Leg pain after artificial disc implantation isn't reported much, but it's fairly common. Doctors suggest the cause is over-distraction of the vertebral bones when inserting the implant.

The bones can handle the stretch, but the nerves can't. In the process, the spinal nerve roots get stretched setting off painful signals that may not go away. The doctor must choose just the right patients for this operation. Age, bone quality, and amount of disc space are all important factors.

This operation takes a skilled surgeon with technical experience. He or she must be able to place the disc exactly in place with just the right amount of tension on the bones.