Fusion Alternatives

Spinal fusions are common. It means the spinal column is fused together with cages, screws, and rods for spine stabilization. Many patients with spinal pain (e.g. neck, back, and limb pain) undergo spinal surgery if their pain is not better after conservative treatments. Spinal fusion has been used as a standard treatment for spinal pain patients. Only until recently, this standard has been challenged, thanks to the development of minimally invasive spinal techniques.

People are afraid of spinal fusion not only because it is a major traumatic surgery, but also because the failure rate of an open spinal fusion is so high. And if the surgery fails, the patient will have to face miserable pain for the rest of his or her life.

Minimally invasive spinal surgery, particularly endoscopic spinal surgery, has taken the place as a major contributor in helping patients avoid open spinal fusion. Many spinal conditions, such as disc herniation, degeneration, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and even failed previous spinal surgery can benefit from endoscopic spinal surgery.

Atlantic Spinal Care is a leader in endoscopic spinal surgery, which is an alternative for spinal fusion. At Atlantic Spinal Care, we have helped numerous patients avoid spinal fusions. If you are recommended to have a spinal fusion, please remember to receive a second opinion from us because there might be a better solution for you. At Atlantic Spinal Care, we believe less is better and less is more.