Is Artificial Disc Replacement Better Than Spinal Fusion?

More than 1.2 million spinal surgeries are performed every year in the United States, and for decades, spinal fusion was the standard solution for severe disc degeneration or disc herniation. But as technology has evolved, a new era in spine surgery has emerged: artificial disc replacement (ADR), also known as total disc replacement (TDR) or total disc arthroplasty (TDA).

The most common question our patients ask today is, “Is artificial disc replacement surgery better than fusion surgery?” The answer depends on several factors, including your unique anatomy, surgical goals, and exact diagnosis. But in many cases, ADR is the future of motion-preserving spine care.

Read on to learn how ADR and spinal fusion compare, how to know if you’re a candidate for ADR, what to expect during and after surgery, and where to find the best minimally invasive spine surgeon in Los Angeles for treatment.

Spinal Fusion vs. Artificial Disc Replacement: Understanding the Difference

Fusion of the spine permanently joins two vertebrae, eliminating motion at that spinal segment. While effective for spinal stabilization, fusion can sometimes increase stress on adjacent vertebrae or entire segments of the spine immediately above or below the fused segments. This can lead to adjacent segment disease (ASD) and future disc degeneration. Spinal fusion surgery is often associated with: 

• Longer post-surgery recovery with more restrictions on activities and a slower return to normal activities
• Reduced flexibility of the spine 
• The need for a back brace or cervical collar during recovery 
• Higher risk of long-term stress on adjacent vertebrae and continued disc degeneration

‍Artificial disc replacement, by contrast, removes the damaged disc or discs and replaces them with a prosthetic disc designed to preserve natural motion. Rather than eliminating movement, ADR restores alignment, maintains flexibility, and often reduces recovery time compared with fusion. ADR is associated with: 

• Faster recovery with less stiffness of the spinal column and no need for a back brace or cervical collar
• Reduced risk of adjacent segment stress
• An earlier return to normal activities in most cases
• Preservation of motion and flexibility

Who is a Good Candidate for Artificial Disc Replacement?

Artificial disc replacement isn’t the right fit for everyone, but it can be an excellent option for patients with a defined disc problem who want relief without sacrificing normal spine movement. 

In general, the best candidates have imaging findings that match their symptoms and do not have conditions that would make a motion-preserving implant less stable or less effective. The characteristics of a good candidate for ADR include:

• Herniated disc of the cervical or lumbar spine
• Degenerative disc disease of the cervical or lumbar spine
• Cervical radiculopathy, a nerve pain or other radiating symptoms in the arm or leg
• No significant spinal instability or signs of osteoporosis
• No signs of spine tumors or damage to the spinal cord and nerves

Patients appreciate ADR because it preserves motion and flexibility while easing stress on the discs above and below the treated level. Many people also benefit from shorter hospital stays, sometimes same-day discharge, minimal blood loss, and a faster return to work. In many cases, recovery also requires less reliance on pain medication after surgery.

When is Spinal Fusion Still the Right Choice?

Spinal fusion remains an excellent solution when there is: 

• Deformities of the spine that make disc replacement impossible 
• Severe instability of the spine
• Fractures in the vertebrae
• Severe arthritis, previous bone grafts, or nerve damage to certain parts of the spine

By using minimally invasive, robot-guided surgical techniques, expert spine specialists can maximize precision and minimize tissue damage. This is why choosing a surgeon skilled in advanced spine surgery methods is so important. 

Where to Find the Best Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeon in Los Angeles for Artificial Disc Replacement

When you’re deciding between fusion and artificial disc replacement, you deserve a surgeon who is an expert in both, so the recommendation is based on what’s safest and most complete for your spine and your future mobility. Dr. Parham Yashar is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon specializing in motion-preservation surgery and performing the full range of spine procedures with a careful, patient-centered approach tailored to each patient. 

To provide his patients with the best possible care, Dr. Yashar operates at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, the #1 hospital in California. He also pairs that surgical setting with the precision of robotic navigation, minimally invasive access, and leading prosthetic disc technology to help optimize alignment, accuracy, and long-term implant performance. 

As Dr. Yashar puts it, our focus is on restoring quality of life, not just reducing pain, so patients can move, bend, and live with greater freedom.

Ready to improve your quality of life and restore pain-free mobility with surgical treatment plans from the best minimally invasive spine surgeon in Los Angeles?