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What is a disc replacement surgery?
The human spinal cord is made of stacked up bones called vertebrae. Moreover, in between these vertebrae are discs that act as cushions and allow for a smooth movement of the bones with rubbing off on each other. Besides, when one or more of these discs is damaged it can lead to pain and swelling as it pressurizes the spinal nerve. Using the disc replacement surgery, the damaged discs can be replaced with an artificial disc made of metal or a combination of metal and plastic.
When is a disc replacement surgery required?
Most commonly referred to in case of lower back pain, disc replacement surgery is recommended in cases such as with one or more of the following observations.
- The back pain comes from 1-2 discs in your spinal cord and is severely affecting your day-to-day life.
- The patient’s body weight is under control with no signs of excessive body weight.
- The patient has not undergone any spinal surgery in the past.
- The patient has no joint disease and the spinal nerve is under no external compression or pressure.
- No signs of any spinal deformity such as scoliosis.
What are the risks involved?
Like every other surgical procedure, disc replacement surgery carries its own set of risks. But, because of its critical nature and more exposure to the spinal cord, it carries a higher risk. These involve:
- Infection is caused due to the installation of the artificial disc or the area surrounding it.
- Failure of the disc implant or fracture.
- Post-surgery dislocation of the installed artificial disc.
- Wear and tear damage to the implant.
- Stenosis, a condition that causes narrowing down of the spine due to breakdown of the spinal bones.
- Stiffness of the spine.
- Clotting of blood in legs due to decreased activity.
The process of disc replacement
The patient is set to local anesthesia and put into a deep sleep to avoid any feeling of pain during the process. Post which, the surgeon will create a small incision into the abdomen, transthoracic region, or the neck depending on the type of surgery, and moves the organs to get access to the spinal cord.
Using a set of precise tools, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc. Once successfully done, the organs are put into place and the incision is closed.
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Disc replacement surgery in Singapore
If you are looking for destinations to get a disc replacement surgery, Singapore should be at the top of that list. The disc replacement surgery cost in Singapore starts at USD 29,000 Singapore while the average cost for the same in the USA is USD 55,000 which makes it extremely affordable. Moreover, the country has all the modern equipment as well as highly trained professionals that care about all the aspects of the surgery.
Some of the most prominent hospitals to consider include Parkway east hospital, Farrer park hospital, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Gleneagles hospital, and Mount Elizabeth hospital.
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