Reoperations and Complications of Failed Lumbar Total Disk Replacement

Advancements in lumbar total disk replacement (TDR) and motion preserving technology have become more prevalent. With the clinical application of these devices, complications and failures will need to be addressed. These complications have been correlated with patient and surgeon related factors. Successful management is dependant on identifying the mode of failure and surgeon awareness of approach related complications. Adhering to patient selection criteria and avoiding technical errors can minimize device failure. When revision surgery is indicated, careful preoperative planning is mandated in order to identify the underlying pathology and obtain successful revision goals.