# Disc Replacement

> Citation bundle for Disc Replacement on The Treatment Registry.
> URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/procedures/disc-replacement
> Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/procedures/disc-replacement

- Category: orthopaedic

## Description

Total disc replacement (TDR), or artificial disc replacement (ADR), is a type of arthroplasty in which degenerated intervertebral discs in the vertebral column are replaced with artificial disc implants in the lumbar (lower) or cervical (upper) spine. The procedure is used to treat chronic, severe low back pain and cervical pain resulting from degenerative disc disease.

## Overview

Total disc replacement (TDR), or artificial disc replacement (ADR), is a type of arthroplasty in which degenerated intervertebral discs in the vertebral column are replaced with artificial disc implants in the lumbar (lower) or cervical (upper) spine. The procedure is used to treat chronic, severe low back pain and cervical pain resulting from degenerative disc disease. Disc replacement is also an alternative intervention for symptomatic disc herniation with associated arm and hand, or leg symptoms.

*Reference text adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify with a qualified clinician before treatment.*

## Peer-reviewed outcome rates

- **Complication rate:** 2.79% (range 1.77–3.80%) — from 2 cited sources

## Cited authors

- Chu-Yi Lee — Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Yang-M…
- Austin Q Nguyen — Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX.

## Sources

- [Short-term and Long-term Complications of Cervical Disc Arthroplasty.](https://doi.org/10.1097/BSD.0000000000001541) — Clinical spine surgery (accessed 2026-06-28)
- [Cervical disc arthroplasty for Klippel-Feil syndrome.](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106934) — Clinical neurology and neurosurgery (accessed 2026-06-28)