I see in the newspaper they are advertising these new artificial discs for the spine. Can I have more than one disc replaced at a time? Or do I need a separate surgery for each one?

What works and how well it works with artificial disc replacements (ADRs) is largely unknown. Studies conducted over the last 10 years are coming out more and more now. Most studies have reported the final results after several years (up to 11 years). They may have included patients with single-level and multiple-level ADRs but without comparing the results of the two.What works and how well it works with artificial disc replacements (ADRs) is largely unknown. Studies conducted over the last 10 years are coming out more and more now. Most studies have reported the final results after several years (up to 11 years). They may have included patients with single-level and multiple-level ADRs but without comparing the results of the two.

A new study from France did specifically compare the results of single level implants with multiple level groups. They found similar results with both. So for now, it looks like patients can have more than one disc replaced at a time. The operation is both safe and effective.