Overview
When damaged, spinal discs can cause debilitating pain. Artificial disc replacement removes the damaged disc and inserts a prosthetic implant that maintains vertebral height, provides shock absorption and allows spinal movement. Artificial discs typically use a biopolymer sandwiched between two metal plates. The procedure uses a minimally invasive anterior approach, avoiding posterior muscle and nerve damage.
Benefits
- Less restrictive than traditional fusion
- Anterior approach avoids muscle, bone and nerve damage
- Smaller incisions reduce pain, blood loss, scarring and recovery time
- Many patients walk shortly after surgery
- Potential for restored vertebral mobility
Who is a Candidate?
- Ages 18–60
- Single disc requiring replacement
- Radiculopathy (nerve pain radiating to limbs)
- Failed conservative treatments
When it May Not Be Suitable
- Pregnancy
- Multiple compromised discs
- Spinal infection
- Spinal stenosis
- Osteoporosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Severe spinal instability
Minimally Invasive vs Open Surgery
| Factor | Minimally Invasive | Open Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Incision size | Small (often 8mm–2cm) | Large |
| Muscle damage | Minimal — muscles separated | More — muscles cut |
| Blood loss | Low | Higher |
| Post-op pain | Less | More |
| Hospital stay | Short (day-care to 1–2 days) | Longer |
| Scarring | Minimal | More visible |
| Return to activity | Faster | Slower |
| Infection risk | Lower | Higher |
Why choose Dr. M.D.S. Sasidharan?
Fellowship-trained spine surgeon (MS Ortho, FASSI) with 5,000+ spinal surgeries
International training: endoscopic spine surgery (Germany) & deformity (Seoul); AO Spine Asia Pacific fellowship
Specialist in endoscopic (keyhole), robotic & non-fusion (VBT) scoliosis surgery
Patient-first: the least invasive option that resolves your problem
Frequently Asked Questions
- Ideal candidates are typically aged 18–60 with a single diseased disc, good spinal motion, minimal arthritis and nerve-related symptoms that have not responded to conservative care.
- Unlike fusion, an artificial disc preserves motion at that spinal level, which can reduce stress on neighbouring discs and allow a quicker return to activity.
Medically reviewed by Dr. M.D.S. Sasidharan, Consultant Spine Surgeon, Iswarya Hospital OMR, Chennai. Outcomes vary by patient — consult for personalised advice.