Artificial Disc Replacement
Lumbar Disc Replacement
What Is Lumbar Disc Replacement?
Lumbar disc replacement is an advanced spine surgery used to treat chronic lower back pain caused by a severely worn, damaged, or degenerated disc in the lower spine. The lumbar spine sits between the rib cage and pelvis and is made up of five vertebrae, with soft intervertebral discs between them. These discs help absorb shock, support movement, and allow the spine to bend and rotate.
When a lumbar disc breaks down, loses height, or irritates nearby nerves, it can cause persistent lower back pain, stiffness, limited mobility, or radiating leg pain known as sciatica. For carefully selected patients, lumbar artificial disc replacement may offer a motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion.
During the procedure, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial lumbar disc designed to help restore spacing between the vertebrae, reduce pressure on irritated nerves, and maintain more natural movement in the spine. Unlike fusion, which permanently stops motion at the treated level, lumbar disc replacement is intended to preserve flexibility while addressing the source of pain.
Why Choose Palm Beach Spine & Disc Replacement Center for Lumbar Disc Replacement?
At Palm Beach Spine & Disc Replacement Center, patients receive advanced spine care from Dr. Jason Cuéllar and a dedicated team focused on motion-preserving spine treatment. Dr. Cuéllar is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon who specializes in cervical and lumbar artificial disc replacement. He trained at leading institutions, including Stanford University School of Medicine and NYU-Hospital for Joint Diseases, and has performed hundreds of disc replacement procedures with excellent outcomes.
Motion-preserving expertise: Dr. Cuéllar and the team prioritize disc replacement when appropriate to help preserve natural spinal movement and protect long-term mobility.
Advanced surgical experience: Dr. Cuéllar has contributed to peer-reviewed studies on spine surgery outcomes and brings extensive experience in artificial disc replacement to each case.
Personalized patient care: The Palm Beach Spine & Disc Replacement Center team provides individualized care before, during, and after surgery, helping patients understand their options and move toward a more active, comfortable life.
Types of Lumbar Discs
There have been a number of discs released, each with varying degrees of success rates when stress-tested in clinical trials. Current FDA-approved discs for the lumbar spine include the prodisc® L and activL artificial discs. Below is a topline overview of the FDA-approved alternatives currently available.
LUMBAR DISCS
FDA-Approved Lumbar Discs
Prodisc®-L
The Prodisc®-L is one of the most widely used artificial lumbar discs in the United States. It is FDA-approved for use at one or two levels, including L3-L4, L4-L5, or L5-S1, in patients with degenerative disc disease who have not improved after at least six months of conservative treatment.
The implant is made of three components: two metallic endplates and a polyethylene inlay. Its design helps restore spacing between the vertebrae while maintaining motion in the lumbar spine.
Discontinued Lumbar Discs
activL®
The activL® artificial disc received FDA approval in 2015 and was developed as a next-generation lumbar disc replacement device. It has since been discontinued.
Unlike earlier disc designs, activL® allowed a variable center of rotation to more closely mimic natural spinal movement. It was also available in multiple sizes and footprints to better match patient anatomy and support implant stability.
CHARITÉ® Artificial Disc
First approved in 2004, the CHARITÉ® artificial disc was one of the earliest lumbar total disc replacement devices available. It was made with cobalt alloy endplates and a polyethylene core, with a design that allowed bone ingrowth for stability.
Although it helped pave the way for modern lumbar disc replacement, CHARITÉ® has since been discontinued and replaced by newer artificial disc designs.
International and Off-Market Devices
Several artificial lumbar discs are used in Europe and other countries but are not FDA-approved for use in the United States. Some patients explore these options when seeking treatment outside the country.
M6-L
The M6-L is designed to replicate the natural disc’s ability to compress and move in multiple directions. It uses an artificial nucleus and fiber annulus, supported by titanium endplates that encourage bone integration.
Its viscoelastic core is intended to provide shock absorption similar to a healthy lumbar disc.
Lumbar LP-ESP® Disc Prosthesis
The Lumbar LP-ESP® Disc Prosthesis is designed to closely reproduce the natural flexibility of the lumbar spine. With shock-absorbing features and titanium endplates, it helps maintain motion while reducing stress on adjacent spinal levels.
Baguera®L
The Baguera®L uses Diamond-Like-Carbon coated titanium plates and is available with either a fixed or mobile nucleus. Its design helps reduce MRI artifacts, provide stability, and give the surgeon flexibility during implantation based on patient anatomy and needs.
Our Approach to Lumbar Disc Replacement
For the right candidates, lumbar disc replacement may offer a motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion. Instead of permanently stopping movement at the treated level, lumbar disc replacement is designed to help maintain flexibility while reducing stress on nearby discs.
At Palm Beach Spine & Disc Replacement Center, Dr. Cuéllar and the team carefully evaluate each patient using advanced imaging, a thorough clinical exam, and a personalized review of symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
The approach prioritizes:
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Motion preservation over spinal fusion whenever appropriate
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Minimally invasive techniques to support a smoother recovery
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Individualized implant selection based on each patient’s anatomy and activity level
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Long-term outcomes focused on pain relief, mobility, and quality of life
Why Patients Trust Our Team
Lumbar disc replacement is a highly specialized procedure, and patients want to feel confident in both the surgeon and the team guiding their care. At Palm Beach Spine & Disc Replacement Center, patients are supported by Dr. Jason Cuéllar and a team focused on careful evaluation, clear communication, and personalized treatment planning.
From the first consultation through recovery, the goal is to help each patient understand their diagnosis, review appropriate options, and make informed decisions about their spine health. For patients who are candidates for lumbar artificial disc replacement, this means receiving care from a team experienced in advanced, motion-preserving spine surgery.
Patients trust Palm Beach Spine & Disc Replacement Center for its thoughtful approach, surgical expertise, and commitment to helping people return to a more active, comfortable quality of life.
FROM OUR PATIENTS
Real Stories. Real Results.
“When you live with pain for so long, you forget what it’s like to feel great. Three months after my two discs were replaced, I’m feeling wonderful.”
ANGELA D. — LUMBAR ADR PATIENT, L4 & L5
“Dr. Cuéllar and his team has relieved me from 2+ years of back pain and spasms. I'm 43 and had 2 degenerative disks. After years of Physical Therapy and Chiropractic care, I decided to have surgery. It was the best decision in my case. I am 12 weeks post surgery and pain free. Thank you Dr. Cuéllar for your amazing care and walking me through every step of the process!”
JASON S.
“My husband and I are incredibly grateful for the care he received from Dr. Cuéllar and their entire team. From our first consultation through surgery and follow-up, we felt heard, respected, and confident in the treatment plan. Dr. Cuéllar and his team took the time to explain everything clearly and answered all of our questions with patience and compassion.”
JENNY S.
“I felt so safe and cared for through the whole process before and after surgery. Dr. Cuéllar and his entire team showed such compassion, knowledge, and skill that I sailed through surgery without any worry.”
KIM S.
“I have had chronic pain since a car wreck over 4 years ago. Now I’m pain free and couldn’t be happier! Dr. Cuéllar is the BEST at disc replacement surgery. I was blessed to have found him! Thank you again, Dr. Cuéllar!”
NOLA K.
AS FEATURED IN
OUR LOCATIONS
Caring for Patients Across South Florida.
Palm Beach
450 Royal Palm Way, Suite 101
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Mon–Fri · 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
P (305) 459-3175 · F (855) 265-7167
Palm Beach Gardens
4362 Northlake Blvd, Suite 209
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Mon–Fri · 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
P (305) 459-3175 · F (855) 265-7167
Jupiter
658 W Indiantown Rd., Suite 212
Jupiter, FL 33458
Mon–Fri · 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
P (305) 459-3175 · F (855) 265-7167
Aventura
2820 NE 214th St, Suite 801
Aventura, FL 33180
Mon–Fri · 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
P (305) 459-3175 · F (855) 265-7167
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