Patient education
Artificial Disc Replacement
A clear introduction to cervical and lumbar artificial disc replacement, motion preservation, and the questions to ask before considering treatment.
What is artificial disc replacement?
Artificial disc replacement (ADR), also called total disc replacement, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged spinal disc is removed and replaced with an implant designed to maintain movement at that spinal level. ADR may be considered for selected patients with cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower-back) disc disease.
The goal is not simply to replace a disc. The surgical team evaluates the complete spine, the source of symptoms, spinal stability, facet joints, bone quality, previous procedures, and overall health before recommending any operation.
Cervical ADR
Disc replacement in the neck may be evaluated when one or more cervical discs are associated with arm pain, weakness, numbness, neck pain, or other symptoms. The appropriate treatment depends on the diagnosis and anatomy.
Lumbar ADR
Disc replacement in the lower back may be evaluated for selected patients whose symptoms appear to originate from one or more lumbar discs. Careful assessment of the facet joints and spinal stability is especially important.
Motion preservation and fusion
Fusion is intended to stabilize a spinal segment by eliminating movement between vertebrae. ADR is designed to preserve movement at the treated level. Neither approach is automatically right for every patient. In some cases, a surgeon may recommend disc replacement; in others, fusion, decompression, a hybrid procedure, continued conservative care, or another option may be more appropriate.
Single-level, multilevel, and hybrid treatment
Some patients have disease at one level, while others have problems at several levels or a previous fusion. Depending on the findings, an experienced surgical team may evaluate single-level ADR, multilevel ADR, or a hybrid plan that uses different techniques at different levels. The recommendation must be individualized.
What the evaluation considers
- Your symptoms, diagnosis, and medical history
- Current MRI and standing X-rays, including motion views when requested
- Disc degeneration and the condition of nearby structures
- Facet-joint health, alignment, and spinal stability
- Bone quality and general health
- Previous surgery and treatments already attempted
- Your goals, lifestyle, and the balance of potential benefits and risks
Why implant and surgeon experience matter
Artificial discs differ in design, materials, motion characteristics, and approved use. An implant should be selected for the individual patient rather than chosen from marketing alone. Surgical planning, access, implant positioning, and postoperative care all require specialized experience.
Learn about Dr. Karsten Ritter-Lang’s experience, or continue to the ADR candidacy guide.
Medical information notice: This page provides general educational information and is not medical advice. Only a qualified medical professional who has reviewed your history and imaging can recommend treatment. If you have a medical emergency or sudden neurological changes, seek immediate local medical care.
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