Artificial disc replacement surgery consists of removing a painful disc and replacing it with a artificial disc prothesis that has similar biomechanical properties to a normal disc. Most artificial disc protheses are made of metal and/or plastic. In general, the artificial disc replacment surgery is performed through a minimally invasive approach to the spine and patients recovery very quickly. However, it is important to note that artificial disc replacement surgery is still a major spinal reconstructive surgery and that results from FDA studies have been shown to be similar to fusion.

Dr. Watkins is an investigator in the Prodisc FDA study and the Charite FDA study. Our doctors can help you decide if an artificial disc replacement is the best treatment for you.

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