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August 31, 2023

What is Motion Preservation Surgery?

By James Hicks, M.D.
Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon

Think of your spine as a stack of blocks with soft cushions (spinal discs) between each one. These cushions can sometimes get damaged due to varied reasons, leading to pain and instability.

In traditional spine surgeries, the common solution is often to “fuse” these blocks together to limit movement and alleviate pain, a method known as spinal fusion. While effective, this can sometimes put additional strain on the surrounding blocks.

Motion Preservation Surgery offers an alternative. Instead of fusing the blocks, this advanced surgical approach aims to restore or maintain the natural movement of your spine. This can involve replacing a damaged cushion with an artificial one or supporting the blocks to move more naturally, reducing the likelihood of issues arising in adjacent blocks.

With Motion Preservation Surgery, we strive to resolve your spinal issues while keeping your spine’s flexibility intact. This innovative approach can lead to improved long-term outcomes, allowing you to get back to your regular activities with less pain and more mobility.

However, we understand that every patient is unique, and not everyone will be a suitable candidate for Motion Preservation Surgery. Here at The Spine Institute, our highly skilled team will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best treatment plan tailored to your needs.