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Motion-Preserving Spine Surgery

Northwest Indiana's Artificial Disc Replacement Specialist

Cervical and lumbar artificial disc replacement — a motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion. Dr. Tyndall is a pioneer in fusion-less spine surgery, performing same-day disc replacement with the clinically proven prodisc® system to relieve pain while keeping your spine moving naturally.

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Medically reviewed by Dwight S. Tyndall, MD, FAAOS · Updated April 2026
See It in Motion

The prodisc® Artificial Disc System

Dr. Tyndall uses prodisc by Centinel Spine — the most clinically proven artificial disc in the world — for both cervical and lumbar disc replacement. Watch the actual surgical technique and device technology below.

35+
Years Proven
300K+
Device Implantations1
<1%
Revision Rate2
590+
Published Papers3

prodisc® is a registered trademark of Centinel Spine, LLC. Videos and product data courtesy of Centinel Spine. Dr. Tyndall is an independent surgeon who selects implant technology based on each patient's individual needs.
1 Data on file for all prodisc cervical and lumbar devices. 2 Based upon U.S. complaint handling units for prodisc 2016–2025. 3 Search performed on PubMed, Embase, Ovid Medline covering 1988–2025 for all prodisc cervical and lumbar devices.

Why Choose Dr. Tyndall for Disc Replacement

The surgeon you choose matters far more than any single device. Dr. Tyndall's training, experience, and judgment guide every step — and he pairs that expertise with the most clinically proven disc technology available.

Pioneer in Fusion-Less Surgery
Dr. Tyndall is a leader in motion-preserving spine surgery and has worked directly with implant companies developing disc replacement technology
20+ Years of Experience
Board-certified spine surgeon with two decades of specialized expertise in advanced spinal procedures
Elite Training
NYU medical degree, Stanford residency, fellowship at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) — the nation's #1 orthopedic hospital
Technology Pioneer
First spine surgeon in Indiana to use computerized navigation for outpatient minimally invasive spine surgery
Outpatient Surgery
Pioneer in same-day spine surgery — many disc replacement patients go home hours after their procedure
Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute
Northwest Indiana's most preferred orthopedic practice

What Is Disc Replacement?

Artificial disc replacement is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or degenerated spinal disc is removed and replaced with a prosthetic implant designed to replicate the natural movement of a healthy disc. Unlike spinal fusion, which permanently locks two vertebrae together, disc replacement preserves motion at the treated level.

The artificial disc is engineered to mimic the function of a healthy natural disc, allowing the spine to flex, extend, and rotate as it normally would. This motion-preserving approach reduces stress on the discs and joints above and below the surgical level, potentially lowering the risk of future problems at adjacent segments — a significant advantage over traditional fusion.

Dr. Tyndall has worked directly with implant companies in developing disc replacement technology and has extensive experience performing both cervical disc replacement (neck) and lumbar disc replacement (lower back). Many of these procedures can be performed as outpatient surgery, allowing patients to go home the same day.

Disc Replacement vs. Spinal Fusion

For decades, spinal fusion was the standard surgical treatment for disc problems that did not respond to conservative care. Disc replacement offers a fundamentally different approach — one that addresses the damaged disc while preserving the spine's ability to move.

Advantages of Disc Replacement

  • Preserves natural spinal motion at the treated level
  • Reduces risk of adjacent segment disease (degeneration above and below)
  • No need for bone grafting or waiting for fusion to heal
  • Faster return to normal activities for many patients
  • Maintains more natural biomechanics of the spine
  • Often eligible for outpatient same-day surgery

When Fusion May Be Preferred

  • Significant spinal instability requiring stabilization
  • Severe facet joint arthritis at the affected level
  • Osteoporosis or inadequate bone quality
  • Spinal deformity such as scoliosis
  • Multiple levels requiring treatment (three or more)
  • Previous surgery at the affected level

Dr. Tyndall evaluates each patient individually to determine whether disc replacement or fusion will provide the best long-term outcome. His goal is always to choose the approach that offers the greatest benefit with the least impact on your spine's natural function.

Cervical vs. Lumbar Disc Replacement

Disc replacement can be performed in both the cervical spine (neck) and the lumbar spine (lower back). While the goal is the same — replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one that preserves motion — there are important differences between the two procedures.

Cervical Disc Replacement

  • Approach: Performed through a small incision in the front of the neck (anterior approach), the same approach used for cervical fusion
  • Treats: Cervical disc herniation, degenerative disc disease causing neck pain, and radiculopathy (arm pain, numbness, or weakness)
  • Recovery: Most patients return to light activities within 1 to 2 weeks; many procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis
  • Motion: Preserves neck rotation and flexibility, reducing stress on adjacent cervical levels

Lumbar Disc Replacement

  • Approach: Performed through an incision in the abdomen (anterior approach), accessing the spine from the front to avoid disturbing the back muscles
  • Treats: Lumbar degenerative disc disease causing chronic low back pain, and in select cases, disc herniation with associated back pain
  • Recovery: Most patients return to light activities within 2 to 4 weeks; can be performed as outpatient surgery in appropriate candidates
  • Motion: Preserves lower back flexibility and reduces the risk of adjacent level breakdown over time

Who Is a Candidate for Disc Replacement?

Not every patient with a disc problem is a candidate for disc replacement. Dr. Tyndall performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether this procedure is the right option for you. The evaluation includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and advanced imaging such as MRI and X-rays.

Ideal Candidates

  • Symptomatic degenerative disc disease or disc herniation at one or two spinal levels
  • Failure to improve with conservative treatment (physical therapy, injections, medications) after at least six weeks
  • No significant facet joint arthritis or spinal instability at the affected level
  • Adequate bone density to support the artificial disc implant
  • No spinal deformity such as scoliosis at the affected level
  • No previous fusion surgery at the level being treated

Conditions Treated with Disc Replacement

  • Degenerative disc disease (cervical or lumbar)
  • Herniated discs that have not responded to conservative care
  • Cervical radiculopathy (nerve compression causing arm pain or weakness)
  • Chronic neck or back pain caused by a damaged disc
  • Disc degeneration causing radiating arm or leg pain

The Procedure and Recovery

Disc replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The damaged disc is accessed through an anterior (front) approach — through the front of the neck for cervical procedures, or through the abdomen for lumbar procedures. This approach avoids cutting through the back muscles, which helps reduce post-operative pain and speeds recovery.

Once the damaged disc is carefully removed, the vertebral surfaces are prepared and the artificial disc is precisely positioned using intraoperative imaging and computerized navigation technology. The artificial disc is designed to fit securely between the vertebrae and restore proper disc height and alignment while allowing natural motion.

Recovery Timeline

  • Day of surgery: Many disc replacement patients go home the same day as an outpatient procedure. Patients typically experience significant pain relief immediately.
  • 1 to 2 weeks: Walking and light daily activities are encouraged. Many cervical disc replacement patients return to desk work during this time.
  • 4 to 6 weeks: Return to most normal activities including driving and exercise. Physical therapy may begin to restore strength and flexibility.
  • 3 to 6 months: Full recovery for most patients. Return to strenuous physical activity and heavy labor. The artificial disc continues to integrate with the surrounding bone.

Because disc replacement does not require waiting for bone to fuse, many patients experience a faster functional recovery compared to traditional spinal fusion. Dr. Tyndall provides detailed post-operative instructions and monitors your recovery closely to ensure the best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About Disc Replacement

Disc replacement removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial device that preserves natural spinal motion. Spinal fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae together, eliminating motion at that segment. Disc replacement reduces the risk of adjacent segment disease, a condition where the levels above and below a fusion degenerate faster due to increased stress. Dr. Tyndall evaluates each patient individually to determine which approach will provide the best long-term outcome.
Ideal candidates typically have a symptomatic damaged or degenerated disc at one or two levels, have failed conservative treatment for at least six weeks, do not have significant facet joint arthritis or spinal instability, and have adequate bone density. Dr. Tyndall performs a thorough evaluation including imaging studies and physical examination to determine whether disc replacement is appropriate for your specific condition.
Most patients experience significant pain relief within the first few days. Many return to light activities within 1 to 2 weeks and achieve full recovery within 4 to 6 weeks. Because there is no need to wait for bone to fuse, functional recovery is often faster than with traditional spinal fusion. Dr. Tyndall's minimally invasive approach further speeds recovery by minimizing muscle and tissue disruption.
Modern artificial discs are designed to last decades. Long-term clinical studies have followed patients for over 15 years with excellent results and device longevity. The materials used, such as medical-grade cobalt-chromium alloy and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, are engineered to withstand the demands of spinal motion over a lifetime. Dr. Tyndall uses proven implant designs with extensive clinical track records.
Yes. Dr. Tyndall performs many disc replacements as outpatient procedures, allowing patients to go home the same day. He was among the first surgeons in Indiana to offer outpatient minimally invasive spine surgery using computerized navigation technology. Eligibility for outpatient surgery depends on your overall health and the specifics of your procedure.
Disc replacement treats symptomatic degenerative disc disease, herniated discs that have not responded to conservative treatment, and cervical or lumbar disc degeneration causing neck pain, back pain, or radiating arm or leg pain. It is not appropriate for patients with spinal instability, significant facet joint disease, osteoporosis, or deformity such as scoliosis. Dr. Tyndall evaluates each patient thoroughly to determine the most effective treatment approach.

Schedule Your Disc Replacement Consultation

Find out if disc replacement is right for you. Dr. Tyndall offers personalized evaluations and the latest motion-preserving spine technology. Call today to schedule your consultation.

(219) 250-5035

Monday – Friday · 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Crown Point Office

500 E. 109th Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307

Schererville Office

833 W. Lincoln Highway, Suite 110
Schererville, IN 46375