A 48-year-old man came to me after living with chronic low back pain for two decades—including sharp, stabbing pain at L2–3, persistent lower lumbar aching and pain extending into both legs.
After comprehensive evaluation and imaging, we determined he was a candidate for a four-level lumbar artificial disc replacement with ProDisc-L—an off-label use of the device.
Rather than fusing four levels and eliminating motion across a significant portion of his lumbar spine, the goal was to address his pathology while preserving motion and maintaining more natural spinal biomechanics.
Approximately 36 hours after surgery, he was discharged home with his preoperative symptoms resolved.
Complex, multilevel disease does not always require sacrificing motion. In appropriately selected patients, carefully considered off-label treatment can expand the surgical options available, allowing us to pursue an individualized approach focused not simply on stabilization, but on preserving movement and restoring function.
— Todd H. Lanman, MD
This case involved an off-label use of ProDisc-L. Individual outcomes vary, and artificial disc replacement is not appropriate for every patient. Treatment recommendations are based on individual diagnosis, anatomy, clinical history, and a discussion of potential risks and benefits.
