The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Device for intervertebral assisted motion (DIAM)
TREATING DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE AND LOWER BACK PAIN
A common procedure to relieve lower back and leg pain caused by degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis
What is a DIAM implant?
If you're experiencing lower back and leg pain from degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis, your consultant may recommend a DIAM implant.
The H-shaped implant restores the height of the worn disc to release trapped nerves. It's sutured in place with a mesh band to hold it in position.
The procedure is an alternative to fusion surgery.
Need to know
As we age, the discs in our backs can wear down and create less space in our spines. This causes impaired mobility, and significant leg and back pain. A small incision is made in your back, before the problem disc is removed and the DIAM inserted. The DIAM is sutured in place with a mesh band to hold it in position. The short procedure is performed under a light general anaesthetic.
Your consultant will tell you if you have to avoid eating and drinking before the procedure. Because general anaesthetic is used during the procedure, you may need to fast for several hours before the operation. Your consultant will tell you should avoid eating and drinking. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
You will need to lie flat for three to four hours before attempting to sit up. A physiotherapist or nurse will help you move about when you feel able, and you should be moving independently within a few days. You'll spend about two nights in hospital.
On discharge you will be given analgesia pain relief medicine and any other required medications. It is advisable that you continue taking your analgesia for at least two weeks post-discharge. Your surgeon may ask you to wear a corset post-surgery. This is to be worn when moving around. By four weeks post-surgery, you should be sitting comfortably for 45mins-1hr at a time.
Paying for medical treatment
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The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chelsea Outpatients - 280 King's Road
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
Golders Green Outpatients
Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre NW11 9PY London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.