Artificial Disc Replacement

Depending on the severity and location of your back or neck pain, you might benefit from artificial disc replacement.

The vertebrae in your spine are separated by rubbery cartilage discs that separate the building blocks of the spine. These intervertebral discs allow for movement of the spine and act as shock absorbers with activity. When a disc becomes damaged due to the degenerative effects of aging or from an injury, it can compress a cervical or lumbar nerve root in the spine, resulting in pain, numbness, irritation or weakness.

If non-surgical treatments like medication, physical therapy or injection therapy aren’t effective, surgery remains an option. If your condition requires removing the entire disc rather than just a portion of it, you may be a candidate for artificial disc replacement.

Artificial disc replacement is a type of minimally invasive spine surgery that removes a damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial one made of a metal, polymers, or a combination of metal and polymers.

Alternative to spinal fusion

Spinal fusion was once considered the best surgical treatment for chronic back or neck pain caused by a disc damaged beyond repair. Whereas fusion results in permanent loss of motion in the affected area, an artificial disc replacement accomplishes the same objective while preserving motion. It can correct nerve root compression and its associated symptoms while maintaining normal back movement. Artificial disc replacement also minimizes the potential need for future corrective surgery in the same location.

Most artificial disc replacement procedures replace a disc in the cervical (neck) portion of the spine. Less common is artificial disc replacement in the lumbar spine. However, the scientific literature has demonstrated benefit in well selected patients.

During surgery, your neurosurgeon will remove the damaged disc and replace it with a biomechanical disc made of a metal, plastic or combination of metal and plastic.

Prescreening

Pre-operative testing and any other necessary arrangements for your surgery are managed by the Surgical Coordinator. Please contact the Surgical Coordinator with any surgical questions you may have.

Schedule Consultation

Port Orange Clinic

Orthopedics & Neurosurgery

Phone: (386) 317-5149
Fax: (386) 492-7348
870 Dunlawton Ave., Suite 109, Port Orange
Hours: Mon – Thu | 8:30 am – 5 pm
Hours: Friday | 8:00 am – 4 pm

Palm Coast Clinic

Orthopedics & Neurosurgery

Phone: (888) 997-3952
Fax: (386) 492-7348
9 Pine Cone Drive, Suite 104A, Palm Coast
Hours: Mon – Thu | 8:30 am – 5 pm
Hours: Friday | 8:00 am – 4 pm

: Neurosurgery is a surgical specialty that involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
: Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
: Orthopedic surgeons treat a variety of conditions, such as auto accident fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, scoliosis, and osteoporosis.
: Interventional pain management is a medical specialty that uses minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat chronic pain. Procedures include epidurals, medial branch blocks, and radio frequency ablation.
: You may schedule an appointment by phone, by calling our Port Orange office at (386) 317-5149, or our Palm Coast office at (888) 997-3952.
: Please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, a list of any medications you are currently taking, any relevant medical records, and any questions you may have for your doctor.
: During your first visit, your doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRIs. Your doctor will discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with you and answer any questions you may have.
: The length of an appointment varies depending on the nature of the visit. A routine follow-up appointment may only last 15-20 minutes, while a consultation or evaluation may take an hour or more.
: Interventional pain management specialists treat a variety of pain conditions, including back pain, neck pain, joint pain, nerve pain, and chronic headaches.
: It depends on your insurance provider and specific policy. Some insurance plans require a referral from a primary care physician, while others allow patients to self-refer. Please check with your insurance provider for details.

Brenda Hall

The staff and doctor have greatly helped my condition. They love what they do and it shows. Keep shining because the world always needs care, and you are the best!

Nick Cangemi

Went to Zion Medical for a knee injury, which turned out to be a torn ACL. The amazing doctors and staff were able to successfully surgically repair my ACL, and I was back on the pickleball courts faster than initially assumed! I would never recommend another orthopedist before Dr. McGraw!

Brittany Hodges

Got a shot in my back yesterday by Dr Thomas. Was not ready for or expecting this weird uncomfortable sensation the shot gave, but putting my trust in him, I am feeling like a million bucks today!!! Thanks to everyone there for a quick comfortable visit and finally some real relief

Artificial Disc Replacement