Artificial
Disc Replacement .
Artificial disc replacement (ADR) replaces a damaged spinal disc with an artificial one. Unlike spinal fusion, this procedure helps maintain natural movement at the operated level — preserving spinal motion and reducing stress on adjacent levels.
Motion-preserving when possible.
Dr. Yasmeh selects the least-invasive option that addresses your specific anatomy and goals.
- What it is: Artificial disc replacement (ADR) replaces a damaged spinal disc with an artificial one. Unlike spinal fusion, this procedure helps maintain natural movement at the operated level — preserving spinal motion and reducing stress on adjacent levels.
- Key benefits: Preserves motion at the operated level; Reduces stress on adjacent disc levels; Lower long-term risk of adjacent-segment disease.
- Typical candidates: Single-level cervical or lumbar disc disease; Failed conservative care.
- Recovery: Most ADR patients stay one night in the hospital, walk the same day, and return to office work within 2–4 weeks. Restrictions on heavy lifting and impact activity are typically lifted at 3 months.
Benefits of artificial disc replacement
- Preserves motion at the operated level
- Reduces stress on adjacent disc levels
- Lower long-term risk of adjacent-segment disease
- Faster return to activity than fusion in many patients
- Excellent long-term outcomes in appropriate candidates
Typical candidates
Dr. Yasmeh considers artificial disc replacement for patients with:
- Single-level cervical or lumbar disc disease
- Failed conservative care
- No significant facet arthritis or instability
- Adequate bone quality
- Patient priorities align with motion preservation
Every surgical decision starts with imaging review, a careful physical exam, and a candid conversation about goals — surgical and non-surgical options are always discussed together.
What recovery looks like
Most ADR patients stay one night in the hospital, walk the same day, and return to office work within 2–4 weeks. Restrictions on heavy lifting and impact activity are typically lifted at 3 months.
About artificial disc replacement.
- Candidacy depends on your specific diagnosis, imaging, prior treatments, overall health, and goals. Dr. Yasmeh evaluates each patient individually and only recommends a procedure when it's a clear fit.
- Most ADR patients stay one night in the hospital, walk the same day, and return to office work within 2–4 weeks. Restrictions on heavy lifting and impact activity are typically lifted at 3 months. Dr. Yasmeh and his team coordinate your post-operative therapy, follow-up imaging, and return-to-activity plan.
- Dr. Yasmeh consults at all four offices (East LA, Glendale, Santa Fe Springs, Tarzana) and performs surgery at affiliated hospitals and surgery centers. The surgical location is chosen based on procedure, your insurance, and convenience.
- Absolutely. Dr. Yasmeh welcomes second opinions and routinely reviews outside imaging and records before any surgical decision.
When Dr. Yasmeh recommends this procedure
Cervical Disc Herniation
Read about this condition and when this procedure is the right answer.
Read moreLumbar Disc Herniation
Read about this condition and when this procedure is the right answer.
Read moreDegenerative Disc Disease
Read about this condition and when this procedure is the right answer.
Read moreFind out if artificial disc replacement is right for you.
Same-week consultations. Four Greater LA offices. Most insurance accepted.