Is Private Cervical Disc Replacement Available in Canada?

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Is Private Cervical Disc Replacement Available in Canada?

Artificial disc replacement is a treatment therapy used when all other traditional therapies have failed and only after extensive testing is completed.  The testing would include a discogram, which is aided by x-ray technology.  This test can determine whether the patient’s pain is directly caused by a degenerative disc.

Degenerative disc disease means the disc between the vertebrae has worn down or lost some or all of its cushioning.  The discs act as shock absorbers and when there is little to no cushion, it creates pain.  Artificial disc replacement surgery replaces the bad disc in hopes of better mobility and pain relief by restoring the disc to its original height.  This provides less risk for the adjoining discs to degenerate as seen in spinal fusions.

Finding a private spine surgeon in Canada is very tricky because there are really only a couple of surgeons practicing on a private basis.  Private cervical disc replacement is very specialized and requires an experienced neurosurgeon.  There is only one surgeon we know of currently doing these on a private basis.  He recently started offering them after many years of research and data to feel comfortable enough that it would be a successful surgery.

If you have been told you are a candidate for private cervical disc replacement, contact us and we can facilitate this surgery for you with an experienced neurosurgeon in Canada or the US.  We can be reached at 877-344-3544 or info@healthvantis.com.

Is Private Lumbar Disc Replacement Available in Canada?

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Is Private Lumbar Disc Replacement Available in Canada?

Artificial disc replacement is a treatment therapy used when all other traditional therapies have failed and only after extensive testing is completed.  The testing would include a discogram, which is aided by x-ray technology.  This test can determine whether the patient’s pain is directly caused by a degenerative disc.

Degenerative disc disease means the disc between the vertebrae has worn down or lost some or all of its cushioning.  The discs act as shock absorbers and when there is little to no cushion, it creates pain.  Artificial disc replacement surgery replaces the bad disc in hopes of better mobility and pain relief by restoring the disc to its original height.  This provides less risk for the adjoining discs to degenerate as seen in spinal fusions.  Lumbar disc replacement can only be done on 2 of the discs, the last two which are L4-5 or L5-S1.  It is also reserved for those patients with discogenic pain, ie. a form of low back pain caused by chemically or mechanically damaged intervertebral discs.

Finding a private spine surgeon in Canada is very tricky because there are really only a couple of neurosurgeons practicing on a private basis.  Private lumbar disc replacement is very specialized and requires an experienced neurosurgeon who has had extensive training doing them.  Currently, we do not know of anyone doing these on a private basis in Canada so going to the US would be the next likely option.  Because it is so specialized and the patient needs to meet very specific criteria, there are not as many neurosurgeons doing lumbar disc replacement as there are cervical disc replacement.

If you have been told you are a candidate for private lumbar disc replacement, contact us and we can facilitate this surgery for you with an experienced neurosurgeon.  We can be reached at 877-344-3544 or info@healthvantis.com.

Private Cervical Fusion vs Private Cervical Disc Replacement

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Private Cervical Fusion vs Private Cervical Disc Replacement

Private cervical spinal fusion surgery and private cervical disc replacement surgery can be done in Canada or the US.  There are a lot more options if you go to the US, where the pricing will be comparable.  What is the difference between a cervical spinal fusion and cervical spinal disc replacement?  Let’s find out what each surgery encompasses and how they differ.  

What is a Cervical Spinal Fusion?

Cervical spinal fusion is the surgery that uses artificial bone material and other substances so they heal into a single solid bone. This, over time, can improve the stability of the spine and eliminate pain, however, will limit the range of motion for that joint.

What is a Cervical Spinal Disc Replacement?

A cervical disc replacement differs in that the surgeon inserts an artificial disc in the disc space.  Some patients are not good candidates for cervical disc replacement if they have a history of cancer, degeneration, bone infections, scoliosis, or osteoporosis.

Disc Replacement vs Fusion Surgery

Cervical disc replacement surgery is a fairly new surgery so there is not a lot of information out there, especially for long-term success rate and outcomes.  What is known is that it allows for greater movement and mobility than a fusion.  It acts as a real disc and is designed to function as if it was a natural disc whereas cervical fusion welds bones together not allowing for movement in that specific area.

Spinal fusion is known to create more stress on the vertebrae above and below the artificial disc.  With a disc replacement, the movement is naturally still there, which could reduce the risk for further disc degeneration in the future.

Spinal disc replacement surgery also has a much quicker recovery time.  Because you do not need to wait for the bones to completely fuse together, which can take several months, even up to 18 months, most people resume their normal activities within a 4-6 week time frame.  

We have options with credible and experienced surgeons that can do both of these procedures.  If you are interested in a private cervical spine surgery, give us a call to set up a consultation to see which procedure would be right for you.  You can reach us at 877-344-3544 or info@healthvantis.com.

Private Lumbar Fusion vs Private Lumbar Disc Replacement

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Private Lumbar Fusion vs Private Lumbar Disc Replacement

Private lumbar spinal fusion surgery and private lumbar disc replacement surgery is not offered in Canada.  There are options if you go to the US, however, not a lot of surgeons are trained to do them.    What is the difference between a lumbar spinal fusion and lumbar spinal disc replacement?  Let’s find out what each surgery encompasses and how they differ.  

What is a Lumbar Spinal Fusion?

Lumbar fusion is the surgery that uses artificial bone material and other substances so they heal into a single solid bone. This, over time, can improve the stability of the spine and eliminate pain, however, will limit the range of motion for that joint.

What is a Lumbar Spinal Disc Replacement?

A lumbar disc replacement differs in that the surgeon inserts an artificial disc in the disc space.  Lumbar disc replacement requires a very specific candidate due to long term outcomes, implant durability and possible very late complications.  It is best suited for a younger patient, under the age of 50, suffering from degenerative disc disease without any significant  facet joint degeneration, deformity, instability or osteoporosis or osteopenia.  They also must only have an isolated, 1-level disc disease with relatively normal anatomy above the diseased disc.

Disc Replacement vs Fusion Surgery

Lumbar disc replacement surgery is not widely used as it is a much riskier surgery than the cervical disc replacement.  It requires a very specialized surgeon and specific patient that meet certain criteria to do it.  It does however, have a success rate of more than 90%, whereas the spinal lumbar fusion surgery success rate is only 70-90%.

Those who are candidates for lumbar disc replacement surgery will have greater movement and mobility than a fusion.  It acts as a real disc and is designed to function as if it was a natural disc whereas lumbar fusion welds bones together not allowing for movement in that specific area.

Spinal fusion is known to create more stress on the vertebrae above and below the artificial disc.  With a disc replacement, the movement is naturally still there, which could reduce the risk for further disc degeneration in the future.

Spinal disc replacement surgery also has a much quicker recovery time.  Because you do not need to wait for the bones to completely fuse together, which can take several months, even up to 18 months, most people resume their normal activities within a 4-6 week time frame.  

It goes without saying that surgeons will absolutely error on the side of caution and exhaust all other treatments such as injections, physical therapy or simply time before jumping to surgery.

We have options with credible and experienced surgeons that can do both of these procedures.  If you are interested in a private lumbar spine surgery, give us a call to set up a consultation to see which procedure would be right for you.  You can reach us at 877-344-3544 or info@healthvantis.com.