spinal anatomy that would prevent implantation of the device or cause the device to be unstable in your body, as determined by your doctor

Your occupation or activity level, your weight, the condition of other levels of your spine, whether or not you are pregnant, and any allergies you have may influence whether you should have surgery with the Prodisc-L implant.  If any of these factors apply to you or if you think that you have any special health issues, please inform your doctor.