Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

Artificial Disc Replacement

Artificial disc replacement (ADR) is a motion preservation spine surgery that removes and replaces damaged spinal discs to replicate natural motion. The Desert Institute for Spine Care (DISC) is an expert in ADR and is here to help you find pain relief. If you’d like to talk to one of our professionals about artificial disc replacement surgery, contact us or make an appointment today!

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Model of the human spine depicting the end results of disc replacement surgery

Types of ADR Surgery

There are two primary types of ADR that focus on different areas of the spine — cervical and lumbar. Our experts will assess your condition and design a treatment plan according to your needs.

Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

Cervical artificial disc replacement, or arthroplasty, replaces damaged or degenerated discs in the neck region of the spine. It is performed under general anesthesia utilizing an incision in the front of your neck. Our cervical disc replacement surgeons dissect through the neck safely to the front of the damaged disc. Then the damaged disc and bone spurs are removed to prepare for the artificial disc. Once the new disc is implanted, its position is confirmed on an X-ray.

Finally, the surgeon removes their retractors and closes the skin with a suture. The patient is sent to the recovery room for a few hours.

Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

Lumbar artificial disc replacement treats degenerative disc diseases in the lower back. Like cervical disc replacement, this procedure is done under general anesthesia. The vascular surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen retracting organs to create a safe passage for the spine surgeon. The spine surgeon will then carefully remove the damaged disc and implant the artificial disc. The replacement disc mimics the function of a natural disc, allowing controlled movement and support in the treatment area.

Detailed drawings of the spine and other bone areas of the human body.

Understanding the Human Spine

The human spine is a complex collection of bones (vertebral bodies), discs, ligaments, muscles and spinal nerves that allow us to move about physically. The spine provides strength, support and flexibility to hold the weight of our bodies in an upright position. Because the spine allows for twisting, turning and bending, we can walk, run, lift objects, participate in exercise and sports.

A vertebral disc between each pair of vertebral bodies supports movement and acts as shock absorbers when standing and moving. These discs are made of a durable outer shell called the annulus and an inner gel-like substance called the nucleus.

However, with time and aging, almost everyone over the age of 40 develops some form of degenerative disc disease. This spine condition is a result of wearing and tearing down of the disc that can cause debilitating pain, decreased motion and loss of quality of life.

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The Goal of Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

The goal of artificial disc replacement is to relieve spinal pain and restore standard disc height due to degenerative disc disease. Unlike a spinal fusion, which aims to prevent motion in the spine to reduce pain, the artificial disc preserves motion.

Artificial disc replacement has become one of the best surgical innovations for patients suffering from neck and back pain in the past 15 years. Orthopedic spine surgeons used to fuse the spinal segments because of low back or neck pain. They now have motion-preserving surgery in artificial disc replacement.

Artificial disc replacement evolved from the success of artificial hips and knee replacements in orthopedic surgery. Patients have had excellent outcomes with disc replacement because they have kept them moving and active as they age.

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What Conditions Does Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery Treat?

Artificial disc replacement surgery is used most in the cervical region (neck) to treat certain conditions affecting the spinal discs. Total disc replacement surgery can also be performed in the lumbar region (low back). Here are the primary conditions that can be addressed through artificial disc replacement:

  • Degenerative disc disease (DDD): This condition occurs when the intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, become worn down and lose their normal structure. ADR can be used to replace a damaged or degenerated disc, providing relief from associated symptoms such as chronic back or neck pain.
  • Disc herniation: Also known as a slipped or bulging disc, this condition involves the protrusion or rupture of the intervertebral disc, causing compression of nearby nerves. ADR surgery can be employed to remove the damaged disc and replace it with an artificial one, relieving nerve compression and alleviating pain.
  • Discogenic back or neck pain: This refers to chronic pain originating from the intervertebral discs themselves rather than surrounding structures. Artificial disc replacement may be considered as a treatment option to address disc-related pain that does not respond to conservative therapies.
  • Myelopathy: Myelopathy is a condition resulting from compression of the spinal canal, causing signal dysfunction. ADR can remove degenerated discs that have caused the compression and restore normal nerve function.
  • Spinal stenosis: This condition narrows the spinal canal, compressing the spinal cord and nerves. ADR surgery relieves the pressure on the spinal cord and replaces the damaged discs.
  • Radiculopathy: Radiculopathy is most commonly known as a pinched nerve and encompasses several spinal conditions that damage the nerve root. ADR removes and replaces the damaged discs to relieve tingling, numbness and weakness.

Who Is a Candidate for an Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery?

Best candidates for artificial disc replacement surgery suffer from severe neck or back pain that significantly impedes their quality of life. The best outcomes and benefits for artificial disc surgery have been shown with patients aged 18 to 60.

Patient candidates for artificial disc replacement must have experienced chronic neck or back pain not relieved by nonsurgical treatment for at least six months. They must have tried conservative treatment options such as physical therapy, over-the-counter or prescription analgesics and steroid injections before being considered candidates for artificial disc replacement surgery.

Artificial disc replacement is not recommended for patients with the following conditions:

  • Advanced spinal degeneration: This includes facet joint degeneration, osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Weakened bones: Abnormal vertebral bodies weakened by osteoporosis or a bone infection. Because of the unstable bones, the artificial disc is less likely to stay in place after surgery.
  • Previous spine surgery: Any instability of a prior neck or back surgery may reduce the success of the artificial disc replacement surgery.
  • Allergy to ADR materials: Patients who are allergic to any components of metals or plastic used in the artificial disc should avoid this surgery.

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Man rubbing his neck in pain after being in an auto accident
Dr. Wang Explaining Spine Condition to Patient

Why Trust Us?

DISC has proudly served our Phoenix, AZ, community with high-quality spine care for decades. You can trust us because of our:

  • Expert surgeons: DISC has some of the best disc replacement surgeons in the industry. They are board-certified and have over 50 years of collective patient care experience.
  • Advanced treatment options: We are leaders in minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) techniques to provide the most advanced, cutting-edge treatments. As a result, our patients can experience a reduced recovery period and better overall outcomes.
  • Personalized pain mapping: The DISC team developed personalized pain mapping to accurately define a patient’s spine condition and pain generator. From this pain management scale, we can best create a custom treatment plan for their needs.

Contact Us for an ADR Consultation in Phoenix, AZ

If you are currently suffering from a painful neck or back condition, DISC can help. Schedule a consultation with our expert surgeons to see if ADR is right for you.

Dr Abrams explaining spine x-ray Dr. Abrams laughing

Are You A Candidate For Artificial Disc Replacement?

When your neck or back pain prohibits you from working and living an active physical lifestyle, you should consult with an expert spine surgeon.

ENJOY LIFE AGAIN!

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