The Los Angeles Times recently featured a groundbreaking study led by fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon at DISC Surgery Center, Steven Girdler, MD. The article spotlighted how this study redefined what’s possible in modern spine care with one of the largest outpatient artificial disc replacement (ADR) studies ever conducted—covering more than 1,000 cases over six years.
Dr. Girdler didn’t work alone – his team included DISC specialists:
For years, multi-level spine surgery was thought to require a hospital stay, but this new research proves otherwise. Dr. Girdler and his team reviewed 1,043 outpatient artificial disc replacement cases from 2018 to 2024, including hundreds of two-level and even three-level procedures, that demonstrated that patients can safely and successfully undergo disc replacement in an outpatient setting.
The results? Zero hospital transfers, zero blood transfusions, and zero perioperative readmissions. Every patient went home within 24 hours.
This is the future of spine surgery—and it’s happening here at DISC.
Artificial disc replacement is more than just a surgical option. It’s a life-changing advancement that:
While not every patient is a candidate for outpatient procedures, Dr. Girdler noted that the majority can safely receive outpatient care.
“There are certainly some patients who have complex medical needs… where it’s simply unsafe for them to be outside of a hospital setting,” he said. “We’re certainly not trying to do anything unsafe. But the majority of people would qualify.”
The findings from the abstract confirm this, as a wide range of patients were included — not just healthy individuals, but also those with moderate to severe systemic disease.
The study also revealed how quick and efficient outpatient disc replacement can be:
That means shorter surgeries, smoother recoveries, and a seamless patient experience—all while maintaining the highest standards of safety.
DISC doctors are leaders in advancing modern, patient-centered spine care. These findings not only validate the safety of outpatient artificial disc replacement but also show the potential to lower costs for patients and the healthcare system without compromising outcomes.
At DISC, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement. With our world-class surgeons, specialized facilities, and commitment to innovation, we’re setting a new benchmark in spine surgery.
Ready to learn more? If you or a loved one is struggling with chronic neck pain or considering spine surgery, now is the time to explore your options. Artificial disc replacement may help you get back to life faster, safer, and with preserved mobility. Schedule a consultation with DISC today to find out if you’re a candidate for artificial disc replacement.
Want to read more about Dr. Girdler’s study? Check out our feature here.