Not All Spinal Surgeries Are Spinal Fusions

Authored by Dr. Christopher Good, MD, FACS. February 10, 2016

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It has been established that many of the patients I see, especially for a second opinion, are successfully cared for without surgical intervention. Sometimes, however, I will recommend surgery to patients if I feel it offers the greatest chance of resuming normal activities. This does not mean the only option is a spinal fusion! In spinal care the word ‘fusion’ is tossed about so often, many patients forget that there are other surgical options available.

For example, a spinal fusion would not be the best treatment if the patient suffers from a pinched nerve. If you think about the anatomy of the spine, it is a series of bones and discs stacked one on top of another. The purpose of the discs is to hold the bones apart, providing a cushioning effect, and allowing space for the nerves to run inside the spine. The nerves within the spinal cord travel to all parts of the body {i.e. arms, chest, pelvis, legs} and act like electrical cables; if an individual develops an issue with the nerves in the spine, they may experience symptoms anywhere that nerve runs, including pins and needles, burning, numbness, or weakness. Pain from this situation can be extreme, and may require surgery, but fusion of the spinal column would not be necessary in this case. Instead, a minimally invasive surgery to “unpinch the nerve” would be effective at alleviating a patient’s symptoms without moving forward to a spinal fusion. These procedures can be performed through very small incisions using a microscope or fiber optics.

Anatomy Diagram of Spinal Column Spinal Cord and Nerves

There are many other examples in which a fusion would be the last resort as a treatment option. Make sure you and your doctor discuss all surgical options that correspond with your lifestyle.

Dr. Christopher Good is a double board certified spine surgeon and the President of Virginia Spine Institute. Established as a world expert in the field, Dr. Good has pioneered the use of robotics, navigation, and augmented reality (AR) in spine surgery. He performed the first two-level disc replacement in Metro DC, Maryland, and Virginia region, and continues to evolve motion-enhancing procedures for patients suffering from neck and back conditions. Dr. Good has been named “Top Doctor” consistently over the past decade. Learn more about Dr. Christopher Good.