Medical experts and surgeons are always looking to improve on current techniques so that patients can have a better surgical experience. That’s the theory behind motion preservation spine surgery, which is what Dr. Jackman preaches at his practice. His goal with surgery is to always use minimally invasive techniques when possible, as this not only preserves more natural motion of the spine, but it’s also less taxing on the patient. In today’s blog, we explore the art of motion preservation surgery and why it is oftentimes more beneficial for the patient.
Motion Preservation Vs. Spinal Fusion
When we talk about motion preservation spine surgery, we are comparing it to the alternative, which is spinal fusion. During a spinal fusion procedure, two or more adjacent vertebrae are fused together. This makes the area more stable, but for better or worse it also significantly limits flexibility at the fusion site. With motion preservation surgery, the goal is to use other techniques to keep as much natural flexibility in the spine.
There are a few different spine surgery techniques that aim to preserve natural motion in the spine. Procedures like an artificial disc replacement, an endoscopic discectomy and a microdiscectomy procedure all strive to provide pain relief and preserve motion in the spine. An artificial disc replacement procedure aims to provide relief by replacing the damaged disc with an artificial disc that mimics the movement of a healthy spinal disc, while minimally invasive discectomies and microdiscectomies involve addressing damaged discs or nerves through a few very small openings in the body instead of a few major incisions.
Besides working to preserve more flexibility and motion along the spine, these minimally invasive techniques offer a number of additional advantages to the patient, including:
- Decreased recovery time due to less tissue damage
- Decreased likelihood of nerve damage
- Shorter stay in the hospital
- Decreased likelihood of blood loss
- Decreased costs as a result of shorter hospital stay/fewer therapy sessions
Also, patients who undergo motion preservation spine surgery experience one key benefit compared to those who have a spinal fusion, and that has to do with the stress placed on the adjacent vertebrae. When motion is limited because vertebrae are fused, additional stress ends up getting placed on the unfused vertebrae nearest the fusion site. This can put you at an increased risk of degenerative disc disease or disc issues as a result of this extra pressure. When your spine is flexible, it can disperse stress more evenly along the vertebral column. By preserving motion, you’re ensuring that other vertebral sections aren’t at an increased risk of damage or injury.
It’s worth noting that not all spine issues can be solved with a motion preservation surgical technique. If your discomfort is the result of arthritis, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, a curvature disorder or a fracture, motion preservation surgery may not be the right answer. We’ll still work to find the right solution for you, whether that be with non-operative techniques or a different minimally invasive option. But if you’d benefit from motion preservation spine surgery and other treatments haven’t helped you find the relief you seek, we’re confident that we can help treat your underlying issue.
For more information about motion preservation spine surgery, or to talk to a specialist about your spinal discomfort, reach out to Dr. Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
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