Artificial Disc Replacement

Artificial disc replacement can restore spine health and function if you have degenerative disc disease, a herniated disc, or other serious disc issues. Leading board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Max Steuer, MD, and skilled physician assistant Carter Cooper, PAC, use the most advanced methods of artificial disc replacement to help you get back to doing the things you love at Max Steuer, MD. Call the Atlanta, Georgia, office or click on the provided scheduling feature now.

What is artificial disc replacement?

Artificial disc replacement is a procedure to remove and replace damaged spinal discs. Your spinal discs sit between each of your spinal bones (vertebrae).

Discs have a tough outer shell and a gel-like filling. They can deteriorate owing to daily wear-and-tear, trauma, and degenerative spine conditions. Damaged and worn discs can’t function as they should, which can lead to serious back pain and mobility issues. 

Artificial discs usually have a metal outer shell with a medical-grade plastic filling. They can seamlessly replace damaged or worn discs to restore your spine and help you return to the activities you enjoy.

When might I need an artificial disc replacement?

The most common reason patients have artificial disc replacement is chronic back pain that doesn’t respond to nonsurgical treatment approaches like physical therapy. The most common specific reasons to have artificial disc replacement include:

Herniated disc

A herniated disc occurs when the inner disc filling squeezes out through a fissure in a disc’s shell. The disc’s filling pressures nearby spinal structures, like the nerves, to cause back pain. Herniated discs usually occur because of wear-and-tear but can (rarely) happen in a traumatic injury.

Degenerative disc disease

Degenerative disc disease occurs when the spinal discs thin over time. This leaves less of a cushion between vertebrae, which can cause bone-on-bone back pain.

If you’ve already tried conservative methods and back pain still disrupts your mobility, sleep, or any aspect of your day-to-day life, artificial disc replacement could be a good option for you. 

You may not be a good candidate if you have facet joint osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, or a spinal deformity like scoliosis. However, other options, such as microdiscectomy or spinal fusion, can help.

What can I expect from artificial disc replacement? 

Dr. Steuer uses the state-of-the-art ExcelsiusGPS® robotic navigation system to perform minimally-invasive artificial disc replacement in the outpatient surgery center. He uses high-tech strategies to perform your procedure using small incisions.

Smaller incisions and specialized strategies lead to less pain, lower infection risk, and easier recovery. You can return home that day (with a loved one driving) and usually return to most activities in just two weeks or less. 

Artificial disc replacement also offers the significant benefit of preserving your natural spine movement so you can enjoy an active life.  

Schedule your consultation through online booking or call Max Steuer, MD, for help today.