Same-Day MVA Appointments Available — No Insurance Required | Lien-Based TreatmentDisc Replacement in Merrillville, Indiana
Artificial disc replacement is a motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion that replaces a damaged spinal disc with an artificial device while maintaining the spine’s natural range of motion. Dr. Bernard Rerri, MD performs disc replacement surgery at Merrillville Injury Care’s onsite surgery center.
Disc Replacement vs. Spinal Fusion
Unlike spinal fusion, which eliminates motion at the treated segment, disc replacement preserves the spine’s natural movement. This can reduce the risk of adjacent segment degeneration — a condition where fused segments place increased stress on neighboring discs, causing them to deteriorate faster. Disc replacement may be recommended for patients with single-level disc disease, disc herniation, or degenerative disc disease who are candidates for motion preservation.
The Disc Replacement Procedure
Cervical and lumbar disc replacement are performed through an anterior (front) approach. The damaged disc is removed in its entirety and replaced with an artificial disc designed to replicate the natural motion and biomechanics of the spine. Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved function, with recovery times similar to or faster than traditional spinal fusion.