Artificial, disc, replacement, lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement Of The Spine, Anterior View

Description

Lumbosacral artificial disc arthroplasty is centered at the L5 to S1 intervertebral level in an anterior orientation, with the implant interposed between the inferior endplate of L5 and the superior endplate of S1 (the sacral promontory). Metallic endplates seat against the vertebral bodies, and a central core forms the articulating surface aligned with the midline over the anterior longitudinal ligament region. The sacrum lies inferiorly, broad and medial, while the lumbar vertebral body above appears narrower with its anterior cortical margin framing the superior aspect of the construct. Edges matter. Anterior lumbar disc replacement most often targets symptomatic degenerative disc disease at L4 to L5 or L5 to S1 after failed conservative care, and the lumbosacral level brings its own constraints because implant position must respect the iliac vessels, the presacral space, and the slope of the sacral endplate. A fixed anterior perspective helps you judge midline placement and symmetry of the prosthesis relative to the vertebral margins, a frequent teaching point when discussing malposition risks such as heterotopic ossification, subsidence into the endplates, or segmental instability if sizing and seating are inadequate. The lumbosacral junction is also where adjacent anatomy drives approach selection, with the hypogastric plexus and left common iliac vein often highlighted in anterior exposure discussions even when they are not the visual focus here. Use this illustration in spine surgery atlases describing anterior lumbar interbody approaches and arthroplasty, in orthopaedic and neurosurgical slide decks comparing fusion versus disc replacement at L5 to S1, or in device-focused patient education materials that need a neutral, anatomy-forward implant view. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.