Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic administered through the abdominal wall. Depending on the type or position of the unhealthy disc, access to the spine is gained by means of a lower abdominal transverse incision or a longitudinal incision of approx. 4-6 cm.

After having carefully moved asidethe subvertebral large vessels and nerves, the relevant disc is exposed. The anterior longitudinal ligamentor disc ring is opened and the unhealthy disc completey removed.

Afterwards the disc space will be stretched by special instruments to 10-14 cm in order to decompress the nerve roots and to make room for the prosthesis. After measurement of the correct size and precise preparation of the implant bed, the implant will be inserted centrally under x-ray control.

You should expect to stay in hospital for a few days after the operation. The prosthesis normally stabilizes at once, allowing movement or stress, so that you will be allowed to get up as early as one day after surgery.

It may be necessary to wear a body jacket for a few weeks in order to support the spine. Unlike with fusion surgery, a sitting position is allowed but bending down, lifting heavy objects or contorting the spine should be avoided.

There will be a special follow-up treatment (physiotherapy, mobilization, muscle reeducation, etc.). Usually after 3 months the integration of the prosthesis into the bone will be completed. This will be checked by an x-ray examination. After-care examinations will be carried out at regular intervals, which guarantee the best safety and care with this type of surgical treatment.