If your doctor has told you that you need spine surgery, it is important to know that spinal fusion is not your only option. Modern technology has led to the development of surgical alternatives that can correct spine problems without fusing spinal vertebrae together. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of spinal fusion and the surgical alternatives to spinal fusion that may be better for your needs.
About Spinal Fusion Surgery
Spinal fusion surgery is a procedure that permanently joins spinal vertebrae together. For many years, this surgery has been used to treat patients with conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease. Because it immobilizes the affected vertebrae, spinal fusion can dramatically relieve pain and other symptoms caused by various spinal conditions. Spinal fusion surgery has permanent results and can provide lifelong benefits.
However, there are some downsides to spinal fusion. First, it permanently alters the spine, which means its effects cannot be reversed. Second, it restricts movement in the spine. In a healthy spine, the vertebrae can shift and rotate freely so that the back and neck can bend and twist as desired. But after spinal fusion, the fused vertebrae are fixed together and immobile, which limits your range of motion in the treated area. It can also place additional strain on the surrounding vertebrae and may accelerate degeneration of the adjacent spinal discs. Finally, spinal fusion surgery is a major operation with a higher risk of complications than other surgical alternatives. The surgical alternatives we will discuss below reduce the risk of complications and provide excellent results for patients in need of spine surgery.
Back Surgery Alternatives to Spinal Fusion
If you need back surgery, spinal fusion may not necessarily be the best choice for your needs. Consider the following alternatives to lumbar spinal fusion.
- Lumbar disc replacement: If you have a herniated or degenerative disc in your back, a fully functioning artificial disc can be inserted in its place so that the vertebrae will not need to be fused together. This preserves your full range of motion and reduces the pressure on the adjacent spinal discs. Lumbar disc replacement is an excellent alternative to spinal fusion for individuals with lumbar disc problems.
- Lumbar laminectomy/laminotomy: If you have lumbar stenosis, removal of excess bone, arthritis debris, and/or part of the lamina can relieve pressure on the nerves. While this sometimes involves fusing one or more levels of the spine, it may be possible to provide sufficient relief and stabilization without fusion.
- Interspinous process spacer: For some patients with lumbar stenosis, it may be possible to surgically insert an implant called a spacer between the spinous processes. This allows for decompression of the nerves without any destabilization or fusion of the spine.
Neck Surgery Alternatives to Spinal Fusion
If you need neck surgery, spinal fusion may not necessarily be the best choice for your needs. Consider the following alternatives to cervical spinal fusion.
- Cervical disc replacement: If you have a herniated or degenerative disc in your neck, a fully functioning artificial disc can be inserted in its place so that the vertebrae will not need to be fused together. This preserves your full range of motion and reduces the pressure on the adjacent spinal discs. Cervical disc replacement is an excellent alternative to spinal fusion for individuals with cervical disc problems.
- Cervical stenosis surgery (cervical decompression or laminectomy): If you have cervical stenosis, the surgical removal of damaged or degenerative discs and small portions of arthritic bone or bone spurs can decompress the spine. Alignment, decompression, and restructuring of the lamina and/or enlarged facet joints may also provide relief. While this surgery sometimes involves fusing one or more levels of the spine, it may be possible to provide sufficient relief and stabilization without fusion.
Knowing Your Options
The most important thing to know about spinal fusion is that it is no longer the only option for spine surgery. Whether you need back surgery or neck surgery, modern technology has led to incredible advancements in alternative surgeries. Talk to your orthopedic surgeon to learn whether one of these procedures could be right for you.
Dr. Stephen Pehler is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon who regularly performs these surgical alternatives to spinal fusion for patients in need of neck surgery or back surgery. For more information, or if you’d like to book an appointment with Dr. Pehler, call 303-695-6060 or complete our online contact form today.