Artificial disc replacement removes a damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial disc that keeps the spine mobile.
About 2 hours
About 5 cm
General anesthesia
The next day
After 1 week
Day after stitch removal
Artificial disc replacement completely removes the problem disc and inserts an artificial disc that closely resembles a natural one, keeping the spine stable and mobile. It is performed when degenerative changes or pain in the neck or lower back discs continue despite conservative treatment such as exercise therapy. In the past, because discs could not be restored, surgeons mainly performed fixation, joining vertebrae together only to prevent deformity or instability. However, fixation reduces the spine's natural ability to bend and straighten, making movement after surgery difficult and leading to degenerative changes.
The disc pressing on the nerve is removed and an artificial disc resembling the body's own is inserted in its place. This keeps the spine stable and mobile without causing degenerative changes. It is an effective treatment for patients whose disc problems did not improve with conservative treatment, and for those with spinal instability from degenerative or recurrent disc disease.
