Preserve motion.
Choose with clarity.
Disc replacement may be an alternative to fusion for selected patients. Start with a review of your symptoms, imaging and spinal stability.
Request a Disc Replacement Evaluation (Form)Telehealth or in person. Your request does not confirm an appointment.
A careful review before a surgical decision.
Understand whether an artificial disc, fusion or continued nonsurgical care fits your diagnosis. Discuss bone quality, joint health, treatment goals and the risks of each option.
Bring your imaging
Bring available neck or lower-back imaging and prior treatment records.
Discuss the alternatives
Review previous care, nonsurgical options, expected benefits, limitations and risks.
Choose the appropriate next step
Surgery is discussed when symptoms, examination and imaging support it. No outcome is guaranteed.
Experience & careful judgment
Meet Dr. Cornacchia.
Louis G. Cornacchia III, M.D., FAANS, FACS
A board-certified neurosurgeon with 30 years of spinal cord stimulation experience.
More about Dr. Cornacchia’s experience and SCS device decisions
Spinal cord stimulation experience
Experienced neurosurgical judgment before device decisions.
A spinal cord stimulator is a medical device decision, but it is also a diagnosis decision. Apteum’s evaluation is designed to clarify whether SCS is reasonable, whether another spine problem needs attention, and what goals should define success for you.
He works with a community of experienced pain-management doctors and with Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and other manufacturers.
Manufacturer relationships do not imply endorsement of a specific device for every patient. Brand and system selection should be based on clinical need, anatomy, MRI considerations, programming goals, prior device history, and shared decision-making.
Additional systems as clinically appropriateYour evaluation focuses on your diagnosis, prior care and goals. Discuss the expected benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives before choosing your next step. An evaluation is not a commitment to surgery or an implant.
Read Dr. Cornacchia’s training and experience →How spinal cord stimulation works
Watch this explanation created by Dr. Cornacchia. Spinal cord stimulation is one option for selected patients after evaluation; it is not appropriate for every cause of pain and does not replace the discussion of the treatment on this page.
Disc Replacement
Preserve natural spinal motion with artificial disc technology.
Overview
Artificial disc replacement is designed to preserve motion at a treated spinal level and may be an alternative to fusion for selected patients. We evaluate cervical and lumbar disc replacement options. Pain relief and recovery vary.
What We Offer
Key Benefits
All Services
Need Help?
Contact us to discuss your condition and explore the best treatment options.
Artificial Disc Replacement
Artificial disc replacement removes a damaged spinal disc and replaces it with a mobile implant designed to preserve natural motion — an alternative to fusion for carefully selected patients. At Apteum Spine, Dr. Louis G. Cornacchia III evaluates whether disc replacement or fusion is the better choice for your specific condition.
How It Differs From Fusion
Fusion permanently joins two vertebrae to stop painful motion. Disc replacement aims to maintain movement at that level, which may reduce stress on adjacent discs. Each approach has advantages depending on your anatomy, diagnosis, and overall spine health.
Who May Be a Candidate
• Symptomatic degenerative disc disease at one or more levels
• Persistent pain not relieved by conservative care
• Good bone quality and spinal alignment, without significant instability or arthritis
Cervical vs. Lumbar Disc Replacement
Disc replacement is offered for both neck (cervical) and lower-back (lumbar) levels in appropriate candidates. Candidacy is determined after a thorough evaluation of your imaging and symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is disc replacement better than fusion?
For the right candidate, motion preservation can be an advantage; for others, fusion is more appropriate. It is an individualized decision.
How long do the implants last?
Modern disc implants are designed for long-term durability; your surgeon will discuss expectations based on current evidence.
Medically reviewed by Louis G. Cornacchia III, M.D., FAANS, FACS — board-certified neurosurgeon. Last updated: June 2026. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. For urgent symptoms, call (609) 831-0998 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Learn whether disc replacement fits your diagnosis.
Request an evaluation to review your symptoms, imaging, goals and prior treatment history.
The team will contact you to discuss your request. No outcome is guaranteed.