SPINAL SOLUTIONS WITH
ARTIFICIAL DISC
REPLACEMENT (ADR)
OUR APPROACH
What is Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)?
Artificial disc replacement (ADR) can be life-changing for many patients. ADR is a safe, minimally invasive, surgical procedure that helps to eliminate pain, restore spinal movement, and overall improve quality of life. The procedure is a highly effective and safe process, with patients typically returning to everyday activities within a few weeks after surgery.
CONSIDER THIS
Benefits of ADR
TREATMENTS
ADR is a surgical procedure that offers patients a long-term solution to pain related to disease, deterioration, and trauma of a spinal vertebrae.
TREATMENTS
This advanced procedure is a targeted pain relief solution offered as an outpatient option for patients suffering from chronic back pain, weakness, and tingling emanating from a degenerating disc(s).
TREATMENTS
ADR is a type of arthroplasty using artificial disc implants whereby the damaged disc is removed and replaced by an implant.
TREATMENTS
ADR procedures are typically done in an outpatient setting with no hospital stay, helping you to get back on your feet faster than ever.
TREATMENTS
Unlike with spinal fusion treatments, ADR allows your spine to bend, twist, and flex normally, preserving your range of motion.
ARTIFICIAL DISC REPLACEMENT
Types of ADR
Cervical Disc
Replacement
Cervical Disc Replacement is a type of artificial disc replacement that occurs in the cervical region (the neck and upper back) of the spine. The procedure removes a damaged vertebral disc and replaces it with an artificial “joint” that acts in the same way as a natural vertebral disc. This will allow the spine to rotate, bend and flex without causing pain.
Lumbar Disc
Replacement
Lumbar Disc Replacement is a surgical procedure to remove a damaged disc in the lower spine and replace it with an artificial disc. When a disc in your lumbar region is damaged or pinches nerves, removing and replacing it with an artificial lumbar disc can help relieve pain and restore mobility.
“My priority as a surgeon is getting you
better and back to the lifestyle you enjoy”
Dr. Jason M. Cuéllar
OUR EXPERTISE
A Word From
Dr. Cuéllar About ADR
At Cuéllar Spine, we want to support the best possible outcome decision for you and your pain-free future. Our team will help you to determine which procedure makes the most sense for your current spinal condition and for your future pain management plan.
Although not all patients are eligible for ADR, one can see the advantages of either when it comes to addressing chronic back pain. The clearest advantage to ADR is that the surgery allows a patient to preserve motion and agility in the spine. This advantage is very important for patients who have plans to remain active throughout their lives.
Chronic back pain can be debilitating. ADR is one way that we can help patients be relieved of pain, and get their lives back on track. ADR can often be performed as an outpatient surgery with a faster recovery time than spinal fusion and also allows active patients to maintain their healthy lifestyles. Request a consultation today to speak to Dr. Cuéllar and his team regarding your condition.
ADR vs. Spinal Fusion
Which Option is the Best
Treatment for your Condition?
There are multiple pros and cons to consider when deciding between ADR and spinal fusion. Although spinal fusion has been in practice by experts for many years, ADR offers some greater benefits to patients from both a short and long-term perspective, such as increased range of motion and faster disc replacement recovery time. However, ADR is not for everyone. Dr. Cuéllar works with you to decide which course of treatment is best for your spine care.
ADR
Pros +
- Preserves full motion
- Provides greater mobility
- Allows for a shorter recovery time than spinal fusion
Cons -
- Current lumbar implants require an anterior approach
- Not everyone is eligible for ADR
Spinal Fusion
Pros +
- Good option for patients not eligible for ADR
- Unlike ADR, a fusion may last much longer; ADR may only last a decade before another replacement is needed
Cons -
- Once the vertebrae are fused together, the patient may have limited mobility in that portion of the spine
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TDR as a Fusion Alternative
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FROM OUR PATIENTS
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FROM OUR PATIENTS
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FROM OUR PATIENTS
“Attentive, knowledgeable, professional, and treats every patient with individual care! Saved my dad’s life with his minimally invasive procedure and his mindfulness of the medication my father was on before procedure. Thank you Dr. Cuéllar!”
- Eleena H.
FROM OUR PATIENTS
“Dr. Cuellar - THANK YOU!
When you live with pain for so long you tend forget what it's like to feel great and to be able to do all the things that you once did but had to give up. I tried everything under the sun to help alleviate my chronic back pain before I decided to go the surgery route. I was seen by two orthopedic surgeons about my issues and was told that I would need a spinal fusion and I knew I didn't want to go that route. By happenstance, I heard about Dr. Cuellar and ADR surgery.
On my way home from my initial appointment with Dr. Cuellar I was confident that if I was a candidate for ADR, he was the one that was going to help me. He's very knowledgeable, compassionate, professional and an all-around nice individual. When I explained to him what was going on he was attentive, which has not been my experience with doctors in the past. His friendly support staff was communicative about appointments and pre-op/post-op information.
On 12/8/23 I had two artificial discs replaced at the L4 L5 levels - I'm 3 months post-surgery and feeling wonderful.
I highly recommend Dr. Cuellar for spinal issues.”
- ANGELA D.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease occurs when spinal intervertebral discs begin to deteriorate over time.
How Does a Herniated Disc Lead to Pain?
Because the spinal canal has such limited space, a displaced fragment - or herniated disc - puts too much pressure on the spinal nerves which results in pain or other symptoms such as numbness, tingling or weakness.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Artificial Disc Replacement?
Ask your doctor is ADR is right for you. Age may not play a factor, however, other health conditions such as osteoporosis may be important.
How is Spinal Cord Safety Ensured during Surgery?
During surgery, patients are under spinal cord monitoring, where wires and electrodes are connected to skin and muscle. Any changes in the nervous system are detected by a computer and may point to a problem. Your surgical staff will monitor this system throughout your surgery.
What are the Long-Term Outcomes for Artificial Disc Replacement?
Many studies have been done to examine the outcomes of an artificial disc replacement surgery, particularly at the post surgery 5 and 10 year mark. Prior to artificial disc replacement, a spinal fusion was the main method of surgically repairing damaged discs. However, a spinal fusion creates a lack of movement, which puts more stress on the parts of the spine above and below the site. Over time, that can stress the neighboring levels of the spine (a condition known as adjacent segment disease). Such a scenario would mean a high likelihood of additional surgery will be needed. An artificial disc replacement has a lower incidence of needing another surgery in the future.
