Modern technologies allow the surgeons at Ichilov (Sourasky) Clinic to return patients to a full life, including sports activities, even in severe cases of intervertebral hernia, when the vertebra has undergone irreversible changes. The effectiveness of the surgery is evidenced by the patients themselves who have undergone intervertebral disc prosthetics at the clinic: reviews indicate that back pain disappears immediately, and the ability to move as freely as before the illness returns. Unlike traditional surgery, where several adjacent discs are fused together, the modern approach does not restrict movement at all. The success rate of the surgery performed by the surgeons at Ichilov (Sourasky) Clinic is up to 98%. High effectiveness rates are not the only argument for undergoing intervertebral disc prosthetics at this clinic; the cost of the surgery here is significantly lower than in European countries or the USA.Indications for Intervertebral Disc Replacement
The surgery is performed only if conservative treatment for intervertebral hernia has not yielded any results. When MRI studies show that the vertebra continues to deteriorate, and when the patient has been suffering from back pain for more than six months due to nerve compression in the spinal cord, doctors recommend surgery to install a disc implant.
Before the surgery, the patient undergoes an examination to determine any allergies to certain medications and to assess the condition of the cardiovascular and other systems that will be under stress during the surgical intervention. A consultation with an orthopedic surgeon and anesthesiologist is mandatory.
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Essence of the Procedure
General anesthesia is used for the surgery. The spinal surgeon makes a minimal incision (3-5 cm), separating the muscles and tissues. Through the incision, the damaged disc is removed. Using a microscope, the surgeon frees the compressed nerve and proceeds to implant the prosthesis.
At Ichilov (Sourasky) Clinic, a unique M6-L implant is used for vertebral prosthetics. The prosthesis consists of a movable rod made of medical plastic and two plates on either side made of a special cobalt alloy. Due to the use of plastic, the structure is sufficiently elastic and mobile, while the metal parts ensure its durability.
This implant is placed in the disc space, at the site of the removed disc. After a certain period following the surgery, bone tissue grows over the prosthesis, thereby strengthening it and ensuring its stability.
The surgery is performed under the control of neuronavigation equipment, specifically the O-ARM system, which captures every moment of the operation from different angles. The surgeon can set parameters for the X-ray images that help him track each stage of the surgery and avoid even the slightest inaccuracies. After the implant is placed, the tissues are sutured, and the patient is moved to the recovery room under the supervision of doctors. The surgery lasts about two hours. On the second or third day, the patient can already get up. The hospital stay lasts about three to four days. The period for complete restoration of spinal mobility is approximately six months. Before discharge, the doctor provides detailed recommendations to facilitate successful rehabilitation.
Intervertebral Disc Prosthetics: Prices
The cost of prosthetics largely depends on the diagnostic data of the specific patient.
Ichilov (Sourasky) Clinic is a public facility, and the cost of treatment here corresponds to the rates established by the state of Israel. According to patient reviews, during intervertebral hernia prosthetics in Israel, they saved a significant amount, as the same surgery in the USA or Europe costs 30-50% more.
Advantages of Treatment at Ichilov (Sourasky)
- Experienced team of surgeons. The clinic employs leading spinal surgeons in the country, who have successfully performed dozens of spinal surgeries.
- High success rate. Thanks to the latest techniques and equipment, intervertebral disc prosthetics is successful in 98% of cases.
- Minimization of medical errors. The surgery is performed using ultra-precise neuronavigation equipment, which eliminates the possibility of medical error.
- Full restoration of movement. The unique intervertebral disc prosthesis allows the patient to fully restore their motor activity, including returning to sports activities.
- Comfortable price. The most optimal combination of price and quality of treatment.