Motion-preserving alternatives to spinal fusion are surgical procedures designed to maintain the natural mobility of the spine while addressing the causes of back and leg pain. These procedures include options like cervical and lumbar disc replacements, endoscopic decompression, facet replacement, lumbar total joint replacement, and dynamic tethering. These techniques aim to reduce pain without limiting mobility.

Spinal fusion limits mobility, potentially resulting in residual pain, loss of function, and increased risk of repeat surgery. Motion-preserving alternatives restabilize the spine while maintaining flexibility and movement.  Certain spinal diseases can now be treated with motion-preserving technologies, eliminating pain without eliminating motion segments.

One of the main long-term benefits of motion-preserving surgery is the ability to maintain normal spinal movement, which helps reduce stress on adjacent segments of the spine. This can lower the risk of additional surgeries in the future, a common issue with spinal fusion. Additionally, patients often report greater satisfaction with their ability to perform daily activities and maintain an active lifestyle.

Patients who want to preserve mobility and avoid the potential complications of fusion, such as reduced range of motion and adjacent segment disease, are typically good candidates. Ultimately, you must speak to a spine surgeon about your specific condition and goals to determine if you are a good candidate for motion surgery.

Technological advancements in spine surgery now allow surgeons to address many more conditions with motion surgeries versus spinal fusion.  These new motion technologies have required decades of refinement and large clinical studies to gain FDA approval. Today, more surgeons are familiar with motion alternatives, and there are a wider range of options now available.

Motion-preserving surgeries aim to minimize stress on adjacent spinal segments by preserving natural biomechanics, which may reduce the likelihood of future surgery.

The decision to undergo any surgery depends on many factors, including your diagnosis, overall health, lifestyle, and personal goals. Consulting with a spine surgeon who is familiar with motion-preserving techniques can help you determine if one of these alternatives is right for you.

While motion-preserving procedures offer many benefits, there are certain conditions where spinal fusion is the most suitable option. These include cases of spinal deformity, significant spinal instability (which may occur after surgical decompression or as a result of the condition itself), trauma, or cancer affecting the spine. In these situations, fusion provides the necessary stability to correct deformities, prevent further damage, and protect the patient’s overall spinal health. Your surgeon will evaluate your specific condition to recommend the best approach for your long-term health and mobility.

Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is a condition where the spinal segments next to a fusion deteriorate over time. Spinal fusion locks vertebrae together, which can increase stress on the adjacent, non-fused segments, and accelerate breakdown and repeat surgery.  Motion-preserving techniques can help maintain normal spinal motion and reduce the likelihood of developing ASD.

Finding a spine surgeon who specializes in motion-preserving technologies requires a bit of research. Start by looking online to see which treatment options a surgeon provides, focusing on motion-preserving procedures like those listed on this site. During a consultation, ask your provider about the motion surgery options they offer and how they compare to spinal fusion. For a quicker search, check out our Motion Surgery Expert Finder to connect with surgeons across the U.S. who specialize in these innovative, mobility-preserving techniques.

Insurance coverage for motion-preserving spine surgeries varies depending on your provider and plan. Cervical and lumbar disc replacements are now covered by nearly all plans. Newer techniques like facet replacement may require additional documentation from your surgeon.

In some cases, motion-preserving surgery can be a viable option for patients who have previously undergone spinal fusion, depending on the location and extent of the fusion. For example, a disc replacement might be performed at a different spinal level than the fused area to preserve movement and prevent further degeneration. Your spine surgeon will evaluate your condition and discuss whether motion-preserving options could complement or mitigate the effects of your prior fusion surgery.