Am I a Candidate for Artificial Disc Replacement?

Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) is a modern surgical solution for patients struggling with chronic neck or back pain caused by damaged spinal discs. Unlike traditional spinal fusion, ADR is designed to relieve pain while preserving natural spinal motion and mobility. For many patients, it offers a path back to mobility, activity, and a life not defined by limitations.

At ADR Spine, founder and leading spinal neurosurgeon, Dr. Todd H. Lanman, brings decades of expertise and innovation to motion-preserving spine surgery. As a leader in clinical trials for FDA-approved disc implants and a patient who has undergone multiple spine surgeries himself, Dr. Lanman understands firsthand what it takes to return to an active, pain-free life. If you’re exploring surgical options for spinal pain, here’s how to know if you may be a candidate for artificial disc replacement.

Understanding Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)

What Is Artificial Disc Replacement?

Artificial Disc Replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged spinal disc with an artificial implant. These implants are designed to mimic the function of a healthy disc by absorbing shock, maintaining disc height, and allowing for normal spinal movement. ADR is typically used to treat cervical or lumbar disc disease that has not responded to conservative therapies.

How ADR Differs from Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion permanently connects two or more vertebrae to eliminate motion and stabilize the spine. While this approach can reduce pain, it often limits mobility and may increase stress on surrounding discs. This can lead to a condition known as adjacent segment disease (ASD), where nearby spinal levels break down over time.

By preserving motion at the treated level, ADR reduces the mechanical stress on adjacent discs and may help prevent ASD. For appropriate candidates, ADR offers both pain relief and long-term biomechanical advantages over fusion.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Artificial Disc Replacement?

Conditions That May Qualify You for ADR

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD): ADR is often used to treat DDD when the disc has deteriorated and is no longer functioning correctly.
Herniated Discs: If non-surgical treatments have failed and the herniated disc continues to compress nerves or cause pain, ADR may be considered.
Chronic Neck or Back Pain: When pain is associated with one or two damaged discs and significantly interferes with quality of life, disc replacement may provide relief.
Localized Disc Issues: ADR is most effective for patients with isolated problems at one or two spinal levels.

Specific Criteria for Candidacy

Age: Younger, active patients tend to be the best candidates, but age is only one part of the picture. Overall spine health and activity level matter most.
General Health: Candidates should be in reasonably good health, without uncontrolled chronic conditions that could impair healing.
Disc Condition: The affected disc should be the primary pain generator, with minimal degeneration in the facet joints and no significant spinal instability.
Tried Conservative Care: Candidates typically have already explored non-surgical treatments—such as physical therapy, medications, or injections—without adequate relief.

Factors That May Disqualify You from ADR

Spinal Conditions That Prevent ADR

Advanced Arthritis or Osteoporosis: Poor bone quality can interfere with implant stability.
Significant Spinal Instability or Deformities: Conditions like severe scoliosis or kyphosis may require fusion or other corrective surgeries.
Previous Fusion at the Same Level: Patients who have already had a fusion at the target level are generally not eligible for ADR at that site.
Multilevel Degeneration: If several spinal levels are affected, ADR may not address the full extent of the issue.

Other Medical Considerations

Active Infections: Surgery is not performed in the presence of an active infection, especially near the spine.
Obesity: High body mass index can increase surgical risks and impact recovery outcomes.
Psychological Readiness: Patients should have realistic expectations and plan to follow post-operative rehabilitation plans.

The Benefits of Artificial Disc Replacement

Preservation of Spinal Motion

ADR allows for continued movement at the operated level, maintaining spinal flexibility. This helps patients return to everyday activities and reduces the sense of stiffness often associated with fusion.

Reduced Risk of Adjacent Segment Disease (ASD)

By preserving motion, ADR decreases stress on the spinal segments above and below the treated area. This may lower the risk of future degeneration and the need for additional surgeries.

Faster Recovery and Improved Quality of Life

In general, recovery from ADR is quicker than from spinal fusion. Patients often experience faster pain relief, earlier return to activity, and higher satisfaction with long-term outcomes.

What to Expect During the Evaluation Process

Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations

To determine whether you are a good candidate for ADR, your care team will conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include:

Physical Examination: Assessing spinal mobility, nerve function, and symptoms
Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI, and CT scans to understand disc health and alignment
Medical History Review: A complete picture of your spine health, prior treatments, lifestyle, and goals

Consultation With a Spine Specialist

A detailed consultation with a spine surgeon is essential, as it is your opportunity to ask about your diagnosis, whether ADR is a good option, and what your recovery might look like. A specialist experienced in both fusion and disc replacement will help you compare all available treatments.

Why Choose ADR Spine for Your Evaluation?

Dr. Todd Lanman is recognized as one of the world’s foremost experts in artificial disc replacement and motion-preserving spine surgery. His contributions to FDA clinical trials have shaped the availability of devices like the Prestige LP and M6. He also brings a uniquely personal perspective, having undergone ADR procedures himself.

At ADR Spine, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. We utilize Dr. Lanman’s proprietary 4D Health™ strategy to evaluate your spinal condition in the context of your overall well-being, age, hormonal health, and activity level. This comprehensive view enables us to create highly individualized treatment plans tailored for long-term success.

Schedule Your Consultation With ADR Spine

If you’ve been told you need spinal fusion (or if you’re simply ready to move beyond chronic pain), schedule a consultation with ADR Spine. The ADR Spine Top Doctors in ADR & Arthroplasty offer world-class care grounded in decades of clinical leadership.

Let us help you determine whether artificial disc replacement is the right next step toward a stronger, more mobile future.