TREATMENT
Artificial Disc Replacement
Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) is a motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion for patients with symptomatic disc degeneration.
Artificial disc replacement is one of the most important advances in modern spine surgery. When disc degeneration causes persistent pain, nerve compression, or loss of function, replacing the damaged disc can address the underlying problem while maintaining natural movement. Unlike spinal fusion, ADR can preserve spinal mobility and reduce stress on surrounding segments. For many patients, this translates to meaningful pain relief, faster recovery, and a return to the activities that matter most.
Benefits of Artificial
Disc Replacement
Artificial disc replacement preserves motion at the treated level while addressing the underlying source of pain. By maintaining normal spinal mechanics, it can reduce stress on adjacent segments and support more natural spinal function after surgery.
- Preserves natural spinal motion
- Reduces stress on adjacent discs/spinal bones compared to spinal fusion
- Restores of disc height and alignment
- Relieves nerve compression
- Speeds recovery compared to spinal fusion
“For decades, fusion was the default. Today, we have better options. Artificial disc replacement allows us to restore motion and rethink how spine care should be approached.”
Why Artificial Disc Replacement?
For patients diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, spinal fusion has long been the standard surgical option. But for carefully selected patients, artificial disc replacement offers a clinically proven alternative—one that addresses the same underlying pathology while preserving spinal mobility.
Not every patient is a candidate for ADR, and not every surgeon performs ADR with the same level of expertise. Dr. Beckett has performed more than 950 artificial disc replacement surgeries and is recognized as a leader in the field.
Am I A Candidate
For ADR?
Artificial disc replacement may be an option for patients with persistent neck or back pain caused by degenerative disc disease that has not responded to conservative care. The key question is not simply whether surgery is needed, but whether the affected segment can be treated while preserving motion rather than requiring stabilization.
You may be a candidate for ADR if you have:
- Symptomatic disc degeneration at one or two levels
- Intact or minimally affected facet joints
- Preserved spinal alignment without significant instability
- Adequate bone density to support implant integration
- A desire to maintain mobility and reduce long-term adjacent segment risk
During consultation, Dr. Beckett performs a detailed evaluation including clinical history, neurologic assessment, sagittal alignment analysis, and advanced imaging to determine whether ADR, fusion, or a non-surgical approach best serves your unique needs.
TYPES OF ADR
Artificial Disc Replacement can be performed in different regions of the spine depending on where degeneration occurs.
Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical disc replacement is designed to treat damaged discs in the neck while preserving natural motion and relieving pressure on nearby nerves.
Lumbar Disc Replacement
Lumbar disc replacement addresses disc degeneration in the lower back, helping relieve nerve compression while maintaining movement at the treated level.
DISC Types
Modern artificial discs are engineered to mimic the natural movement and load-bearing function of the spine. Several FDA-approved implants are available, each designed to restore disc height, maintain motion, and support long-term spinal biomechanics.
During surgical planning, Dr. Beckett selects the implant that best matches the patient’s anatomy, condition, and functional goals.
Dr. Joel S. Beckett is a
Top Doctor in ADR &
Arthroplasty
Dr. Beckett received ADR Spine’s Top Doctor in Arthroplasty recognition for his innovative approach to disc replacement. Working alongside pioneers like Dr. Todd Lanman, he is at the forefront of transforming the future of spine care.
TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR PATIENTS
This has been an Incredible surgery and recovery process. Neurosurgeon Dr. Beckett is exceptional, one of a kind in diagnosis, surgical skill and communication; It was an honor to be cared for by him and his entire team. I have had immediate relief from a tough- long-standing injury. Dr. Beckett’s team, including Brian Sorto DNP, Cat Gonzalez and the staff of the in house surgery center made my surgery and recovery a smooth and seamless experience. I recommend Dr. Beckett highly and his surgical and office team.
MAYA CHARLES
Before and after. All the nerve pain is gone!! Thank you Dr. Beckett!!
NATHAN DIXON
After more than a year of debilitating pain in both arms, I had given up many daily activities. Dr. Beckett carefully explained the issues in my neck and how disc replacement could help. He reviewed my imaging in detail so I understood the treatment plan. Six weeks after surgery, my symptoms are gone and I’m back to the activities I love. I’m deeply grateful for Dr. Beckett and his compassionate team.
JOCELYN HITTLE
Artificial Disc Replacement
Dr Beckett is an especially skilled doctor and surgeon. He takes the time to explain things thoroughly thus managing patient expectations. I went into surgery with 1000% trust which made the entire experience pleasurable
LAURA DARKE
After a year and a half of severe nerve pain in both arms, I was referred to Dr. Beckett for C5–C7 disc replacement. He explained the diagnosis and treatment clearly and helped me feel confident moving forward with surgery. The results have been outstanding. Dr. Beckett and his entire staff showed exceptional care and compassion throughout the process. I would trust him with any member of my family.
DAVID NAHMOD
C5-7 Disc Replacement
Dr. Beckett and his entire staff are thee best. I am in my six month of recovery from my L4/L5 surgery and it has been as good of an experience as I could have hoped for. Dr. Beckett, Brian Sorto and Cat Gonzales were always there to help and support me any time I would reach out. Dr Beckett is never in a rush and I always felt I was being heard. I hope I never have to go through another back surgery, but if I do, there is no one I would rather have taking care of me.
MICHAEL POLITO
L4/L5 Surgery
Deciding on a surgeon is always scary, but putting your trust in someone to operate on your spine is honestly terrifying. I spoke with a couple of surgeons about my case, but after my first consult with Dr. Beckett, I knew he was the right choice. Even over Zoom, it was clear to me that he wasn’t just a gifted surgeon but also an exceptional person.
CHANTEL WHILES
Scoliosis Correction Surgery
Insights, Press & Case Highlights
Schedule A
Consultation
Take the next step toward better spine
health. Schedule a consultation with
Dr. Beckett today.
Follow @DrBeckettMD on Social Media