Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery in Plano, TX
Specialties
Chronic back or neck pain can make even the simplest daily activities feel overwhelming. At Advanced Spine Center, Dr. Stephen Courtney offers advanced solutions like artificial disc replacement to help patients find lasting relief and restore their quality of life.
Also known as total disc replacement, this innovative surgical procedure replaces damaged spinal discs with durable artificial discs, relieving pain and improving mobility while preserving motion in the spine.
If you’re struggling with back or neck pain and want to explore an effective treatment plan, call (972) 499-5457 to schedule a consultation and find out if you’re a good candidate for disc replacement surgery.
What Is Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery?
Artificial disc replacement surgery is a spinal procedure that replaces a damaged disc or diseased disc in the spine with an artificial disc made of durable materials like titanium alloy and medical-grade plastics. This spine surgery preserves the natural movement of the spine while alleviating chronic lower back pain or nerve pain caused by conditions like degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis.
During the surgical procedure, the damaged or worn-out spinal disc is removed, and the artificial disc is inserted into the affected disk space to act as a shock absorber between the vertebrae. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and often involves a shorter recovery period compared to fusion surgeries.
Disc Replacement vs Spinal Fusion Surgery
While both disc replacement surgery and spinal fusion surgery are used to treat conditions like degenerative disc disease or chronic low back pain, the procedures differ in approach and outcomes.
During spinal fusion surgery, two or more vertebrae are fused together using bone grafts or implants. This eliminates motion at the treated segment but can place added stress on adjacent spinal disks, potentially leading to future issues. Artificial disc replacement surgery, on the other hand, involves replacing a damaged disc with an artificial disc to preserve motion in the spine and function like a natural shock absorber.
Compared to fusion surgeries, disk replacement often results in shorter recovery periods, reduced risk of adjacent segment degeneration, and a quicker return to physical activity. For most patients, artificial disk replacement provides a modern solution to alleviate pain while maintaining spinal mobility.
Types of Artificial Disc Replacement
The type of artificial disc replacement surgery you may need depends on the area of the spine affected. Whether the problem is in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine, the goal is to relieve pain, preserve motion, and restore function.
A thorough physical exam combined with advanced imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps pinpoint the exact location and condition of the spinal disc, allowing your orthopaedic surgeon to recommend the most suitable approach.
Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery
The cervical spine, consisting of seven neck vertebrae, supports the head, protects the spinal cord, and enables motions like turning, tilting, and nodding. Conditions like degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis in the cervical spine can lead to constant nerve pain, stiffness, and mobility problems, making cervical disc replacement surgery a highly effective treatment option.
During this procedure, the damaged disk is removed and replaced with an FDA-approved artificial disk, which relieves pressure on nerves while maintaining natural neck movement. By preserving flexibility and improving the alignment of the cervical spine, this artificial disk replacement procedure helps many patients regain comfort and function without the limitations of cervical spinal fusion surgery.
Thoracic Disc Replacement Surgery
The thoracic spine forms the middle section of the spinal column, connecting the cervical and lumbar spine. This portion of the spine is integral to upper body stability and movement, as it anchors the ribcage and supports posture.
Damage to the spinal discs in the thoracic region can lead to persistent pain, stiffness, and even nerve compression. In cases where non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, thoracic disc replacement surgery may be recommended. This procedure replaces the affected spinal disc with an artificial disc, relieving pain and restoring proper function while maintaining natural flexibility in the mid-back.
Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery
Lumbar disc replacement surgery targets the lower portion of the spine, known as the lumbar spine. This portion is crucial for supporting body weight and enabling movements like bending and lifting. A lumbar disc replacement is often recommended for patients suffering from chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease or a damaged disc that has not responded to physical therapy.
During the surgery, the damaged disk is removed and replaced with an FDA-approved artificial disk that functions like a natural shock absorber, maintaining proper spacing between the vertebrae and preserving motion.
Unlike lumbar fusion, which eliminates movement at the treated segment, this artificial disk replacement surgery allows for greater flexibility, reduced stress on adjacent spinal disks, and a quicker recovery.
Why Is Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery Performed?
Artificial disc replacement surgery relieves pain and restores mobility in patients with damaged or worn-out spinal discs. This procedure is often recommended for individuals experiencing chronic back pain, nerve pain, or limited motion caused by degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis.
The procedure reduces pressure on surrounding nerves, maintains proper spacing between the vertebrae, and preserves the natural movement of the spine by replacing the damaged disk with an artificial disk.
Primarily, As a Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease
One of the most common reasons patients undergo an artificial disc replacement is to treat degenerative disc disease. This medical condition occurs when the natural spinal discs lose their cushioning, flexibility, or height due to wear and tear. As the discs deteriorate, they can cause chronic back pain, stiffness, and pressure on surrounding nerves, leading to nerve pain and reduced mobility.
By replacing the damaged disk with an artificial disk, artificial disk replacement helps restore proper spacing between the vertebrae, alleviates pain, and reduces nerve compression. Unlike spinal fusion surgery, which limits motion by permanently joining vertebrae, artificial disk replacement preserves the spine’s natural flexibility, making it an effective solution for most patients suffering from the debilitating effects of degenerative disk disease.
Artificial Disc Replacement Recovery Times
Despite being a major surgery, recovering from artificial disc replacement generally takes less time than traditional spinal fusion surgery. While exact recovery timelines depend on whether the procedure is performed on the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine, most patients can return to light activities within a few weeks.
Pain relief is often noticeable soon after the surgery, and mobility restoration follows over the course of a few months. Rehabilitation is commonly recommended to help patients rebuild strength and flexibility while supporting the long-term success of the artificial disc.
Cervical Disc Replacement Recovery
Following cervical disc replacement surgery, patients may notice pain relief and improved neck mobility almost immediately. Light activities, such as walking or basic household tasks, often resume within a week or two, while more demanding physical activities may require several months of recovery.
Patients are usually advised to participate in physical therapy to strengthen the neck muscles and maintain flexibility in the cervical spine. Regular follow-ups with the surgeon ensure proper healing and monitor the function of the artificial disc, allowing patients to enjoy long-term results after their cervical disk replacement.
Thoracic Disc Replacement Recovery
Recovering from thoracic disc replacement surgery may take slightly longer due to the unique demands of the thoracic spine. While many patients experience immediate pain relief after surgery, the mid-back requires time to adjust to the newly placed artificial disc.
Light physical activities, such as walking, are encouraged early in recovery to promote circulation and healing. However, more vigorous movements that strain the upper body should be postponed until the spine fully stabilizes.
Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery Recovery
The lumbar spine endures significant stress from daily movements, so recovery from this surgical procedure focuses on gradually restoring strength and mobility to the lower back. Many patients feel noticeable pain relief and improved stability within weeks of the procedure.
A personalized physical therapy plan is often key to rebuilding core strength and supporting the lumbar spine, helping patients return to normal routines and enjoy long-term relief from chronic lower back pain. Full recovery from lumbar disk replacement usually takes several months, depending on individual progress and adherence to post-surgical guidelines.
Potential Risks and Problems with Artificial Disc Replacement
As with any major surgery, artificial disc replacement carries potential risks and complications. These may include infection, bleeding, or reactions to general anesthesia during the procedure.
Over time, issues such as implant wear, loosening, or dislodgement of the artificial disk can occur, although these complications are rare with proper surgical technique and FDA-approved devices. Some patients may experience continued nerve pain or limited mobility if adjacent spinal disks develop problems or if the initial diagnosis is incomplete.
Other risks include damage to nearby blood vessels, nerves, or tissues during surgery and the potential need for revision surgery in the future. While these risks exist, advances in spine surgery technology and thorough pre-surgical evaluations help minimize complications and ensure the best possible outcome for most patients.
Contact the Advanced Spine Center for Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery in Plano
If you’re struggling with chronic back or neck pain, artificial disc replacement surgery could be the solution you need to regain mobility and improve your quality of life. At Advanced Spine Center, Dr. Stephen Courtney and his team provide personalized care and advanced treatment options to help you find lasting relief. Don’t let pain hold you back any longer—call (972) 499-5457 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free life.
