Motion Preservation Surgery: A Guide to Preserving Spinal Health
Being able to move freely without the usual stiffness and limitations that often come with traditional spinal surgeries is one of the many wishes of patients who have gone under the knife.
Motion preservation surgery, a revolutionary and minimally invasive procedure, may offer a way to address these issues while keeping spinal movement natural.
Unlike spinal fusions, which limit flexibility by fusing two or more vertebrae, a motion-preserving spine surgery uses techniques like artificial disc replacement to maintain normal motion in the spine.
In this article, we’ll discuss how the procedure works and what you should expect if you consider it the best option to treat spinal conditions.
What Is Motion Preservation Spine Surgery?
Motion preservation spine surgery is a minimally invasive surgery designed to keep natural motion in the spine. In contrast, traditional spinal surgery options fuse vertebrae with metal hardware like pedicle screws and rods.
Most patients who underwent these newer surgical techniques experienced reduced stress and a relatively faster recovery time compared to other procedures, such as anterior cervical discectomy.
There are several types of motion preservation surgery. Cervical disc replacement, for example, treats patients with a herniated disc at the back of the cervical spine by replacing it with an artificial disc to restore movement and relieve neck pain.
FDA trials found that cervical disc replacement has an 82.6% success rate, higher than the 72.7% rate for traditional fusion surgery.
A breakthrough in motion-preserving surgeries is the development of the Total Posterior Spine (TOPS) System. This procedure uses posterior dynamic stabilization devices to replace damaged tissues in the spine while preserving stability and flexibility.
A study on the TOPS device followed 153 patients who had lumbar facet arthroplasty. Results showed major improvements and pain relief in patients with leg and back pain, with all treated spine motion segments remaining flexible years after the surgery.
Cervical laminoplasty is often used to treat spinal stenosis. Instead of fusing the vertebrae, the procedure reshapes part of them by creating space. This relieves pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord without sacrificing neck mobility.
These surgeries help keep the spine’s natural movement, lower the risk of adjacent segment degeneration, and preserve overall function.
Benefits of Motion Preservation Surgery
Motion preservation surgery offers numerous benefits for patients seeking alternative treatments to address their spine disorders without compromising their overall health.
Preservation of Spinal Mobility and Flexibility
These surgeries replicate the spine’s natural biomechanics by using artificial discs, spacers, and other innovative techniques. Patients retain normal movement and even have better spinal movement in some cases.
Clinically Safe and Lower Risk
Spinal fusion surgery can come with risks like blood clots and pseudarthrosis, where the bone doesn’t fuse correctly. Total disc replacement and similar techniques help avoid these issues.
These newer surgical methods also lower the chances of needing more surgeries down the line. They provide effective pain relief with fewer side effects.
For those with lumbar spine issues, these options are a good conservative treatment and can prevent the need for complex lumbar fusion procedures.
Improved Quality of Life
These procedures help preserve the spine’s flexibility. Patients can carry on with daily activities without major compromises, and fewer complications mean a lower chance of needing additional surgery.
The minimally invasive approach often leads to a faster healing process, which allows for an improved quality of life after operations.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Motion Preservation Surgery?
A spine surgeon will typically recommend motion preservation surgery for patients with the following spinal conditions:
- Disc herniation: Patients with a herniated disc that is causing significant pain or neurological symptoms but still have good disc height and minimal degenerative changes.
- Degenerative disc disease: Patients with mild to moderate degenerative disc disease who want to avoid the limited mobility that comes with spinal fusion.
- Spinal stenosis: Individuals with spinal stenosis, particularly if it is causing nerve compression, do not have severe instability or deformity in their spine.
- Young and active patients: Young and active individuals who want to avoid functional limitations with spinal fusion and maintain a higher level of physical activity.
- Minimally degenerated spinal joints: Patients whose facet joints (the joints in the back of the spine) are not significantly degenerated or arthritic, as these joints play a crucial role in spinal motion.
- Limited spinal levels affected: Patients who have issues confined to one or two levels of the spine, as this is typically more suitable for motion-preserving techniques.
What to Expect After Having Motion Preservation Surgery
The good news with motion preservation surgery is the recovery period is quicker than traditional spinal fusion surgeries. Here’s what to expect after the surgery is complete:
Post-Operative Care
It’s entirely normal for patients to experience some level of pain and discomfort after surgery. During this time, your surgeon will prescribe pain medications to help manage the pain and address soreness.
The surgical area will then be monitored for signs of infection or complications. Typically, motion preservation surgery only requires a few days of hospital stay.
Recovery Phase
During the recovery phase, your focus should be on rest and gradual movement. Physical therapy often accompanies this recovery to restore movement gradually.
Avoid activities that strain the spine and follow a specific rehabilitation plan tailored by your healthcare provider.
After roughly six weeks, your spine will fully heal, and you can resume your normal activities.
Long-Term Outlook
Thanks to advancements in spine surgery, the long-term outlook for motion preservation is promising. Patients who undergo the procedure can often return to normal activities with improved function and reduced pain compared to pre-surgery levels.
Your neurosurgeon will schedule a follow-up checkup to monitor the condition of the disc implant. Depending on their evaluation, the surgeon might recommend a maintenance program with exercises to strengthen the back and maintain flexibility.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery With Maxim Spine
Maxim Spine is one of the leading spine centers in New Jersey. It specializes in minimally invasive motion preservation surgery, such as cervical disc replacement.
If you want to maintain spinal mobility and eliminate chronic neck/back pain, Maxim Spine is your number one choice.
Call them at (862) 356-5442 or book an appointment by filling out this form.
FAQs About Motion Preservation Surgery
Is motion preservation surgery painful?
There’s minimal pain involved with motion preservation surgery due to the minimally invasive techniques used.
How long will it take to recover from motion preservation surgery?
The average recovery time for motion preservation surgery can range from two to 12 weeks.
How long will the implant last?
Artificial disc implants are designed to last for at least ten years. However, their longevity can vary based on factors such as the patient’s activity level, the type of implant used, and adherence to postoperative care.
