Indeed, artificial disc replacement can help you with several problems within your spinal discs that cause painful and concerning symptoms. You can ask your doctor about disc replacement in Dayton if you are experiencing severe pain, numbness, tingling, or limited mobility. Your provider evaluates your symptoms and gets to the root cause to see if you can gain from the treatment. However, certain factors can complicate your treatment and affect the success and effectiveness of the procedure. You might prepare adequately and make wise decisions if you understand these factors. See herein.
Allergic Reactions
Disc replacement involves the use of artificial discs made of foreign materials. If you become allergic or sensitive to the materials, it will complicate your treatment. The materials vary but include titanium, polyethylene, tantalum, molybdenum, hydroxyapatite, cobalt, and chromium. Ensure you talk to your doctor about any allergy to such materials since you might have an allergic reaction after your treatment. This reaction could manifest in the form of pain, itchiness, swelling, or other symptoms in your back. Sometimes the reaction can be severe, making it necessary to remove the discs. But when your doctor understands your allergies, they will design your treatment wisely.
Improper Wound Care
Like any other major surgery, disc replacement involves incisions that should be well maintained after the operation. Remember that a poorly managed wound cannot heal and cause other health complications. You must note down your doctor’s guidelines on taking care of your wounds to give them a chance to heal. You should ensure that the wound remains clean and dry. Ask your doctor about dressing and undressing the wounds to avoid infections that could remove the discs.
Medical Tourism
Some people opt to seek treatments abroad due to beliefs like being cheaper. However, this could come with certain risks, especially unfamiliar with other countries’ health systems. You will not be sure if the hospital, surgeons, and other providers meet your country’s similar quality care standards. This means you might not get what you expected. Although there are great stories of good health care from those who have sought treatment elsewhere, there are also horror stories. Therefore, do your research adequately, even if there is a need to seek treatment abroad.
Less Bone Density
The disc replacement treatment involves attaching the artificial discs through two endplates. The plates attach to the vertebral body of the bones adjacent to your spine. If you have low bone density, your bones might not be strong enough to hold the artificial discs. This means your treatment will not work, and you might undergo the major procedure all for nothing. The discs could become misaligned by subsiding into the vertebral body; hence will not preserve motion in your spine.
Uncustomed Devices
The artificial discs involved in disc replacement treatment are not custom-made. This means that they are generally made for every patient without considering their anatomy. Although the manufacturers provide several sizes to cater to many people, not all are covered. Yes, your provider will carry out some imaging tests like an MRI to estimate the size of artificial discs suitable for you; they might realize later after the beginning operation that the device is not a good fit. This could mean that your provider has to amend the treatment plan intra-operatively.
If you are considering disc replacement, it is crucial to consult your doctor adequately and research to understand what you can expect. You can work with your provider to minimize your chances of complications. Get in touch with the disc replacement experts at Vertrae for help and guidance. You can book an online appointment right away.
