Alternatives to Spinal Fusion - Spinal DISC Center | Kris Radcliff, MD | New Jersey

Dr. Kris Radcliff specializes in simplifying the management of complex spine conditions and traumatic spine injuries, focusing exclusively on spine surgery, with particular expertise in the area of artificial disc replacement. Dr. Radcliff is highly experienced, having performed more than 10,000 spine surgeries. He combines conservative decision-making judgment with state-of-the-art and minimally invasive surgical techniques, endoscopic spine surgery, and artificial disc replacement.

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Alternatives to Spinal Fusion

Told you need a spinal fusion? It may be the right operation, and it may not be the only one. Fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae so they stop moving. For some problems it is the best answer. For many others, newer operations can relieve pain while keeping the spine’s natural motion.

Dr. Kris Radcliff is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurological Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University, and part of Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics. He performs both fusion and motion-preserving surgery, so his advice is based on what fits your spine, not on the one operation a surgeon happens to offer.

Why consider an alternative?

Motion: A fused segment no longer bends or twists.
Neighboring levels: When one level stops moving, the levels above and below can take on extra stress over time.
Recovery: Many motion-preserving operations are smaller, with shorter recoveries.
Healing is not guaranteed: Even with the best technique, not every fusion heals solidly, and a fusion that does not heal can keep causing pain.

Alternatives Dr. Radcliff offers

Artificial disc replacement (neck and low back). The worn or damaged disc is removed and replaced with a moving implant, instead of fusing the bones together. It is a leading option for many patients with neck or low back disc problems who have a stable spine. Dr. Radcliff has performed artificial disc replacement for many years and has published research on it.

Endoscopic spine surgery. A camera the width of a pencil is used to remove a herniated disc or bone spur pressing on a nerve, through an incision less than half an inch long. Most patients go home the same day. Learn more about endoscopic surgery.

TOPS facet replacement. For certain patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and a mild forward slip of one vertebra (grade 1 degenerative spondylolisthesis) at L3-L4 or L4-L5, the TOPS device stabilizes the spine while allowing it to keep moving. These patients have traditionally been offered fusion.

Minimally invasive decompression. When the problem is pressure on the nerves and the spine is stable, removing what is pressing on the nerves, without a fusion, is often enough.

Non-surgical care. Physical therapy, medications, and injections help many people. Dr. Radcliff works alongside pain management physicians, and a surgical consultation is not a commitment to surgery.

When fusion is the right choice

Fusion is still the best operation for some conditions, including an unstable spine, significant deformity such as scoliosis, some fractures, and certain revision surgeries. In those cases Dr. Radcliff recommends it, explains why, and uses minimally invasive techniques whenever they fit.

“A robot can do your fusion”

Robots and navigation can help a surgeon place screws accurately. They cannot decide whether you need a fusion in the first place. The most important part of spine surgery is the judgment that comes before it: finding the true source of your pain and matching it to the right operation, or to no operation at all.

Questions to ask about any spine surgery recommendation

What exactly is causing my pain, and how do you know?
Is my spine stable, or is it moving abnormally?
Am I a candidate for disc replacement or another motion-preserving option? If not, why not?
What happens if I wait?
What does recovery look like for my job and my life?

Get a second opinion

If you have been told you need a fusion, a second opinion can confirm the recommendation or show you options you did not know about. Bring your MRI (the disc and the report), any X-rays, and the surgeon’s notes if you have them.

Dr. Radcliff accepts most commercial insurance plans and is out of network with most of them. Many Pennsylvania and New Jersey plans have out-of-network benefits, and we can help review your benefits and explain them. Don’t worry. We are all about helping the patients.

Offices in Somers Point, Cherry Hill, and Brick, New Jersey, as part of Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics.
Call: 609-800-3472
Fax: 609-842-4040
newjerseyspinesurgeon.com

This page is general information, not medical advice. Your treatment should be based on an evaluation by your own physician.