This pain should have persisted for at least six months without resolving while under the care of a physician. The Texas Back Institute will follow each patient for a minimum of two years. Each doctor is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and is participating in the U.S. study of the artificial disc. The modular artificial disc consists of a polyethylene core that slides between two metal endplates. This development is similar in importance to the first artificial joint replacements done 20 years ago.
Implants come in a variety of sizes to fit the patient's anatomy.
Rehabilitation begins upon hospital discharge, which is typically two days post-procedure.