What is artificial disc replacement in the neck or lower back, and who is suitable?
Artificial disc replacement substitutes a selected intervertebral disc with an implant intended to preserve motion; it does not replace the whole spine. It suits selected disc disorders after specialist assessment, with different criteria for the neck and lower back.
Details
Diagnosis comes before technology
Symptoms, examination and imaging should agree, and appropriate nonsurgical treatment should be considered. Osteoporosis, facet-joint damage, instability or certain deformities may make replacement unsuitable. The number of affected levels and implant design also matter.
Benefits and limitations
Replacement may relieve selected symptoms while preserving movement compared with fusion. It does not guarantee complete pain relief or prevent every adjacent-level problem. Risks include infection, bleeding, nerve or blood-vessel injury and implant problems; further surgery may be needed.
Discuss alternatives
Ask about physiotherapy, decompression and fusion where relevant, and why disc replacement is recommended in your case. Clarify recovery, restrictions and follow-up. Progressive weakness or new bladder-control problems with neurological symptoms needs urgent assessment rather than waiting to choose an implant.
Related reading: When does a herniated disc need surgery, and which symptoms are emergencies?.