Total Disc Replacement in Queens

Total Disc Replacement at our Queens, NY location is an advanced, motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion, designed to relieve disc-related pain while maintaining natural spinal movement.

Replace the Pain, Keep the Motion

For decades, spinal fusion was the standard surgical answer for degenerative disc disease. Total Disc Replacement offers a different approach — removing the damaged disc and replacing it with a carefully engineered artificial implant that preserves the natural motion of the spine. At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute, motion-preserving surgery is a core part of our philosophy, and our Queens patients benefit from a team with deep expertise in disc replacement at both the cervical and lumbar levels.

Contact our Queens office today to find out whether Total Disc Replacement is the right solution for your condition.

What Is Total Disc Replacement?

Total Disc Replacement (TDR), also known as disc arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or degenerated spinal disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc implant. The implant is designed to replicate the natural movement of a healthy disc, maintaining flexibility at the treated level rather than permanently locking it in place as fusion does.

Cervical Versus Lumbar Disc Replacement

Total Disc Replacement can be performed in two regions of the spine. Cervical disc replacement targets the neck and is used to treat herniated or degenerated discs causing nerve or spinal cord compression. Lumbar disc replacement targets the lower back and is used to address disabling disc-related pain at one or two lumbar levels, most commonly L4-L5 or L5-S1.

While the two procedures share the same core principles, the surgical approach, implant design, and recovery differ between them. Our Queens team will determine which type, if either, is appropriate based on your specific condition and anatomy.

Why Motion Preservation Matters

When a spinal level is fused, the vertebrae above and below it absorb increased stress. Over time, this can accelerate degeneration at those adjacent levels — a phenomenon known as adjacent segment disease. By preserving natural motion at the treated level, Total Disc Replacement reduces this biomechanical stress and may lower the long-term risk of adjacent segment disease compared to fusion.

Conditions Treated With Total Disc Replacement

Total Disc Replacement is primarily used to treat pain caused by disc degeneration that has not responded to conservative care. Appropriate conditions include:

Degenerative disc disease of the cervical or lumbar spine
Herniated disc causing persistent nerve compression
Discogenic lower back or neck pain at one or two levels
Cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy in appropriate candidates

It is considered when non-surgical treatments — including physical therapy, medications, and injections — have failed to provide adequate relief over a sustained period.

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Total Disc Replacement Versus Fusion

Both Total Disc Replacement and spinal fusion are effective treatments for disc disease, but they suit different patient profiles and goals. Understanding the distinction helps patients and surgeons make the best decision together.

Total Disc Replacement

TDR preserves motion at the treated level, typically offers a faster and less restrictive recovery than fusion, and may reduce the long-term risk of adjacent segment disease. It is best suited for younger, active patients with one or two degenerated discs, preserved facet joints, good bone quality, and no prior fusion at the affected level.

Spinal Fusion

Fusion permanently stabilizes the affected segment and is the preferred option in cases involving significant instability, facet joint disease, deformity, or pathology that makes disc replacement technically inappropriate. It has a long and well-established track record.

At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute, we present both options honestly and match each patient with the approach most appropriate for their anatomy, age, activity level, and long-term goals.

Are You a Candidate for Total Disc Replacement in Queens?

Ideal candidates for Total Disc Replacement are generally adults with chronic back or neck pain primarily caused by degeneration at one or two disc levels, who have not responded to conservative care, and who have preserved facet joint integrity and adequate bone quality.

TDR may not be appropriate for patients with significant facet joint disease, multilevel degeneration, spinal instability, osteoporosis, prior fusion at the affected level, or active infection. Candidacy also depends on the specific spinal level involved and the patient's overall health.

Our Queens team will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a review of imaging and full medical history, before making any surgical recommendation.

What to Expect From Total Disc Replacement in Queens

From your first consultation to your full recovery, our team provides the guidance and support you need at every stage.

Before Your Total Disc Replacement

Your consultation will include a thorough review of your symptoms, imaging, and treatment history. Our surgeons take time to explain the procedure in full, walk through all available alternatives, including fusion, and answer every question before any decision is made.

The Day of Your Surgery

Total Disc Replacement is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes two to three hours. The approach varies by location — lumbar disc replacement is performed through the abdomen, while cervical disc replacement uses a small incision at the front of the neck. The damaged disc is removed, and the artificial implant is precisely placed in the disc space. Most patients are discharged within one to two days.

Recovering After Your Procedure

Recovery from Total Disc Replacement is generally faster and less restrictive than recovery from fusion. Most patients return to light activities within a few weeks and resume normal routines within one to three months.

Physical therapy supports the recovery process by rebuilding strength and restoring movement. Our team monitors your progress closely throughout and provides a comprehensive post-operative care plan.

Why Choose Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute?

Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute has made motion-preserving spine surgery a cornerstone of its clinical philosophy. Our lead surgeon has over 40 peer-reviewed publications, and the institute has more than 300 in total, with active leadership in NASS, CSRS, and LSRS. Queens patients benefit from a team that combines surgical precision, research-backed technique, and a genuine commitment to finding the least invasive, most effective solution for every individual.

Total Disc Replacement Frequently Asked Questions

How long do artificial disc implants last?

Artificial disc implants are designed for long-term durability, but because total disc replacement is a newer procedure than fusion, very long-term data is still accumulating. Current research is encouraging, with studies showing durable outcomes and low complication rates over multi-year follow-up periods.

Can total disc replacement be done at more than one level?

In select cases, disc replacement can be performed at two adjacent levels. Replacement at three or more levels is generally not recommended. Your surgeon will assess your imaging and anatomy to determine what is appropriate for your specific situation.

What happens if total disc replacement fails?

In cases where disc replacement does not achieve the desired outcome, revision surgery — including conversion to fusion — is possible. Our team has experience managing complex revision cases and will discuss all options thoroughly if a concern arises.

Is the recovery from lumbar disc replacement different from cervical disc replacement?

Yes. Cervical disc replacement generally has a shorter recovery period, with many patients returning to desk work within one to two weeks. Lumbar disc replacement recovery takes longer, with most patients resuming light activities within a few weeks and full activities within two to three months.

Will I have activity restrictions after total disc replacement?

Yes, particularly in the early weeks of recovery. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on the level treated and your individual progress. Unlike fusion recovery, disc replacement patients typically face fewer long-term restrictions once healing is complete.