Spinal fusion surgery is the gold standard for back pain. But a new type of procedure is proving just as effective.
Spinal surgery cases rose from 800,000 per year in 2013 to 1.1 million nearly a decade later, according to the National Institute of Health. More than 70 percent classified as spinal fusion surgery, which has become the gold standard for treating spinal disc dysfunction and pain. Yet spinal surgeons have increasingly turned to newer alternatives collectively known as spinal preservation surgery.
As the term suggests, motion preservation spine surgery maintains much of the spine’s ability to move, bend, and twist. These cutting-edge procedures are less invasive than traditional spinal fusion surgery, as well. More and more, surgeons are treating certain spinal conditions with motion preservation surgery. If your back aches, maybe it’s time to talk to a specialist to see if you’re a candidate for this exciting innovation in spinal care.
What is Motion Preservation Surgery?
Motion preservation surgery is designed to stabilize the spine while at the same time allowing for natural movement with less discomfort. By contrast, spinal fusion surgery fuses two vertebrae together to strengthen, align, and stabilize the spine.
Spinal motion preservation surgery refers to two broad types:
- Artificial disc replacement. A damaged spinal disc is replaced with an artificial one made of metal or plastic-like materials.
- Dynamic stabilization systems. A flexible device implanted between the affected vertebrae secures the spine and lets it move when you do.
Why Motion Preservation Matters
We engage our spine everyday when we bend, twist, and walk. It’s what keeps us in an upright position. Back aches and stiffness can make doing simple daily tasks and exercising excruciating, which leads many to seek relief from the pain.
Spinal fusion has been the answer in most cases. But this common surgery has downsides:
- The spine loses a degree of mobility when two vertebrae are joined
- Increased stress on the vertebrae and bones nearby the fused ones
- Potential of degeneration from the stress
On the other hand, motion-preservation surgery offers multiple benefits:
- Devices can mimic the natural biomechanics of the spine
- Lower risk of degeneration in nearby vertebrae
- Potentially faster recovery time from a minimally invasive operation
Conditions Treated with Motion Preservation Spine Surgery
Whether you’re a candidate for motion preservation surgery depends on the diagnosed condition and your overall health. This type of surgery has proven effective in treating several back ailments.
- Degenerative disc disease in the cervical or lumbar spine
- Herniated discs
- Mild to moderate spinal instability (too much movement between vertebrae, a vertebrae slips out of alignment)
Motion-Preserving Surgery for Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease isn’t a disease. It’s a condition in which the fluid-filled disc cushioning each vertebra begins to wear down and shrink with age. The unprotected vertebrae rub against each other, and nearby nerves may be irritated.
Most people after age 40 will exhibit some degree of disc degeneration even if it doesn’t cause any discomfort. But is disc replacement a viable alternative to spinal fusion? Studies suggest it can be.
Effectiveness and Outcomes
- One study reported data showed promising results, but more long-term studies were needed.
- Another study found the procedure produced satisfactory long-term results. The same study, however, noted the surgery has yet to see widespread adoption, likely over concerns regarding implant durability, challenging surgical techniques, and potential for future revision surgeries.
- A study analyzed 152 patients: 80 who underwent total replacement and the remainder had fusion surgery. Both groups reported less pain, but twice as many disc replacement patients were totally pain free after five years compared to the fusion cohort. The researchers concluded patients might benefit from disc replacement, and there appeared to be little deterioration over time.
What is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery is fast becoming the standard for treating back and neck pain and dysfunction. In general, minimally invasive procedures enter the surgical zone with smaller incisions and maneuver tiny instruments, such as a flexible endoscope, into the spine.
Fortunately, motion preservation spine surgeries employ these minimally invasive techniques, which provide several pluses over traditional surgical methods.
- Less potential impact on nearby tissue and nerves
- Less post-op pain
- Few complications (bleeding, infection)
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery
Who is a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
This type of surgery may not be for everyone. After a thorough evaluation, a spinal surgeon will decide whether minimally invasive spinal surgery can correct your condition and reduce pain. The surgeon will take in account a number of factors:
- Ongoing pain or pain radiating to the extremities
- Failed conservative treatments
- Specific disc-related conditions
- Limited or mild to moderate spinal instability
Minimally invasive spine surgery is not ideal for:
- Severe deformity of the spine
- Advanced degeneration (severe arthritis of the facet joints, osteoporosis)
- Complex multi-level disc disease
Benefits of Motion Preservation Surgery
The decision to undergo motion preservation spine surgery will be made by you in consultation with your surgeon. But keep in mind these advantages compared to spinal fusion.
- Maintains natural movement and keeps the spine flexible
- Reduces stress on the spine and prevents future degeneration on nearby vertebrae
- Faster recovery in many cases with minimally invasive methods
- Improved quality of life and speedier return to normal activities and exercise
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, minimally invasive and motion preservation surgeries carry risks and issues to consider.
- Not suitable for all patients
- Implant may wear out over time
- Surgical risks (infection, nerve injury, blood clot)
- Requires an exact diagnosis and a surgeon experienced in the procedure
Recovery After Motion Preservation Surgery
Your recovery ultimately depends on the type of surgery and your overall health. Full recovery from total disc replacement surgery lasts about three months, during which time you’ll be advised to:
- Avoid long drives as well as sitting or standing for long periods
- Avoid jogging or activities involving bending backward or heavy lifting
- Participate in physical therapy to improve mobility and strengthen core muscles
- Return to desk work within two to weeks
- Gradually return to more moderate activity within six weeks
Motion Preservation vs Spinal Fusion: Key Differences
| Feature | Motion Preservation | Spinal Fusion |
| Mobility | Preserved | Limited |
| Recovery | Often faster | Longer |
| Long-term impact | Less adjacent stress | More adjacent stress |
When to See a Spine Specialist
Back pain can definitely impact your quality of life, making exercising, bending, or simply walking unbearable. But back pain is extremely treatable with a proper diagnosis and treatment. So don’t ignore these symptoms and get help as soon as you can. A specialist can discuss your surgical options if that’s what is needed.
- Chronic back or neck pain
- Limited mobility of the neck or back
- Pain not improving with conservative care
- Neurological symptoms such as numbness and tingling
How New York Bone & Joint Can Help
The team of orthopedic physicians at New York Bone & Joint Specialists includes experienced and knowledgeable spinal surgeons. Each can accurately diagnose your condition and recommend effective treatment. Among the services we offer:
- Comprehensive spine evaluation using the latest diagnostic techniques
- Advanced imaging and diagnostics to pinpoint the source of your pain
- Personalized treatment plans
- Expertise in both non-surgical and surgical care
- Focus on preserving joint function and mobility whenever possible
The Best Back Care is Here
The prospect of spinal surgery can be a bit frightening to most people. Yet new techniques such as motion preservation spinal surgery can make the procedure less painful and much quicker. And you’ll move freely again in a short time.
At New York Bone & Joint Specialists, our spinal surgeons are up to date on these modern techniques. Come to our office and we can explore whether motion preservation surgery is for you based on our expert diagnosis. Contact us today to learn more about these exciting innovations.
FAQs
What is motion preservation surgery?
Motion preservation spine surgery refers to procedures to replace damaged discs or use devices to align the spine. The purpose is to maintain the spine’s flexibility as it’s stabilized. These types of surgeries contrast with spine fusion surgery that join two vertebrae together. While effective in reducing pain, spinal fusion can sometimes result in less mobility.
Is motion preservation surgery better than fusion?
Possibly, depending upon the condition. Disc degeneration can be helped by replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one in appropriate cases. The artificial disc mimics the function and flexibility of a natural disc. However, some patients may be better served by spinal fusion.
What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses thinner, more flexible instruments to repair disc damage or other spinal conditions. The entry incision is also smaller, so there is less chance of disrupting nearby tissue and nerves. Recovery time is shorter with a lower risk of complications.
Who is a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery?
Good candidates would be patients with certain spine conditions, such as disc degeneration or mild to moderate spinal instability. They have tried conservative therapy, but the pain has become chronic and debilitating.
How effective is motion-preserving surgery for degenerative disc disease?
Studies show motion-preservation surgery for disc disease can be just as effective in reducing pain as spinal fusion. Yet this type of surgery is not widely performed due to concerns over long-term effectiveness and the durability of the surgical implants. Speak to a spine specialist about this option.
