What is artificial disc replacement?
Artificial disc replacement removes a worn or damaged spinal disc and replaces it with an implant designed to move like a natural disc. It's most often performed in the neck (cervical) or lower back (lumbar) for disc-related pain. The key difference from fusion is motion preservation — rather than permanently joining two vertebrae, disc replacement aims to relieve pain while keeping that segment of the spine mobile.
Dr. Perry Argires is a leading regional expert in artificial disc replacement, and our team offers it as one option within a full range of spine treatments.
Disc replacement vs. spinal fusion
Both procedures treat disc-related pain, but they work differently:
- Spinal fusion permanently joins two vertebrae to eliminate painful motion at that level.
- Artificial disc replacement preserves motion, which may reduce added stress on neighboring discs.
Neither is right for everyone — the best choice depends on your specific condition, the level of the spine involved, your bone quality, and other factors.
Who is a candidate?
Disc replacement may be an option for select patients whose disc-related neck or back pain hasn't improved with non-surgical care and who don't have significant arthritis or instability at that level. The only way to know is a thorough evaluation of your history, exam, and imaging.
What to expect
Your surgeon will explain the approach, the potential benefits and risks, and the recovery plan specific to your case. As with all our spine care, we consider conservative treatment first and reserve surgery for when it's truly the best path to relief.
Request an appointment or call (717) 358-0800 to find out whether disc replacement is an option for you.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is artificial disc replacement?
Artificial disc replacement is a surgery that removes a damaged spinal disc and replaces it with an artificial one. Unlike fusion, which joins two vertebrae together, disc replacement is designed to preserve motion at that level of the spine.
How is disc replacement different from spinal fusion?
Fusion permanently joins two vertebrae to stop painful motion, while artificial disc replacement aims to relieve pain while maintaining movement at that segment. Which is appropriate depends on your diagnosis, the level involved, and your anatomy.
Who is a candidate for artificial disc replacement?
Disc replacement may be an option for select patients with disc-related neck or back pain that hasn't responded to non-surgical care. Candidacy depends on factors such as the affected level, bone quality, and the absence of significant arthritis. An evaluation determines whether it's right for you.
Who performs disc replacement at Argires Specialty Group?
Dr. Perry Argires is a leading regional expert in artificial disc replacement. Call (717) 358-0800 to schedule a consultation or second opinion in Lancaster, PA.
Want a motion-preserving option for spine pain?
Find out whether artificial disc replacement is right for you. Schedule a consultation or second opinion with Dr. Argires today.
Request an Appointment Call (717) 358-0800