Home  /  Conditions  /  Artificial Disc Replacement

PROCEDURE

Artificial Disc
Replacement.

Motion-preserving alternative to fusion for cervical and lumbar disc disease. Replaces a damaged disc with an implant that maintains normal spinal motion. Niceville, Florida.

Artificial disc replacement replaces a damaged spinal disc with an implant designed to replicate the normal motion of the natural disc — preserving function while eliminating pain.

REQUEST CONSULTATION
OVERVIEW

What is artificial disc replacement?

Artificial disc replacement — also called total disc arthroplasty — is a procedure in which a damaged spinal disc is removed and replaced with an artificial implant that maintains motion at the treated level. Unlike spinal fusion — which eliminates motion at the treated level — disc replacement preserves the normal range of motion of the spine, reducing the risk of adjacent segment disease over time.

Cervical disc replacement is performed through a small anterior neck incision and is indicated for cervical disc herniation or degenerative disc disease causing arm pain or myelopathy in patients who are not candidates for fusion. The artificial disc is placed in the disc space after the damaged disc is removed, restoring disc height and maintaining cervical motion.

Lumbar disc replacement is performed through an anterior abdominal approach and is indicated for single or two-level lumbar degenerative disc disease in younger, active patients without significant spinal deformity or osteoporosis. Dr. Enguidanos evaluates each patient carefully to determine whether disc replacement or fusion is the more appropriate treatment for their specific anatomy and lifestyle.

He performs artificial disc replacement at HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital in Niceville, Florida, serving patients throughout the Florida Panhandle and Gulf Coast.

Cervical artificial disc replacement ADR implant seated in disc space anterior view Dr. Enguidanos Niceville Florida spine surgeon motion preservation
Cervical artificial disc replacement — titanium implant restoring disc height and preserving motion at the treated level
HOW IT IS PERFORMED

The procedure.

01

Anterior Approach

Cervical ADR: a small transverse incision in the neck provides access to the anterior cervical spine. Lumbar ADR: an anterior retroperitoneal approach through the abdomen accesses the lumbar disc space.

02

Disc Removal

The damaged disc is completely removed including the cartilaginous endplates. The disc space is carefully prepared to the exact dimensions of the implant to be placed.

03

Endplate Preparation

The vertebral endplates are prepared to allow secure seating of the artificial disc. Proper sizing and positioning are critical to restoring normal disc height and segmental motion.

04

Implant Placement

The artificial disc is inserted into the prepared disc space and positioned precisely under fluoroscopic guidance. The implant consists of two metal endplates with a polyethylene core that articulates to allow motion.

05

Confirmation and Closure

Implant position, disc height restoration, and range of motion are confirmed fluoroscopically. The wound is closed in layers. Most patients are discharged within one to two days.

Related Conditions

Procedure Facts

90%+ Patient satisfaction at 5-year follow-up for cervical ADR
1-2 Days hospital stay for most patients
2-4 Weeks return to sedentary work
BOOK A CONSULTATION
AM I A CANDIDATE?

Who is this procedure for?

Dr. Enguidanos evaluates every patient individually. The following are general indicators — a consultation is required to determine whether this procedure is appropriate for your specific condition.

GOOD CANDIDATES

  • Symptomatic cervical or lumbar disc disease at one or two levels
  • Failed conservative treatment including physical therapy and injections
  • Younger, active patient wanting to preserve spinal motion
  • No significant spinal deformity, instability, or facet arthritis
  • Adequate bone density for secure implant fixation
  • Single or two-level disease without multilevel degeneration

MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE IF

  • Significant facet arthritis at the affected level — motion may be painful
  • Osteoporosis — insufficient bone density for implant fixation
  • Significant spinal deformity requiring correction
  • Multilevel disease requiring fusion for stability
  • Prior fusion at the same level
  • Active spinal infection or tumor
RECOVERY

What to expect after surgery.

Recovery timelines vary based on procedure complexity, patient health, and the number of levels treated. The following represents typical recovery for this procedure.

1-2 Days

Hospital Stay

Most disc replacement procedures require a one to two day hospital stay. Cervical cases are often one night.

2-4 Weeks

Early Recovery

Return to light activity and sedentary work within two to four weeks. Significantly faster than fusion recovery in most patients.

6 Weeks

Return to Activity

Progressive return to full activity including exercise. Most restrictions are lifted within six weeks.

3 Months

Full Recovery

Full recovery and return to unrestricted activity by three months. Motion at the treated level is preserved long-term.

Ready to discuss
this procedure?

REQUEST A CONSULTATION (850) 729-1444