Between your vertebrae are spongy discs that prevent the bones from rubbing together. When a worn, damaged, or herniated disc causes pain, spine surgery may be the best treatment option.

So what is the difference between Total Disc Replacement (TDR) and Spine Fusion?

In both surgical procedures, a Discectomy is performed first to remove the damaged disc and decompress the spine. You’re then left with a space that needs to be filled – which brings us to the main difference between these two surgeries.

In a TDR, the entire disc is replaced with an artificial one whereas in Fusion, the two adjacent vertebrae are permanently joined (fused) together. While both offer relief from chronic pain, Total Disc Replacement is often the best course of action because it preserves a full range of motion in the spine. Plus, there’s a reduced risk that the lower vertebrae will break down.

As a master of technique in TDR and a world-renowned spine surgeon, make me your top choice for spine surgery.

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