What Is Disc Prosthesis Surgery in the Lumbar or Cervical Spine?
Question: What does prosthesis surgery aim to achieve?
Answer: It is also called “motion-preserving surgery.” The aim is to provide stability with implants that partially allow natural spinal motion and reduce load on adjacent segments.
Question: What is the difference compared with fusion?
Answer:
- Motion is not completely eliminated
- It is not irreversible; fusion can be performed later if necessary
- Some studies report lower long-term adjacent segment problems compared with fusion
Is prosthesis suitable for every patient?
- There should not be advanced degeneration
- Instability should be limited
- Age and activity level should be considered
“In suitable patients, motion-preserving surgery is an option aimed at protecting long-term spinal biomechanics.”