Why can’t I have a synthetic disc inserted?

At present, use of prosthetic (artificial) disc replacements is under study in Europe, with further testing scheduled in Asia and South America.
Preliminary reports are encouraging, and investigational use may begin shortly in the United States. Several different mechanisms are under consideration, and are composed of widely varying materials and designs. At present, however, no prosthetic disc is FDA-approved, and usage must be considered investigational, only, under specific protocol.

There is no single surgical, or medical, treatment which is effective for all conditions affecting the spine, intervertebral discs, and nerves. And no procedure is entirely free of risk. The choice of the most appropriate approach to the treatment of any condition can only be arrived at following detailed examination of the patient and of the various diagnostic, clinical, radiographic, and laboratory tests which have been performed. Hopefully, this information will be helpful to you in your discussions with your doctors.