# 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), also called artificial disc replacement (ADR), is a type of arthroplasty in which degenerated intervertebral discs in the spinal column are replaced with artificial disc implants, in either the lumbar (lower) or cervical (upper) spine. It is used to treat chronic, severe low-back pain and cervical (neck) pain arising from degenerative disc disease, and it is also an alternative intervention for symptomatic disc herniation associated with arm and hand, or leg, symptoms — known as radicular pain. Total disc replacement was developed as an alternative to spinal fusion, with the goal of reducing or eliminating pain while still allowing motion throughout the spine. Faster recoveries after surgery have also been widely reported by surgeons. Another potential benefit is the prevention of premature breakdown at levels of the spine adjacent to the treated one — a recognised risk after fusion surgery — and recent studies have shown a strong correlation between preserving motion in the spine and avoiding this adjacent-segment degeneration.

## Peer-reviewed outcome rates

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

## FAQs

### What is total disc replacement?

It is a type of arthroplasty in which degenerated intervertebral discs in the spinal column are replaced with artificial disc implants. It can be performed in the lumbar (lower) or cervical (upper) spine.

### What conditions does it treat?

It is used to treat chronic, severe low-back pain and cervical pain resulting from degenerative disc disease. It is also an alternative for symptomatic disc herniation with associated arm and hand, or leg, symptoms, known as radicular pain.

### How does it differ from spinal fusion?

Disc replacement was developed as an alternative to spinal fusion. Its goal is pain reduction or elimination while still allowing motion throughout the spine, rather than joining the vertebrae together.

### Does disc replacement preserve movement?

Yes. Unlike fusion, total disc replacement is designed to allow continued motion throughout the spine.

### Can it protect other levels of the spine?

A potential benefit is the prevention of premature breakdown at spinal levels adjacent to the treated one, which is a recognised risk after fusion surgery. Recent studies have shown a strong correlation between providing motion in the spine and avoiding adjacent-segment degeneration.

### Which parts of the spine can be treated?

Artificial disc implants can be placed in the lumbar (lower) spine or the cervical (upper) spine, depending on where the degenerated disc is located.

## 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)