Artificial Disc Replacement

Artificial disc replacement removes a damaged spinal disc and replaces it with a mechanical implant designed to preserve motion at that level. It is an alternative to fusion for certain patients with disc-related neck or low-back problems. It is best established in the neck (cervical spine), with more selective use in the lower back.

What to expect

  • Performed under general anesthesia, usually through an incision at the front of the neck or abdomen.
  • Surgery typically takes one to three hours; hospital stays are commonly one night or less for cervical cases.
  • Walking begins the same day, and many patients return to light activity within a few weeks.
  • A brief period of activity restriction protects the implant while tissues heal.
  • Full recovery commonly takes about three months, sometimes longer for lumbar procedures.

Top spine surgeons

All spine surgeons →

Common questions

How is disc replacement different from fusion?
Fusion joins two vertebrae so they no longer move; disc replacement preserves motion at the level with a mechanical implant. Preserving motion may reduce stress on neighboring levels, though candidacy for disc replacement is narrower.
Am I a candidate for artificial disc replacement?
Candidates typically have disc-related symptoms at one or two levels without significant arthritis, instability, or deformity. A spine surgeon will use imaging and an exam to determine whether replacement or another option fits.
How long is recovery?
Many patients return to light activities within a few weeks, faster than a typical fusion recovery. Full recovery commonly takes around three months, guided by your surgeon.

Find Artificial Disc Replacement by city

Artificial Disc Replacement in New York, NYArtificial Disc Replacement in Los Angeles, CAArtificial Disc Replacement in Houston, TXArtificial Disc Replacement in Seattle, WAArtificial Disc Replacement in Louisville, KYArtificial Disc Replacement in Saint Louis, MOArtificial Disc Replacement in San Antonio, TXArtificial Disc Replacement in Dallas, TXArtificial Disc Replacement in San Diego, CAArtificial Disc Replacement in Baltimore, MDArtificial Disc Replacement in Atlanta, GAArtificial Disc Replacement in Chicago, ILArtificial Disc Replacement in Phoenix, AZArtificial Disc Replacement in Austin, TXArtificial Disc Replacement in Orange, CAArtificial Disc Replacement in Plano, TXArtificial Disc Replacement in San Francisco, CAArtificial Disc Replacement in Las Vegas, NVArtificial Disc Replacement in Nashville, TNArtificial Disc Replacement in Tulsa, OKArtificial Disc Replacement in Carmel, INArtificial Disc Replacement in Oklahoma City, OKArtificial Disc Replacement in Aurora, COArtificial Disc Replacement in Cincinnati, OH

Related conditions

Herniated Disc

This page provides general information only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified physician about your specific situation. Listings are not endorsements.