Spinal fusion surgery has long been the standard treatment for lower back pain caused by damaged discs or joints in the spine. However, fusion surgery removes spinal flexibility and motion at the operated level. Recently, spinal non fusion devices have emerged as an alternative to fusion that aims to preserve spinal motion and function. These devices are placed between vertebrae to correct alignment and stability issues without fusing the bones together. Let's take a closer look at spinal non fusion devices and how they work.
Types of Spinal Non Fusion Devices
There are several types of spinal non fusion devices available for different parts of the spine:
- Artificial discs: Spinal Non Fusion Devices for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) spine, artificial discs can replace a damaged disc while allowing normal motion. They are made of metal endplates connected by a plastic or metal core.
- Dynamic stabilization systems: Devices placed above and below problem vertebrae to correct alignment issues without fusion. Rods, connectors, and shock absorbing materials allow movement while supporting the spine.
- Facet replacement systems: Used for lumbar facet joints that have worn down. Artificial joints replace worn bone surfaces to reduce pain and preserve spinal function.
- Interspinous process devices: Small, spacer-like devices placed between spinous processes in the lumbar spine. They distract the spinal column to increase space and restrict extension motion to reduce pain.
How Spinal Non Fusion Devices Work?
All spinal non fusion devices aim to achieve the goals of spinal fusion surgery without fully immobilizing the operated motion segment. They work primarily by:
- Maintaining or restoring proper spinal alignment and stability. Devices correct alignment issues that cause pain.
- Controlling spinal motion. Motion is restricted in ways that reduce stress on painful structures while allowing some flexibility.
- Distracting the spinal column. Increasing space reduces pressure on nerves and discs to alleviate pain.
- Offloading stress from damaged structures. By supporting alignment and weight bearing, stress is transferred away from arthritic or worn joints and discs.
Benefits of Spinal Non Fusion
The major benefits of spinal non fusion devices compared to fusion include:
- Preserving spinal motion and flexibility at the operated level. This lessens the long-term risks of adjacent segment disease from a more rigid fused spine.
- Faster recovery and return to normal activities. Non fusion surgery is generally less invasive than fusion and recovery does not require rigid fixation or immobilization.
- Reduced surgery time and risks. Non fusion procedures take less time in the OR and have fewer short-term surgical risks than fusion.
- Possible alternative in high risk patients. For those at high risk for fusion complications due to health issues, non fusion may be a safer option.
Potential Candidates for Non Fusion Devices
The best candidates for spinal non fusion typically have:
- Single level disc or facet joint disease causing lower back/leg pain.
- Damaged discs or joints but no significant deformity, instability or bone loss.
- Failed conservative treatments like medications, injections and physical therapy.
- Realistic expectations about less back mobility and potential need for future procedure.
- Good muscle strength and spine/torso flexibility prior to surgery.
Outcomes and Considerations
Outcomes data on spinal non fusion devices is still evolving but reports have shown:
- Significant pain relief and functional improvement in most cases, though not as high as fusion rates.
- Preservation of motion and disc height at treated levels on imaging in many studies.
- Failure/revision rates averaging 10-30% depending on the device/level. Revisions commonly result in fusion.
- Long-term studies still limited but some data shows durable pain relief over 5-10 years.
- Potential for the treated disc or joint to progressively worsen over time in some cases.
In the spinal non fusion devices can be a viable alternative to fusion surgery for appropriately selected patients. However, long term outcomes still need further research, and fusion may remain the gold standard treatment for many lumbar conditions. A qualified spine surgeon can determine the best option based on individual factors.
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About Author:
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
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