Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania

Cervical Fusion vs. Disc Replacement

Cervical Fusion vs. Disc Replacement

In this article:

Neck pain is never easy to live with. Any pain in the back or neck can make daily activities difficult. About 80% of people will experience neck pain in their lifetime, and up to half of them cope with this ailment every year. While neck discomfort is rarely a sign of a serious condition and usually improves over time, it may require surgical intervention if the pain persists.

Spinal surgery in the neck region may involve a bone fusion or disc replacement, depending on your condition and other factors. We’ll explore the differences between cervical fusion and disc replacement to help you weigh your options. If you have any questions along the way, reach out to us at the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania (OIP), where a member of our team will be waiting to assist you.

What Is Cervical Spinal Fusion?

Spinal fusion is a surgery that connects two or more bones, called vertebrae, in the spine. Cervical fusion joins the vertebrae in the neck region of the spine. By fusing two or more bones together, the vertebrae can no longer move abnormally, ideally improving spine stability and reducing pain.

What Causes Cervical Pain?

The cervical spine contains seven vertebrae, which are separated by discs. The intervertebral discs act like shock-absorbing cushions and keep the vertebrae from touching each other. They also help hold the vertebrae together. Sometimes, the discs break down and can no longer function as they should. This may lead to pain in the cervical spine region. Other possible causes of neck pain include the narrowing of the spine canal or arthritis.

Why Would You Have a Cervical Fusion?

Most patients who experience neck pain do not need surgery, and your doctor will likely recommend other treatment methods first. However, if your neck pain does not improve without an operation, your doctor may suggest cervical fusion.

A surgeon might perform a spinal fusion after removing a herniated or damaged disc to improve spine stability or to treat a spinal deformity or injury.

What Happens During Spinal Fusion Surgery?

There are several different techniques used to perform spinal fusion surgery. Your surgeon would consider the location of your pain and the reason for the operation when selecting the best method for you.

In general, patients are first given anesthesia, so they don’t feel any pain throughout the procedure. Next, the surgeon will make an incision so they can access the vertebrae. They will then place a bone graft between the vertebrae, which will fuse the bones as they heal. Sometimes a surgeon will use a synthetic material to join the vertebrae, rather than a bone graft.

Most modern spinal fusions are minimally invasive and can be performed with small incisions.

What Can I Expect After a Spinal Fusion?

Typically, a spinal fusion requires two to three days in the hospital so your doctor can monitor your recovery and reaction to the surgery. Some patients may experience discomfort after their surgery, which doctors can usually control with pain medication. Overall, it can take a few months for the vertebrae to fuse and heal. Your doctor may recommend wearing a brace during your recovery to keep the spine aligned.

What Are the Benefits of Cervical Fusion?

Benefits-of-Cervical-Fusion

Cervical fusion surgery can potentially reduce back pain and improve a patient’s quality of life. In particular, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, or ACDF, has a high success rate. This procedure involves removing a herniated disc from the neck region and then fusing the vertebrae together, accessing the spine through the front of the neck, instead of the back. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, the majority of patients reported a successful ACDF procedure.

What Are the Risks?

Cervical fusion is generally safe, and complications are uncommon. However, as with any surgery, it carries the risk of infection, poor healing or a reaction to anesthesia. Your doctor will weigh the pros and cons to determine if cervical fusion is right for you.

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What Is Disc Replacement?

Cervical disc replacement is a new surgical procedure and a promising alternative to cervical fusion. With this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged intervertebral disc and replaces it with an artificial one. Unlike cervical fusion, disc replacement does not involve welding bones together.

What Happens During Cervical Disc Replacement?

Similar to cervical fusion, a patient will first be given anesthesia. The surgeon will then make a small incision on the front or side of the neck. Next, the surgeon will remove the damaged cervical disc and securely place an artificial disc into the space. They will then carefully close the incision with sutures.

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What Are the Benefits of Disc Replacement?

Benefits-of-Disc-Replacement

One of the main benefits of disc replacement is increased spine mobility. A disc replacement is meant to mimic the function of a healthy disc, which means patients can potentially maintain normal neck movements and perform regular daily activities after surgery.

What Are the Risks of Disc Replacement Surgery?

A disc replacement procedure is generally safe but includes the potential dangers of any spine surgery, such as a risk of infection, excessive bleeding or a reaction to the anesthesia. Another potential risk of disc replacement is an allergic reaction to the implant. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and talk with you to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Disc Replacement Surgery vs Fusion

Since disc replacement is a relatively new surgery, there’s not a lot of information on the long-term outcomes yet. However, there are known advantages that may make it a better alternative than cervical fusion for some patients. Some known benefits of disc replacement are that it:

  • Allows greater movement: Disc replacements are designed to function like your body’s natural discs. This may enable greater spine mobility and allow you to move as you would normally. Cervical fusion, on the other hand, welds bones together and eliminates movement in the affected area of the spine.
  • Creates less stress on other spinal bones: If a disc replacement allows more movement, it will put less stress on the vertebrae located below and above the artificial disc. Without the added pressure on other vertebrae, patients could expect a reduced risk of further disc degeneration in the future. According to a meta-analysis from 2017, disc replacement improves secondary surgical procedure reduction.
  • Yields a faster recovery time: It usually takes several months for a patient to recover from a spinal fusion and get back to their regular activities. Alternatively, the recovery time for a disc replacement is typically much faster, because a patient does not have to wait for their bones to fuse. Patients who undergo a disc replacement procedure should be able to resume normal activities within four to six weeks. Lumbar disc replacement, a similar procedure that replaces the discs in the lower back, also has a faster recovery time than fusion. A study published in Global Spine Journal found that disc replacement patients were able to return to work significantly faster than fusion patients.

Although there are advantages to disc replacement over cervical fusion, not every patient is a good candidate for this type of spinal surgery. After an evaluation, your doctor will discuss the best option for your unique needs.

Contact OIP for More Information from our Back Pain Specialists

If you are considering spinal disc replacement surgery vs cervical fusion, your doctor will determine if surgery is right for you. Although surgery can help improve the quality of life for some patients with persistent back or neck pain, it’s usually not necessary. Generally, surgery is a last resort, and there are better options available.

If you’re unable to cope with your neck or back pain, reach out to us at OIP. Our spine and back pain specialists will use state-of-the-art tools to diagnose the source of your pain and determine the best treatment for you. To learn more about spine care and how we can help, contact us today or request an appointment.

Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania Announces New Surgeon

Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania
3399 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011                                                                                                        
717-761-5530                                                                                       

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 26, 2019

Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania Announces New Surgeon
Podiatric surgeon is newest addition to team of doctors

CAMP HILL, PA. – Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania, a leader in family care, is pleased to welcome Christopher H. Schank, DPM to the active medical staff.

Dr. Schank is a native of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and is a board-certified Podiatric surgeon. He graduated from Lebanon Valley College with the highest honors, and earned membership into the MACC All-Century Baseball team, receiving academic All-American status. Dr. Schank completed his graduate education at Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, and went on to receive a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. He later completed his Podiatric Surgical and Reconstruction residency at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Dr. Schank has completed surgical trainings in limb deformity, advanced ankle instability, arthroscopy, sports injury, and foot and ankle osteosynthesis. His clinical interests include: common foot conditions, podiatric surgery, arthritis pain, heel pain, sports-related injuries, and ankle replacement and has advanced training in techniques in skeletal fixation of the foot and ankle.

Dr. Schank is an associate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and holds memberships in the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Podiatric Medical Association. He joined OIP after practicing in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania for several years.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Schank, call Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania at 717-761-5530.

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OIP is Hosting Two Job Fair Events

OIP is hosting two job fair events.

Walk ins welcome or to pre-register call Amy at 717-761-5530 ext 186.

Event # 1
Date: Friday, August 9
Time: 9 am – 3 pm
Location: Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania – Camp Hill
Address: 3399 Trindle Rd Camp Hill, PA

Event # 2
Date: Friday, August 16
Time: 9 am – 3 pm
Location: Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania – Harrisburg
Address: 450 Powers Ave Harrisburg, PA

*Day shift
*Monday – Friday + 1 weekend per month
*Full time + benefits
*Opportunities available in Camp Hill and Harrisburg
*Seeking professional staff who enjoy working in a busy but patient-focused atmosphere

Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania Announces New Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania
3399 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
717-761-5530

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 1, 2019

Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania Announces New Orthopedic Surgeon
Orthopedic surgeon is newest addition to team of doctors

CAMP HILL, PA. – The Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania, a leader in family care, is pleased to welcome Daniel J. Kim, D.O. to the OIP Family.  

Dr. Kim completed his Fellowship training in Adult Reconstruction at The CORE Institute in Phoenix, AZ, where he completed over 700 robotic-assisted knee and hip replacement and complex revision surgeries. Dr. Kim received his medical degree from the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ, where he graduated at the top of his class. He later went on to complete an Orthopedic Surgery residency in UPMC Pinnacle’s Orthopedic Surgery program in Harrisburg, PA.

Dr. Kim specializes in adult reconstructive joint replacement surgery of the hip, knee and shoulder. His minimally-invasive surgical approach incorporates the most advanced techniques and technology available, including robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement. Dr. Kim is certified in MAKO robotic-assisted total hip, total knee, and partial knee replacement and is among a limited number of surgeons in the country to use the direct anterior approach with robotic-assisted total hip replacement system. He has a special interest in fracture care, sports injuries, and general orthopedic care.

Dr. Kim is a member of American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), and American Osteopathic Association of Orthopedics (AOAO).

Dr. Kim has served as a medical volunteer in Bolivia, has assisted the homeless through a medical clinic in the US, and was the team physician for the Susquenita and Line Mountain High School Varsity Football teams.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kim, call Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania at 717-761-5530. Appointments are available beginning September 2, 2019.

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Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania Announces New Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania
3399 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
717-761-5530

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 19, 2019

Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania Announces New Orthopedic Surgeon
Orthopedic surgeon is newest addition to team of doctors

CAMP HILL, PA. – The Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania, a leader in family care, is pleased to welcome Tyson P. Maugle, D.O. to the OIP Family.

Dr. Maugle, received Fellowship training in Orthopedic Spinal Surgery at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC. He earned an undergraduate degree from the university of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, where he was captain of the varsity football team. He received a medical degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. His Orthopedic Surgery residency was completed in Harrisburg, PA at UPMC Pinnacle, where he had the distinction of serving as Chief Resident.

Beyond general orthopedic conditions, Dr. Maugle’s particular interests include minimally invasive spinal fusion options, complex spinal deformity conditions, cervical fusion and disc replacement, disc herniations, and revision spine surgery. Dr. Maugle states he is “committed to providing the best possible outcome for patients with the least invasive surgery possible.”

Dr. Maugle holds memberships with American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), North American Spine Society (NASS), American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), American Osteopathic Association of Orthopedics (AOAO), American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association (POMA).

When not seeing patients, Dr. Maugle, a native of Hollidaysburg, PA, enjoys spending time with his wife, Christine, and 3 young children – Grace, Emma, and Tyson.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Maugle, call Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania at 717-761-5530. Appointments are available beginning August 5, 2019.

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Dr. DeLuca Presents Research at ISASS

Dr. DeLuca was recently honored with a podium presentation to present his research at the ISASS (International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery) meeting in Anaheim, California.

 

Dr. Dahl on Assisted Joint Replacement

Just recently our very own Dr. Dahl was honored to speak a the Community Center at the Camp Hill Giant on the topic of Mako Robot assisted joint replacement and its huge benefits.  We will be scheduling another on the East Shore soon so if you missed this one stay tuned!