Lumbar Disc Arthroplasty — Post-Op Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement

Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (Houston Spine Surgeon) · Dr. Jeffrey H. Oppenheimer MD

Weight-Bearing

WBAT from POD 1; walking to 1/2 mile daily (15-30 min cardiovascular activity)

Key Restrictions

Avoid extension 6 wks; avoid rotation 6 wks; avoid active sports 3 months (no contact sports); avoid exercise that increases sciatic pain; avoid lifting/twisting lumbar spine 6 wks

Timeline & Phases

3 phases: Phase I IPSP (0-6 wks, home HEP), Phase II OP PT (6-9 wks, 2-3x/wk), Phase III Advanced (9-12 wks, 2-3x/wk)

Notes

Treat like spondylolisthesis with flexion bias for 6 wks (extension restriction); Phase II: multifidus/TA co-contraction with pressure biofeedback, pelvic stabilization, neural mobilization; Phase III: advanced stabilization and proprioceptive training, lifting training; Pearls: low load high rep, focus local muscle system (multifidus/TA) before global, avoid prone extensions

Surgeon / Author

Dr. Jeffrey H. Oppenheimer MD