Keinovälilevyn

Keinovälilevyn, also known as artificial intervertebral disc or total disc replacement (TDR), is a surgical procedure designed to treat certain types of chronic low back pain caused by degenerated intervertebral discs. The goal of the procedure is to replace the damaged disc with an artificial device that preserves motion in the spine, unlike spinal fusion which aims to immobilize the segment.

The surgery typically involves removing the entire damaged disc between two vertebrae. This space is then filled with an artificial disc prosthesis, which usually consists of a core and two endplates. These components are designed to allow for natural spinal movement, including flexion, extension, and rotation, mimicking the function of a healthy disc. The procedure is generally performed through an anterior (front) approach, though posterior approaches are also used in some cases.

Keinovälilevyn is considered for patients who have persistent low back pain, often radiating to the legs, that has not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections. A diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like MRI to confirm disc degeneration and the absence of significant spinal instability or other conditions that would make TDR unsuitable.

While promising for pain relief and motion preservation, keinovälilevyn is not without risks. Potential complications include infection, device migration, adjacent segment degeneration, nerve injury, and the possibility that the pain may not be fully resolved or may return. The long-term outcomes and durability of artificial discs are still subjects of ongoing research and debate within the medical community. It is important for patients to have thorough discussions with their surgeons to understand the benefits, risks, and suitability of this procedure for their specific condition.