Non-Fusion Spine Surgery

Non-fusion spine surgery treats the spine without permanently joining two vertebrae together. Where a fusion eliminates motion at a level, a non-fusion procedure aims to keep it. That matters because fusing one level increases stress on the levels above and below it, and published data show disc replacement both maintains movement and reduces the chance of deterioration at adjacent levels, which avoids further surgery later.

Issada Thongtrangan, MD, is dual fellowship trained in neurological and orthopedic spine surgery and performs these procedures at Microspine in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Non-fusion options at Microspine

Artificial disc replacement

Replaces a damaged or degenerated spinal disc with an artificial or prosthetic disc. The goal is to relieve pain, restore spinal mobility, and maintain natural spinal movement rather than eliminate it.

Cervical disc replacement

Total disc replacement in the neck. Replacing the disc removes the cause of pain while preserving natural motion at the treated level. Dr. T applies strict criteria to candidacy.

Lumbar disc replacement

Total disc replacement in the lower back, most commonly performed for painful disc degeneration or disruption, and recommended only after extensive non-surgical therapy has failed to provide relief.

Endoscopic decompression

Decompresses nerve roots narrowed by bulging discs, herniated discs, facet arthritis, bone spurs, scoliosis, or spondylolisthesis. The endoscope allows direct visualization of the disc and the nerves.

Endoscopic discectomy

Decompresses nerve roots compressed by a herniated or degenerated lumbar disc, with direct visualization of the spinal disc and the surrounding nerves.

Endoscopic rhizotomy

Treats chronic low back pain originating from facet arthritis by targeting the medial branch nerves that supply the arthritic facet joints. Also called a facet joint denervation.

Superion for lumbar stenosis

An FDA approved indirect decompression system for mild to moderate lumbar spinal stenosis. It is implanted through a small tube about the size of a dime as an outpatient procedure.

Common questions about non-fusion spine surgery

What is non-fusion spine surgery?

It is spine surgery that treats the problem without permanently joining two vertebrae. Disc replacement, decompression, discectomy, and rhizotomy are all non-fusion procedures. The goal is to relieve the pain source while preserving motion at that level.

Is non-fusion better than fusion?

It is not better in every case, and fusion remains the right operation for some patients, including unstable spines, severely collapsed discs, and failed prior surgeries. Where a patient is a candidate for a motion-preserving procedure, published data show disc replacement maintains spinal movement and reduces deterioration at the discs above and below, which can avoid additional surgery.

Who is a candidate for non-fusion spine surgery?

Candidacy depends on the condition, the level involved, the stability of the spine, and imaging. Dr. T reviews health history, imaging, symptoms, and lifestyle before recommending an approach.

Where is non-fusion spine surgery available in the Phoenix area?

Microspine is located at 14300 N Northsight Blvd, Suite 213, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, and serves patients across the Phoenix metro including Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Phoenix, and Scottsdale.