Disc replacement
Lumbar disc replacement removes a damaged disc in the lower spine and replaces it with an artificial disc. For carefully selected patients, the aim is to reduce pain while preserving movement between the surrounding vertebrae.
Lumbar disc replacement overview
The procedure may be considered when pain has been linked to a specific disc and appropriate non-surgical treatment has not provided enough relief. It is not suitable for everyone. Your consultant will review your scans, general health, spinal alignment, other joint conditions and any previous surgery before advising you.
Who may be suitable?
A consultant may consider disc replacement for someone who:
- has persistent pain linked to a specific lumbar disc
- does not have significant disease in the nearby spinal joints
- does not have scoliosis or another alignment problem that makes replacement unsuitable
- has not had previous surgery that prevents the procedure
- is well enough for the operation and rehabilitation
How is surgery carried out?
The operation is carried out under a general anaesthetic. The surgeon usually reaches the lumbar spine from the front through the abdomen, moving the abdominal structures carefully to one side. The damaged disc and any tissue pressing on a nerve are removed, and an artificial disc made from metal, or metal and plastic, is positioned in the space.
The current page states that surgery takes around three hours, but this will vary with the operation. Your consultant will explain the approach planned for you.
Recovery from lumbar disc replacement
Phase 1
Your care team will help you begin walking and will explain pain relief, wound care and any movements to avoid. Build activity gradually rather than trying to do too much too soon.
Phase 2
Rehabilitation focuses on comfortable movement, strength and a steady return to everyday tasks. Follow your surgeon's advice about lifting, driving and more demanding activity.
Phase 3
The current page suggests that some people return to work after around six weeks, depending on the role. Your surgeon will advise you based on your recovery and the physical demands involved. Return to sport must also be agreed with your care team.
Working with Spine professionals and teams
Our spine specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their spines. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Spine treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Disc replacement FAQs
An artificial disc is designed to preserve movement at the treated level. Fusion joins two vertebrae so that they no longer move against each other. Your consultant will explain which approach, if any, is suitable for you.
Recovery can take a few weeks to several months. The timing depends on the procedure, your symptoms, general health and progress through rehabilitation.
This is individual. Desk-based work may be possible sooner than manual work, while sport requires a gradual return based on healing, strength and control. Follow your surgeon's advice.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
1 of 4