Patrick McKenna, Spinal Surgeon

Back pain can be caused by degeneration of a lumbar disc. Painful discs generally cause low back pain when pressure is put through them whilst, for example, sitting or bending forwards. Symptoms can be extremely restrictive and fail to improve with simple measures such as time, physiotherapy, steroid injections and analgesia. 

Total disc replacement surgery is a long-established treatment for painful discs and has been proven in studies to be superior to other operative treatments such as fusion, and conservative measures in well selected patients.

Mr McKenna has performed lumbar disc replacement surgery for 20 years and has been an advocate of their effectiveness throughout that time. 

Not all patients with degenerative disc disease are suitable for disc replacement and careful evaluation is required in each case. Assessment includes a combination of clinical history and examination, imaging (MRI scan, MRI spectroscopy, CT) and provocative discography. Diagnostic injections can also be required.

The chosen implant used is dependent on several factors but is either the ESP or Active-L.