Why Artificial Disc Replacement is Gaining Popularity as an Alternative to Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion used to be the gold standard of spine surgery, being recommended to patients who required stabilization, pain relief, and correction of spinal deformities. And in some cases, stillisthe gold standard. But over the years, that has changed.

While spinal fusion is still a useful procedure that is sometimes the best treatment option for certain patients, many other less invasive procedures have become available, representing better options for eligible patients. Artificial disc replacement is one such procedure.

Now, we invite you to learn more about why artificial spinal disc replacement is catching on with providers and patients alike.

Why Surgeons are Choosing Disc Replacement Over Fusion

Spinal fusion is generally effective, and once the fusion sets, results are normally permanent. But full recovery from fusion can take 2-4 months, and most patients do experience some loss of range of motion simply because of the nature of the surgery – separate vertebrae are fused together, after all.

Artificial disc replacement, meanwhile, is normally performed through a small incision, either in the front of the neck or the abdomen. The goal is of the procedure is to replace damaged discs with shock absorbing implants. In most cases, this type of procedure has many benefits over and above spinal fusion, including:

• A shorter period of immobilization

• Significantly lower reoperation rates and higher patient satisfaction rates

• Faster recovery (times vary, but expect between 2-4 weeks for artificial cervical disc replacement and 4-6 weeks for artificial lumbar disc replacement)

Is Artificial Disc Replacement Better Than Fusion?

Artificial disc replacement is not inherently better than spinal fusion. That applies as much to cervical artificial disc replacement as it does to lumbar artificial disc replacement. That being said, it often does outperform fusion for eligible patients with single-level degenerative disc disease. For patients with issues in more than one level of the spine, disc replacement may not provide enough stability.

In the words of Texas-based orthopaedic spine surgeon Dr. Jack Zigler, as quoted in a recent Arthritis.org article,

“The best patient for a lumbar ADR is someone with degeneration of single involved disc, who has not had sufficient pain relief after six months of nonsurgical treatment and who has become functionally disabled as a result of low back pain. Patients may be better served by fusion if they have instability at the involved segment, severe arthritis in the facet joints or osteoporosis.”

What’s more, patients who have already had spine surgery and now require additional procedures may not be best-suited to artificial disc replacement.

That being said, for those patients who are eligible, other benefits of artificial disc replacement of the cervical spine and lumbar spine compared to fusion include:

• Less risk of developing adjacent segment degeneration over time

• A similar – or sometimes better – level of post-operative pain relief

• A significant preservation of motion

Longevity of Outcomes: Disc Replacement vs. Spinal Fusion

Immediate pain relief and quality of life improvement are likely the reasons you’re considering spine surgery. But just as important is surgical longevity.

Spinal fusion has been performed for many years, and it’s proven to be both generally safe and effective. When performed properly, results can often last the remainder of one’s life. That being said, there is some risk for adjacent segment degeneration, which can, over time, cause pain to come creeping back.

Since artificial disc replacement preserves more range of motion, it may help reduce the risk of degeneration at neighboring levels. What’s more, most artificial discs are designed to be long-lasting, only requiring removal if complications of surgery occur, which is relatively rare.

In other words, both fusion and artificial disc replacement are generally long-lasting procedures, and while complications are not extremely likely to occur for either type of surgery, they can.

Lumbar and cervical spine artificial disc replacement procedures, however, are more likely to provide long-lasting results without complications when compared to fusion.

Remember, any type of surgery comes with both risks and benefits, which is why it is important to consult a qualified orthopaedic spine surgeon to assess your individual condition and help you figure out whether surgery is right for you, and if it is, which type best meets your needs.

Explore Your Options with Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center

Still not sure if you should have artificial disc replacement or fusion? Dr. Baig can help! Get in touch with Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center today to learn more about your surgical and nonsurgical options to help relieve neck or back pain.

Key Takeaways:

• Artificial disc replacement (ADR) is gaining traction as a less invasive alternative to spinal fusion for eligible patients with single-level disc degeneration.

• Unlike fusion, which limits mobility by permanently joining vertebrae, ADR preserves motion and often results in shorter recovery times and higher patient satisfaction.

• Spinal fusion remains the better choice in certain cases—like when multiple disc levels are affected, or when there’s spinal instability or severe arthritis.

• ADR is associated with a lower risk of adjacent segment degeneration and typically delivers lasting pain relief with fewer complications.

• Choosing the right procedure depends on your specific diagnosis and health history—a qualified spine specialist can help you make the best decision for your long-term health.