Artificial disc replacement (ADR) has rapidly become a trusted solution for patients suffering from degenerative disc disease, particularly in the cervical spine. Nationally, studies are showing that artificial disc replacement often results in better outcomes than traditional spinal fusion — including less downtime, improved mobility and a reduced need for future surgeries. When it comes to artificial disc replacement success, DISC Sports & Spine Center leads the way with a remarkable 97% success rate, far outpacing the national averages.
“Patients are waking up from surgery with less pain, more motion, and a faster return to normal life. That’s the promise of disc replacement—and we’re delivering on it every day,”
Robert S. Bray, Jr., MD | FAANS | Founding Director of DISC Sports & Spine Center
ADR vs. Fusion: What the Research Says
Over the last decade, artificial disc replacement has emerged as a strong alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), especially for single-level disc disease at common sites like C5-C6. A 2020 study from BMC Neurology found that those who received a cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA, also known as an artificial disc replacement) showed significantly better outcomes and preservation of range of motion than those who received an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF).
Similarly, a study published in the International Journal of Spine Surgery in April 2023 found that artificial disc replacement was statistically superior to ACDF when it came to clinical success, subsequent surgery, and neurologic success in treating symptomatic cervical degenerative disc disease. Results through 10 years demonstrated that CDA continues to be a safe and effective surgical alternative to fusion.
“Fusion is still appropriate in many cases, but if a patient is a candidate for disc replacement, especially at C5-C6, we now know from the data that artificial disc replacement often offers superior long-term outcomes,” Sunil Jeswani, MD, a DISC Board Certified Neurosurgeon, said.
With cervical disc replacement at levels like C5-C6, we consistently those outperform fusions, with better motion, fewer follow-up surgeries, and strong 10-year outcomes.
Grant Shifflett, MD | Board-Certified Minimally Invasive | Reconstructive Spine Surgeon
Why the C5-C6 Disc Replacement Success Rate Matters
The C5-C6 spinal level is one of the most common areas for degenerative disc disease due to its role in neck mobility and stress-bearing. Nationally, the C5-C6 disc replacement success rate has been reported as high as 90-92%, with patients experiencing restored motion and lower rates of adjacent level disease.
At DISC, those numbers are even more impressive: 97% success rate for cervical disc replacement procedures, with the majority of patients returning to full activity within weeks — not months.
“We’ve performed thousands of artificial disc replacements with outstanding outcomes, and our low complication rate — virtually zero infections — gives patients peace of mind they won’t find elsewhere,” Luke Macyszyn, MD, Board Certified Neurological Spine Surgeon, said.
DISC’s patient-centered and customized approach to care ensures every step of a patient’s journey, from consultation to recovery, is personalized and seamless. Procedures are performed in a state-of-the-art, AAAHC-accredited outpatient surgery center, where infection rates are dramatically lower than traditional hospital settings.
DISC also specializes in minimally-invasive techniques that preserve muscle and tissue, which helps accelerate healing and reduce pain after surgery day.
“Our focus is precision, preparation, and patient comfort,” Dr. Bray said. “Every case is planned ahead of time with the latest imaging and customized treatment plans. That’s why our results speak for themselves.”
With more studies confirming that artificial disc replacement can outperform fusion in both safety and effectiveness, it’s no surprise that more patients are seeking out artificial disc replacement specialists. For those who want the best in spine care, DISC Sports & Spine Center remains at the forefront.
If you’re struggling with neck pain, numbness, or limited motion due to disc degeneration, consider scheduling a consultation to see if artificial disc replacement is right for you.
