Lumbar Total Disc Replacement (LTDR) is an alternative to fusion for the surgical management of discogenic back pain not responding to conservative therapy. Theoretical advantages include preservation of motion and possible reduction in adjacent segment degeneration. The aim is to review the early results of LTDR in an Auckland private practice.

A prospective study was carried out on 32 consecutive patients treated with LTDR. Discogenic back pain was confirmed with plain radiographs, MRI and CT lumbar discogram. The Charité TDR was used in 19 patients and A-MAV in 13. Follow-up was to a minimum of two years. Patients completed Modified Roland Questionnaires (MRQ), Visual Analogue Pain Scores (VAPS) and Lower Back Outcome Scores (LBOS) pre and post-operatively. Patients’ notes and radiographs were reviewed.

All outcomes measures improved significantly. Mean MRQ scores improved from 14.2 to 6.4 and 4.8 (at one and two years respectively). Mean VAPS improved from 5.3 to 2.5 and 1.7. Mean LBOS improved from 33 to 52 and 57. 84% had radiographic evidence of motion at the level of the prosthesis. There were four major complications. A retroperitoneal haematoma, an incisional hernia, a ureteric stenosis and subsidence of the prosthesis each occurred in separate patients. These all occurred in the first ten patients of the study and were related to the approach. There were no major thrombo-embolic or infective complications and no revision surgery was required.

LTDR is a safe and effective surgical treatment of discogenic back pain. There is however, a steep learning curve with regard to the approach and a higher risk of complications during this time. Initial results are encouraging, but longer term follow-up needs to be performed.