Dr. Lovell and Dr. Sorenson Discuss Artificial Disk Replacement

If you have neck, shoulder, or arm pain you may qualify for an artificial disc replacement.

Artificial disc replacements are now used instead of cervical fusions because it helps maintain a full range of motion in your neck. With a fusion, the bones have to work harder which can cause them to wear out faster and in some cases require a follow-up procedure. The artificial disc replacement does not require you to wait for the bones to grow together because the new disc is preserving the motion of the spine.

Placement of the artificial disc is minimally invasive. The same incision is used for both procedures but the difference lies in that the bone fusion requires several months for the bones to grow together again.

The procedure itself takes about 15 minutes and you do not have to wear a collar afterward.