Total Disc Replacement: Motion-Preserving Spine Surgery
Advanced Back & Neck Pain Relief at Vanchilingam
- Replaces worn-out spinal discs while preserving natural movement.
- Ideal for chronic neck or lower back pain from disc degeneration.
- Minimally invasive technique for faster recovery and less pain.
- Alternatives to spinal fusion-maintains flexibility and reduces stress on other discs.
- Performed by expert spine surgeons with advanced imaging and rehab support.
Total Disc Replacement: Restoring Motion, Relieving Pain
“Move freely again-with a spine built for motion, not limitation.”
Chronic neck or lower back pain caused by a damaged spinal disc can affect every aspect of your life. When conservative treatments fail, Total Disc Replacement (TDR) offers a motion-preserving surgical option that relieves pain while allowing you to retain natural flexibility. At Vanchilingam Advanced Neurology and Stroke Care, we specialize in advanced disc replacement procedures designed to restore function, reduce pain, and get you moving again.
What Is Total Disc Replacement?
Total Disc Replacement (also called Artificial Disc Replacement) is a minimally invasive spine surgery where a damaged intervertebral disc is removed and replaced with a specially designed artificial disc implant. Unlike spinal fusion, which restricts motion, TDR maintains normal movement between the vertebrae.
When Is Disc Replacement Recommended?
This procedure is recommended for patients who:
- Have chronic back or neck pain from degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- Have not responded to physical therapy, medications, or injections
- Have one or two-level disc degeneration (in cervical or lumbar spine)
- Want to preserve motion and avoid long-term fusion-related limitations
It is not typically recommended for patients with advanced arthritis, osteoporosis, or spinal instability.
Benefits of Total Disc Replacement
- Preserves natural motion of the spine
- Faster recovery and return to activity
- Reduces stress on adjacent discs (compared to fusion)
- Decreased need for long-term pain medications
- Minimally invasive with shorter hospital stay
Conditions Treated with TDR
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
- Herniated Disc with Failed Conservative Therapy
- Chronic Low Back Pain or Neck Pain
- Post-Discectomy Syndrome
- Discogenic Pain without Instability
Types of Disc Replacement Surgeries
Cervical Disc Replacement
For chronic neck pain and nerve compression due to worn cervical discs.
- Performed through a small incision in the front of the neck.
- Immediate relief from nerve root or spinal cord compression.
- Preserves neck mobility post-surgery.
Lumbar Disc Replacement
- For lower back disc issues causing back pain and leg symptoms.
- Performed through an incision in the lower abdomen.
- Artificial disc mimics natural disc movement.
- Suitable for selected patients with isolated lumbar disc problems.
Our Surgical Approach at Vanchilingam
- High-resolution spine imaging (MRI, CT, dynamic X-rays) for planning
- Preoperative evaluation to assess disc health, bone quality, and spine alignment
- Implant selection based on individual anatomy and activity level
- Minimally invasive technique with intraoperative monitoring
- Post-operative rehabilitation to support strength, flexibility, and function
Why Choose Vanchilingam for Disc Replacement Surgery?
- Expert Spine Surgeons trained in motion-preserving technologies
- Advanced Imaging & Navigation for precision placement of implants
- Motion-Preserving Philosophy prioritizing function over fixation
- Multidisciplinary Support from neurologists, physiotherapists, and pain specialists
- Rapid Recovery Protocols to help you heal faster and return to daily life
What to Expect After Surgery
- Most patients go home within 24–48 hours
- Gradual return to work and activity within 2–4 weeks
- Significant pain relief and improvement in motion
- Follow-up imaging and physiotherapy to track recovery and optimize outcome
Reclaim Movement. Restore Life.
Interventional neurology is revolutionizing how we approach complex neurological conditions, offering hope where traditional methods may fall short. At Vanchilingam Advanced Neurology and Stroke Care, we combine expertise, innovation, and compassion to redefine what’s possible for our patients.
If you or a loved one is facing a neurological challenge, trust us to provide the precision care you need. Contact us today to explore how interventional neurology can make a difference in your life.
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Real Experiences, Real Results
Discover how Dr. Vanchilingam Advanced Neuro & Stroke Hospital has transformed the lives of our patients. Also hear our specialists talk about the services and solutions we offer for various neurological issues.
What is Total Disc Replacement (TDR)?
Total Disc Replacement is a minimally invasive spine surgery where a worn-out or damaged spinal disc is replaced with an artificial disc implant, allowing the patient to retain natural spine motion and avoid the limitations of spinal fusion.
Who is a suitable candidate for Total Disc Replacement?
TDR is recommended for individuals with chronic neck or lower back pain due to degenerative disc disease, who have not responded to conservative treatments and want to maintain spinal mobility. Ideal candidates have one or two-level disc issues without significant instability or advanced arthritis.
What are the benefits of Total Disc Replacement surgery?
The benefits include preserved spinal motion, reduced reliance on long-term medications, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and decreased stress on adjacent discs compared to fusion surgery.
What conditions are treated with Total Disc Replacement?
TDR is used to treat degenerative disc disease, herniated discs unresponsive to conservative care, post-discectomy syndrome, and chronic discogenic back or neck pain without spinal instability.
What types of disc replacement surgeries are performed?
There are two main types: Cervical Disc Replacement for chronic neck pain and Lumbar Disc Replacement for lower back pain. Both procedures are minimally invasive and aim to restore motion while relieving nerve compression or disc-related symptoms.
How is disc replacement surgery performed at Vanchilingam Hospital?
At Vanchilingam, disc replacement surgeries are conducted using high-resolution imaging, personalized implant selection, and minimally invasive techniques, followed by tailored rehabilitation support to restore strength and mobility.
What should I expect after Total Disc Replacement surgery?
Most patients are discharged within 1–2 days and can resume light activities within 2–4 weeks. Full recovery is typically achieved in 6–12 weeks with follow-up imaging and physiotherapy to track progress and ensure optimal outcomes.
Why choose Vanchilingam Hospital for disc replacement?
Vanchilingam offers expert spine surgeons trained in motion-preserving techniques, advanced imaging for precise implant placement, and a comprehensive recovery plan with multidisciplinary support for better outcomes.
