Artificial disc replacement, commonly referred to as ADR is a treatment option for symptomatic disc problems that are unrelieved by conservative management (medications, therapy, activity modifications, and injections). Cervical & Lumbar disc replacement involves taking out a damaged or herniated intervertebral disc and replacing it with an artificial one. Conditions like degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis can all cause pinched nerves that lead to disabling pain, paresthesias, and/or weakness.
Patients may have troublesome symptoms like weakness and numbness, or even loss of function. This affects the arms if one has cervical disc disease and the legs if one has lumbar disc disease. Artificial disc replacement can resolve these symptoms and relieve pain, allowing the patient to have an improved quality of life.
This procedure involves an incision on the front/anterior part of the neck for the cervical spine or on the front/anterior part of the abdomen for the lumbar spine. Using imaging guidance, the disc that needs to be removed is localized and extracted (complete discectomy). The artificial disc fits into the gap between the vertebrae. Artificial discs are becoming increasingly sophisticated and closely mimic the function of natural discs. This motion preservation solution (non-fusion) is a key advantage of having artificial disc replacement as opposed to fusion surgery.
Our vision is to provide excellent, patient-focused, comprehensive orthopedic care to patients of all ages across North Georgia. With more than 20 years of experience, Specialty Orthopaedics has grown to become a pillar of the North Georgia medical community with four convenient locations in Gainesville, Dawsonville, Braselton and Duluth.
