Artificial disc replacement proves safe, efficient, cost-saving in outpatient spine surgery

Editor's Note

Artificial disc replacement (ADR) in the cervical spine can be performed safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively in outpatient/ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), Ortho Spine News July 31 reports. The article details research from Steven J. Girdler, MD, of DISC Surgery Center, who reviewed 6 years of data from 1,043 patients receiving a total of 1,684 cervical artificial discs between 2018 and 2024.

Patients ranged from 443 women and 559 men to one unclassified case. Across all cases, there were no immediate postoperative transfers, no blood transfusions, and no readmissions in the immediate perioperative period. Every patient was discharged home within 24 hours to begin recovery. According to the article, ADR was performed at multiple levels with consistent safety outcomes. The analysis found single-level ADR averaged 69.8 minutes of surgical time, two-level ADR averaged 93.4 minutes, and three-level ADR averaged 131.8 minutes. These findings reflect not only procedural efficiency but also the ability to scale ADR safely beyond single-level cases in the outpatient setting.

The outlet reports TriasMD, DISC Surgery Center’s parent company, views this data as supporting its mission to expand access to motion-preserving spine surgery while maintaining strict quality standards. Dr. Girdler noted shifting ADR to ASCs eliminates the need for lengthy hospital stays, promotes faster recovery, and enables earlier return to active lifestyles. He emphasized these efficiencies translate into significant potential cost savings for patients, providers, and payers.

Outcomes were tracked across multiple surgeons within TriasMD’s clinically integrated network, including specialists from diverse academic and training backgrounds. The multi-surgeon consistency in safety and efficiency further supports ADR’s viability as a routine outpatient procedure.