Expert Advice   Print Version Q. If I have surgery to take out a disc in my back, what will replace the disc that the doctor removes? A. Most surgeons only take out the nucleus pulposus from the middle of the disc. After a simple discectomy surgery, scar tissue fills the area where disc material has been removed. When a fusion using a bone graft is needed, the disc is taken completely out, and the bone graft is put in place of the disc between the two vertebrae. In an anterior interbody fusion surgery, a metal cage may be used in place of the disc between the vertebrae. Print Version		Anatomy and Function of the Spine Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Diagnostic Tests for Spine Problems Q. When can I play golf, ride a bike, or go hiking after spine surgery? A. It depends on the type and location of your surgery. A micro-discectomy… Clicking on any of the links will take you to a Web site to which this Privacy Policy does not apply. You are solely responsible for your interactions with such Web sites. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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