Artificial, disc, replacement, lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement Of The Last artificial, disc, replacement, lumbar Vertebra

Description

Lumbosacral junction anatomy centers this illustration, with the inferior endplate of L5 positioned immediately superior to the sacral promontory and separated by a prosthetic lumbar disc replacement at the L5 to S1 level. The implant occupies the intervertebral disc space, restoring disc height between the last lumbar vertebra and the superior surface of the sacrum while keeping the vertebral bodies in axial alignment. Adjacent osseous landmarks such as the anterior vertebral body margins, the superior sacral endplate, and portions of the pelvic cavity contour provide orientation for the viewer’s sense of anterior versus posterior and superior versus inferior relationships. Bone meets metal and polymer. Artificial disc replacement at L5 to S1 is selected to preserve segmental motion while addressing discogenic low back pain, typically after failure of conservative management and after ruling out significant facet arthropathy or instability. For surgeons, the lumbosacral level raises planning issues that differ from more cranial lumbar segments, including the steep sacral slope, limited anterior corridor, and proximity of the aortic bifurcation and iliac vessels over the anterior disc space. The fixed perspective emphasizes the restored disc space and endplate-to-implant interface, which is where subsidence, malposition, and heterotopic ossification are assessed postoperatively and where preoperative templating focuses. Spine surgery texts and orthopedic or neurosurgical teaching files can pair this illustration with discussions of anterior lumbar approaches, prosthetic sizing, and L5 nerve root symptoms related to foraminal height at L5 to S1. It also fits patient education materials that compare lumbar disc replacement with fusion by showing the prosthetic disc’s position relative to the vertebra and sacrum. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.