If you have been told you need surgery for a worn or herniated disc in your neck or low back, you may hear two options: fusion or artificial disc replacement. Here is how they differ, in plain language.
What each operation does
Fusion removes the damaged disc and joins the two vertebrae together so that level no longer moves. It is a time-tested operation and the right choice for many problems.
Artificial disc replacement removes the damaged disc and replaces it with a moving implant, so the level keeps bending and turning.
Why motion matters
- Your neck or back keeps more of its normal movement
- Less extra stress may be passed to the levels above and below, which over time can wear out after a fusion
- There is no bone that has to heal together, and in the neck many patients get back to normal activity quickly
Who is a candidate for disc replacement?
Disc replacement works best when the problem is in the disc itself and the rest of the spine is healthy. Generally, good candidates have:
- Disease at one or two levels
- A stable spine without significant slippage
- Healthy facet joints, the small joints at the back of the spine
- Reasonable bone quality
When fusion is the better choice
Fusion is still the best operation for an unstable spine, significant deformity such as scoliosis, some fractures, advanced arthritis of the facet joints, and certain revision surgeries. For some patients with lumbar stenosis and a mild slip, TOPS facet replacement is another motion-preserving option.
Questions to ask your surgeon
- Am I a candidate for disc replacement? If not, why not?
- How many levels need treatment?
- Is my spine stable?
- What does recovery look like for my work and activities?
Get an answer that fits your spine
Dr. Radcliff performs both fusion and artificial disc replacement in the neck and low back and has published research comparing them, so his advice is based on what fits you, not on the one operation a surgeon happens to offer. If you have been told you need a fusion, a second opinion can confirm the plan or show you options you did not know about.
Schedule a consultation or second opinion
Call 609-800-3472. Dr. Radcliff sees patients in Somers Point, Cherry Hill, and Brick, New Jersey, as part of Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics.
Already have an MRI? Send it to us online before your visit. Fax: 609-842-4040.
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.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Your treatment should be based on an evaluation by your own physician.
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