Understanding Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
4. Neck Pain
1:55
6. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. Foot Pain
1:50
9. Ankle and Foot Pain
1:46
10. Cancer Pain
1:34
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
3. Acupuncture
2:13
4. Physical Therapy
1:35
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
5. Caudal Epidural
1:33
10. Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
1:39
11. Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
2:05
12. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
13. MILD Procedure
2:04
14. Spinal Decompression Surgeries
1:41
15. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)
Diagnosis & Understanding
3. MILD Procedure
2:04
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
6. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
7. Facet Joint Fusion
1:48
8. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Neck or Cervical Pain
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Caudal Epidural
1:33
5. Facet Joint Injection
1:44
10. Interventional Pain Procedures
1:58
13. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
4. MFAT
2:04
5. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
6. Laser Therapy
2:05
7. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Artificial Disc Replacement
1746881752
Artificial disc replacement (ADR) is a surgery that replaces a damaged spinal disc with an artificial one to relieve pain and preserve natural movement. It’s an alternative to spinal fusion and can be done on the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) spine.
The surgeon removes the damaged disc and places an artificial disc made of metal, plastic, or both between the vertebrae. In lumbar disc replacement, an incision is made in the abdomen, while in cervical disc replacement, it's made at the front of the neck. This approach gives direct access to the spine and protects nearby nerves. The procedure usually lasts two to three hours, aiming to restore flexibility and function while reducing pain.
ADR may be recommended for chronic back or neck pain unresponsive to other treatments, nerve pain like sciatica from disc degeneration, or reduced mobility due to disc wear. However, not everyone qualifies. Severe facet joint disease, spinal deformities, osteoporosis, or previous major spine surgeries may disqualify a patient.
Patients usually stay in the hospital for one to three days and are encouraged to walk soon after. A rehabilitation plan, including physical therapy, may be advised for recovery. Most people return to daily activities in about eight weeks.
There are risks, including infection, implant complications, dislocation, or nerve injury. MRI or CT scans evaluate disc damage and confirm if ADR is suitable. Post-surgery, it’s crucial to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for proper healing. Most patients see significant improvement in weeks to months, but recovery time varies.
If considering ADR, early evaluation helps decide if it’s right for you. Talk to our team for the best treatment plan.
FAQs
How does ADR differ from spinal fusion surgery?
ADR aims to relieve pain while preserving the natural movement of the spine by replacing the damaged disc with a prosthetic one. In contrast, spinal fusion involves joining two or more vertebrae together, which restricts movement but stabilizes the spine. ADR maintains more flexibility and may offer quicker recovery times compared to spinal fusion.
What are the potential risks associated with artificial disc replacement?
While ADR can significantly relieve pain, there are risks, including infection, implant complications like dislocation, and potential nerve injury. Using imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans helps evaluate disc damage and ensure the surgery is suitable for the patient.
What is artificial disc replacement (ADR)?
Artificial disc replacement (ADR) is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged spinal disc with an artificial one to relieve pain and maintain natural spine movement. It is an alternative to spinal fusion and can be performed on the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) spine.
What is the recovery process like after ADR surgery?
Post-surgery, patients usually remain in the hospital for one to three days and are encouraged to walk shortly after. A rehabilitation plan with physical therapy may be recommended to aid recovery. Most individuals return to their usual activities in about eight weeks, but avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities is crucial during the healing period.
Who is a suitable candidate for artificial disc replacement?
Candidates for ADR typically have chronic back or neck pain that hasn't responded to other treatments, nerve pain like sciatica due to disc degeneration, or limited mobility from disc wear. However, people with severe facet joint disease, spinal deformities, osteoporosis, or those who have undergone prior major spine surgeries may not qualify.