An alternative to the total replacement of the intervertebral disc is the replacement of the nucleus of the disc.

In a healthy intervertebral disc, the inner nucleus has the function of a sponge, absorbing the pressure exerted on the spine. The purpose of the procedure is to relieve pain and restore the mechanical properties normally assured by a healthy intervertebral disc.

In nucleus replacement procedure, the jelly-like material of the intervertebral disc is replaced with an artificial biocompatible material.
Overall, this technology is still under investigation and its effectiveness is not proved yet.  

Surgery: the steps.

1. You will be given general anesthesia
2. Your surgeon will dissect a small incision on the annulus (external part of the disc)
3. The nucleus’ material of the degenerated disc is removed, and it is replaced with the biocompatible implant.
4. Your surgeon will suture the little incision performed in the annulus.