SPINE FUSION ALTERNATIVES

Fusion is a long-term solution for relieving pain and restoring mobility caused by damaged discs. It is permanent, with a titanium cage held in place with screws and plates. The success rate of disc fusion varies depending on the patient's age and health condition at the time of surgery. Most people who have had this procedure remain pain-free for many years after their surgery; however, there are cases where further operations may be necessary due to the fusion breakdown or a burden placed on the nearby discs. Studies show that approximately 25% of patients may require additional disc fusion within ten years after surgery.

The longevity of disc replacement can vary greatly from person to person. Some people experience relief from symptoms for up to 10 years or more, while others may find lasting relief that lasts them throughout their entire life. The success rates also depend on individual factors such as age, health condition at the time of surgery, and how well postoperative care is maintained over time.

• Those who have failed to find relief with non-surgical treatments, medications, and physical therapy
• People who experience severe pain or numbness in the arms
• Individuals who need to maintain their mobility and stay active due to their occupation or lifestyle
• Patients whose quality of life has been greatly diminished due to neck caused by a degenerative disc condition
• Someone who has neck and arm pain, numbness, or weakness that is progressive despite conservative treatments
• The spinal facet joints are in good condition

Depending on the severity of the condition, both operations may involve a period of recovery. However, recovery from disc fusion typically takes several months, whereas disc replacement only takes a few weeks.

During this recovery period, it is likely that a patient will have to wear a brace after a fusion surgery during their healing process to provide extra support and stability. Disc replacement patients do not need to wear a brace. In addition, Dr. Johans might recommend physical therapy following surgery to help the affected area recover its full range of motion and strengthen arm muscles. While physical therapy is beneficial for both surgeries, it can be even more important after a fusion since patients may lose some of their original mobility when the vertebrae are fused together and must learn new ways to move. Patients who receive a cervical fusion will be able to return to full work duties after 3 months, but disc replacement patients can return to duty just 1 month after the surgery.

Fusion can do more harm than good in some cases. Joining two or more vertebrae together during the fusion process can cause damage to discs adjacent to the fused vertebrae by applying extra pressure on them. This could lead to further spinal degeneration in those areas down the line. Spinal fusions often last less than someone may expect; sometimes, they will only last around ten years or less before another surgery or fusion becomes necessary.

Undergoing a spinal fusion limits a person's ability to move freely because it decreases their range of motion and flexibility in that particular area of their spine. This means that the life of someone who underwent a spinal fusion will never be quite the same again.

Disc replacement is an increasingly popular option for addressing many spine-related issues. Unlike spinal fusion, disc replacement allows the patient to retain their mobility while achieving the desired outcome of pain relief or stability. Mobility following a disc replacement is typically very high, with most motions returning to pre-pain levels. This is the same reason why surgeons will no longer fuse shoulders, elbows, hips, or knees, because joint replacement leads to a much better functional outcome.

Recovery time is often faster following a disc replacement. Patients can usually expect to get back up on their feet sooner. Disc replacements also tend to last longer than fusions since they don’t require permanent changes or large alterations to the spine.