Jack Stern, MD, PhD, Neurosurgeon and Spinal Specialist, discusses the challenges in using an artificial lumbar disc.

Artificial lumbar disc insertion to stabilize L3-4 and L4-5 is possible using a transabdominal lateral approach and carries significantly less complications than a retroperitoneal approach.

References and Resources Park CK, Ryu KS, Jee WH.
Degenerative changes of discs and facet joints in lumbar total disc replacement using ProDisc II: minimum two-year follow-up. Spine. 2008 Jul 15;33(16):1755-61.

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