There is no single ADR checklist

People often ask whether their age, diagnosis, previous fusion, or number of affected levels automatically includes or excludes them from artificial disc replacement. Those factors matter, but candidacy depends on how all of the findings fit together. A surgeon must compare your symptoms, examination history, imaging, and overall health.

Factors commonly reviewed

Conditions that may change the recommendation

Severe facet-joint disease, significant instability, poor bone quality, infection, certain deformities, or other medical concerns may make ADR unsuitable or lead the surgeon to recommend a different approach. A prior operation or fusion does not answer the question by itself, but it can make evaluation and planning more complex.

Age is only one part of the evaluation

There is no responsible way to decide candidacy from age alone. Biological health, bone quality, anatomy, diagnosis, activity, and surgical risk must be considered together. The surgical team—not an online age range—makes the recommendation.

Imaging required for review

Imaging should generally be no more than six months old. For each spinal area you want evaluated, the team requests a non-contrast MRI plus AP, lateral, flexion, and extension X-rays. Additional imaging may be requested for an individual case.

The actual DICOM image files are needed—not only the radiology report. Visit Patient Forms & Documents for questionnaires and upload instructions.

What you receive

After the materials are complete, the surgical team reviews the case. If treatment is recommended, you may receive a written evaluation and surgical offer describing the proposed plan. Submitting a case does not guarantee that surgery or ADR will be recommended.