Motion Preservation Surgery

Artificial Disc Replacement

Preserve your spine's natural motion while eliminating pain from diseased discs. Prof. Dr. Bertagnoli's 10,000+ ADR procedures represent the world's largest experience in motion preservation surgery.

Purpose & Benefits

Motion Preservation Philosophy

Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) represents a paradigm shift from traditional fusion surgery. Instead of eliminating motion permanently, ADR preserves the spine's natural movement patterns while addressing the source of pain - the degenerated disc.

This approach maintains biomechanical function, potentially reduces stress on adjacent segments, and enables faster return to activities compared to fusion surgery.

Maintains Motion

Preserves natural spinal movement patterns and flexibility

Faster Recovery

Typically shorter recovery time compared to fusion surgery

Reduced ASD Risk

May reduce adjacent segment disease compared to fusion

Indications & Candidacy

Careful patient selection is crucial for optimal ADR outcomes

Ideal Candidates
  • Disc-predominant pain from disc degeneration
  • Preserved facet joints with minimal arthritis
  • Adequate bone quality for implant fixation
  • Active lifestyle goals and appropriate age range
Contraindications
  • Significant instability or spondylolisthesis
  • Severe facet arthritis or degeneration
  • Poor bone quality or osteoporosis
  • Active infection or severe deformity

Surgical Technique

Advanced surgical approach ensuring optimal implant positioning and motion preservation

Minimally Invasive Approach

Anterior approach through small incisions, minimizing muscle disruption and enabling faster recovery.

  • Anterior approach minimizing muscle disruption
  • Complete discectomy and endplate preparation
  • Precise implant positioning using navigation
  • Intraoperative motion testing and verification
Precision Implant Placement

Restore disc height, prepare endplates, and establish proper alignment for optimal device function.

  • Complete discectomy and decompression
  • Endplate preparation and restoration
  • Height and alignment correction
  • Intraoperative imaging guidance
Device Selection Philosophy

Device-agnostic approach ensures the best implant for your specific anatomy and pathology.

  • Experience with 25+ device platforms
  • Selection based on anatomy, not brand preference
  • Long-term outcome data consideration
  • Safety profile and FDA approval status

Recovery Process

Structured recovery program designed to optimize healing and return to activities

1-2
Hospital Stay (1-2 Days)
Early mobilization and pain management
  • Early mobilization and physical therapy
  • Pain management and medication
  • Wound care and hygiene education
  • Discharge planning and follow-up
2-6
Early Recovery (2-6 Weeks)
Gradual activity increase and therapy progression
  • Gradual activity increase
  • Physical therapy progression
  • Return to light work activities
  • Driving clearance and mobility
6-12
Full Recovery (6-12 Months)
Return to full activities and complete healing
  • Return to full work activities
  • Sports and recreational activities
  • Unrestricted lifting and movement
  • Complete healing and motion restoration

Clinical Outcomes

Long-term results and success rates from extensive experience

Success Rates
Outcomes based on 10,000+ procedures performed
  • Pain Relief Success85-90%
  • Motion Preservation80-85%
  • Patient Satisfaction90-95%
  • 10-Year Survival85-90%
Risks & Considerations
Understanding potential complications and their management
  • Device Wear

    Long-term consideration requiring monitoring

  • Heterotopic Ossification

    Bone formation that may limit motion

  • Revision Surgery

    Rare but possible in long-term follow-up

Is ADR Right for You?

Get a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you're a candidate for motion preservation surgery.