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Can you have a disc replacement after a fusion?

Can you have a disc replacement after a fusion?

Artificial disc replacement is an option for fusion revision These are just two of several patients I have successfully revised using artificial disc replacement. In one case, it was a failed fusion or and in the other, the fusion had healed but the patient wanted greater range of spinal motion.

Can a neck fusion be reversed?

Most cases that have attained solid fusion cannot be reversed and each case needs to be carefully evaluated by an experienced spine surgeon.

What is a Level 3 neck fusion?

A Three-Level Cervical Fusion is a major surgery where 3 discs are removed and hardware is placed to stabilize the neck. the procedure is performed in a hospital and takes several hours.. Cervical fusion surgery is popular. The rate of posterior cervical fusions in the US has increased by 2.7 fold from 2001-2013 (2).

Is there an alternative to cervical fusion surgery?

Surgeons are using disc replacement as an alternative to cervical fusion surgery. The belief is that disc replacement can provide stability as well as a more natural motion. For some people, this did not work out.

How is artificial disc replacement different from fusion surgery?

As opposed to a fusion surgery where bone and graft are inserted into the void created by the disc removal and then the vertebrae of the cervical spine are held together with rods and screws, the artificial disc replacement surgery inserts a ball and socket joint apparatus.

Are there disc replacements for the cervical spine?

The answer to these questions is important because disc replacements for the cervical spine are now approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The goal of these implants is to preserve motion, reduce stress, and decrease the chances of developing ASD. But maybe these efforts aren’t needed.

What is adjacent segment disease ( ASD ) after fusion of cervical spine?

There’s an ongoing debate about adjacent segment disease (ASD) after fusion of the cervical spine. ASD refers to the degenerative changes seen in the disc and vertebra at the next spinal level. The changes may not cause painful symptoms but they are visible on X-ray.