In artificial disc replacement, a diseased or damaged disc in the spine is surgically replaced with a prosthetic disc. The procedure is also called ADR, total disc replacement or TDR.

For carefully selected patients, ADR offers an effective way to treat pain and improve quality of life. In some cases, it can be an alternative to spinal fusion surgery.

In ADR, the surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen, removes the damaged disc from between two vertebrae (spinal bones), and replaces it with a prosthetic disc made from specialized metal and polyethylene.

Artificial cervical disc replacement

This similar procedure replaces a disc in the cervical (neck) spine through a small incision in the front of the neck.

Are you a candidate?

Disc replacement isn’t appropriate for everyone. If your condition involves several discs, for example, it’s probably not a good choice. Most ADR patients need only one disc replaced and have never had back surgery before. The doctors at the OHSU Spine Center can help you choose the best treatment plan for you. They’re committed to trying the least-invasive options first.

Conditions this treats

Disc replacement might be recommended for:

• Disc degeneration
• Severe back or neck pain