Kochi: An advanced artificial disc replacement surgery was conducted at the private Lakeshore hospital here today.

Speaking to mediapersons, Dr Hee Hwan Tak, Assistant Professor of National Univeristy of Singapore, who performed the surgery said in the traditional fusion surgery, a small part of the bone is taken from the hip and grafted on the hollow space where the cervical disc is located and the normal movement of the neck after the surgey becomes very difficult.

In the advanced artificial disc replacement using titanium built artificial disc preserves the normal motion of the treated spinal segment and the patient can experience greater flexibility and normal movement of the neck, he said.

The surgery done on a 47-year old male was successful, he said, adding the patient had weakness of shoulder movements and pain radiating down his upper limb. The problem was diagnosed to be due to C3-4 degenerative disc problem with spinal cord and nerve root compression, he said.

Dr Suresh Pillai of the Hospital said after having an artificial cervical disc replacement the patient could walk home in 24 hours. 

There are multi-factoral reasons for the disc problem including modern life style and diet habits. IT professionals have the biggest chances of getting the problem due to their sitting position, he said.

Source : PTI