While age is a factor in disc replacement eligibility, there’s no strict age limit of 60. Generally, younger patients (under 60) are considered better candidates due to the potential lifespan of the artificial disc and the possibility of future revision surgery. However, older patients may still be eligible if they are otherwise healthy and the surgery is deemed appropriate for their condition.
Factors Influencing Disc Replacement Eligibility:
• Age:
Younger patients (18-60) are often preferred due to the potential lifespan of the artificial disc and the possibility of needing revision surgery later in life.
• Cause of Pain:
Disc replacement is most effective for pain caused by a single degenerated or herniated disc.
• Overall Health:
Patients should be in good health with no major medical conditions that could complicate surgery or recovery.
• Bone Density:
Strong bones are crucial for supporting the artificial disc.
• Other Spinal Issues:
Conditions like spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or scoliosis may disqualify a patient.
• Response to Non-Surgical Treatments:
Patients should have tried at least six months of non-surgical treatments (like physical therapy or pain medication) without success.
• Osteoporosis:
Patients with osteoporosis may not have strong enough bone to support the disc replacement.
While age plays a role, it’s not a definitive barrier to disc replacement surgery. A comprehensive evaluation by a spine specialist is necessary to determine if disc replacement is the right treatment option for an individual’s specific condition and overall health.
Some say “You need to be active, under 60, and don’t have severe spinal deformities or instability.”
The 60 limit is only an FDA guideline, we regularly do disc replacement on patients over 60 with good outcomes.
Making this diagnosis isn’t as simple as one may think. Every spine patient is unique, and so are each person’s lifestyle, pain experiences, and recovery goals. That’s why we gather a complete profile, with flexion x-rays and MRI, to truly understand your condition, not just your symptoms.
Out priority isn’t to rush you into surgery, but to ensure that if surgery is the right choice, it’s approached with expertise in the full range of options available and not influenced by regulatory bureaucracy or insurance companies profit motives.
You deserve better!
Contact us to begin your journey of healing.
Our surgeons have the experience and the skills required for complex multi-level lumbar and cervical disc replacement surgeries and other advanced spine solutions.
“Advanced disc replacement solutions have allowed us to achieve a success rate of 99%”
Dr. Karsten-Ritter-Lang Disc Replacement Surgeon
We possess the expertise to apply our extensive experience with a diverse array of surgical options to create solutions that incorporate artificial disc replacement and other advanced techniques.
Why wait, you deserve Quality of Life now!