This procedure works well for low back pain and there are no serious concerns about its safety.
As a person gets older, the discs between back bones (vertebrae) can deteriorate. This can cause severe pain and disability and surgery may be needed. This procedure is done through a small cut at the base of the spine. The damaged disc is removed. An artificial implant and bone graft material are inserted into the remaining disc space. It aims to join the 2 vertebrae together to stop the painful joint moving.
NHS Choices may be a good place to find out more. NICE’s information on interventional procedures guidance has more about what a procedure is and how we assess them.
Is this procedure right for me?
If you’ve been offered this procedure, your healthcare professionals should discuss with you what is involved, and tell you about the risks and benefits. They should talk with you about your options, and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. All of this should happen before you agree (consent) to have the procedure. You should also be told how to find more information about the procedure. Read more about making decisions about your care.
Some questions to think about
- What does the procedure involve?
- What are the possible benefits? How likely am I to get them?
- What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
- What happens if the procedure doesn’t work or something goes wrong?
- What happens if I don’t want the procedure? Are there other treatments available?
ISBN: 978-1-4731-3029-6
This page was last updated: