Which specialist performs artificial disc replacement?

The surgeon reviews your symptoms, neurological examination, scans, spinal level, and previous treatment. The assessment also considers disc damage, spinal stability, alignment, bone health, and whether the affected level is suitable for an artificial disc. A spine-focused team may include a radiologist, anesthetist, physiotherapist, and pain specialist, but the spine surgeon leads the surgical decision and operation.

Bring imaging reports and a list of medicines, allergies, previous operations, and medical conditions. Describe how pain, numbness, weakness, or limited movement affects work, sleep, and walking. Ask whether non-surgical options have been tried, what the intended spinal level is, and which alternative procedure would be considered if disc replacement is unsuitable. A second spine-surgery opinion can help when the decision is complex.

Seek urgent medical attention for new or worsening leg or arm weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, or severe back or neck pain after an injury. These warning signs need prompt assessment and should not wait for a routine surgical appointment.

Ask: What makes me a candidate for disc replacement? Which surgeon will perform and follow up the operation? What recovery milestones should I expect? How will you manage medicines, activity, and physiotherapy afterward?