Intervertebral disc prosthesis of the lumbar spine

Intervertebral disc prosthesis of the lumbar spine

Degenerative (wear and tear) diseases of the Lumbar spine are becoming more common.
For one thing, they come under one natural aging process before, but can also through a trauma arise or by factors such as long working hours at the computer, Obesity and Sedentary lifestyle be favored.

Such degenerations of the Band washers (the cartilaginous parts between the 5 lumbar vertebrae) can lead to pronounced discomfort, among other things Pain and numbness in the backthat are in the hip and in some cases can even radiate into the legs.
Since this severely restricts the quality of life of those affected, they often seek help from a doctor as soon as possible. The first attempt is usually to carry out conservative therapy, which, however, often does not have a satisfactory effect. While in such cases usually a Stiffening of the spine (Spinal fusion) was recommended, today there is a greater tendency to use a Intervertebral disc prosthesis to use.
Compared to the surgical stiffening of the spine, this is what introducing a disc prosthesis is for the patient safer procedures.

To that Spinal cord To protect yourself, surgical access is carried out at one Disc prosthesis operation using a 5 to 8 cm long incision in the lower abdomen. The procedure usually takes about 1 to 2 hours and is carried out under general anesthetic.

Appointment with a back specialist?

I would be happy to advise you!

Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)

The spine is difficult to treat. On the one hand it is exposed to high mechanical loads, on the other hand it has great mobility.

The treatment of the spine (e.g. herniated disc, facet syndrome, foramen stenosis, etc.) therefore requires a lot of experience.
I focus on a wide variety of diseases of the spine.
The aim of any treatment is treatment without surgery.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

You can find me in:

  • Lumedis - your orthopedic surgeon
    Kaiserstrasse 14
    60311 Frankfurt am Main

Directly to the online appointment arrangement
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
Further information about myself can be found at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert

Through the incision becomes first remove the desired intervertebral disc (Discectomy). The space that has now become free is replaced by a Implantwho have favourited the intervertebral disc prosthesis.
This prosthesis usually consists of two metal plates with a layer of plastic between them. This ensures that the implant can, on the one hand, grow well and firmly together with the surrounding structures and, on the other hand, can withstand the extensive movements in the lumbar spine area.
Since the thickness of the prosthesis is matched to the intervertebral disc and has a certain deformability, the mobility of the lower back should be almost as natural after the operation as before the disease.
If everything goes without complications, the patient can mostly leave the hospital on the second day after the operation. First he has to then wear a soft bandage (for about 6 weeks)so as not to endanger the healing process. By the end of this time at the latest, everything should be well healed and the person affected can return to their normal everyday and professional life, although this is often possible while the bandage is being worn.
Only with the practice of particularly stressful sports should you wait a little longer if possible, Biking or swimming however, are not a problem. To ensure an optimal course, it is advisable to use a physical therapy to be integrated into long-term treatment.

The insertion of an intervertebral disc prosthesis for symptomatic diseases of the lumbar spine has been considered the Treatment of first choice viewed as having a very high success rate (about 90%) goes hand in hand and only very little risk of complications having. Advantages over other possible procedures are also the Preservation of the natural range of motion the lumbar spine and especially the rapid rehabilitation through the option of direct mobilization.

Lumbar spine illustration

Figure lumbar spine: A - from the left and B - from the front

Lumbar spine (blue)

  1. First cervical vertebra (carrier) -
    Atlas
  2. Second cervical vertebra (turner) -
    Axis
  3. Seventh cervical vertebra -
    Vertebra prominent
  4. First thoracic vertebra -
    Vertebra thoracica I
  5. Twelfth thoracic vertebra -
    Vertebra thoracica XII
  6. First lumbar vertebra -
    Vertebra lumbalis I
  7. Fifth lumbar vertebra -
    Vertebra lumbalis V
  8. Lumbar cruciate ligament kink -
    Promontory
  9. Sacrum - Sacrum
  10. Tailbone - Os coccygis

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations