Motion-Preserving Spine Treatments
Motion Preserving Spine Surgery
Advanced care designed to protect movement and function
Living With
Spine pain does not have to mean losing mobility
Chronic neck or back pain can slowly take away your independence. Simple activities like exercising, traveling, working, or sleeping comfortably can become difficult. Many patients worry that surgery automatically means losing motion or being permanently restricted.
At Spine Motion Specialists, our philosophy is simple: your spine is meant to move. When surgery is necessary, we focus on advanced motion preserving solutions that relieve pain while protecting your long term mobility and quality of life.
What is it?
Motion preserving spine surgery refers to a group of advanced surgical techniques designed to treat spinal disorders while maintaining the spine’s natural flexibility and movement.
Unlike traditional spinal fusion, which permanently connects two or more vertebrae, motion preserving procedures aim to:
- Relieve pain
- Decompress nerves
- Restore stability
all without eliminating motion at the affected segment.
These techniques combine modern implant design and minimally invasive surgical approaches to protect adjacent spinal levels and promote long term functional health.
Who is a
Good Candidate
Motion preserving surgery may be an option for patients who:
- Have disc degeneration or herniation
- Have facet joint arthritis
- Have spinal stenosis
- Experience nerve related pain
- Have not improved with conservative treatments
- Want to avoid fusion when possible
Candidacy is determined based on:
- Advanced spinal imaging
- Symptom severity
- Functional limitations
- Overall spine alignment
Dr. Hodges performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine the safest and most effective option for you.
How Does
Motion Preserving Surgery Work?
The key principle of motion preservation is to restore normal spinal mechanics rather than restrict them.
Surgeons achieve this by replacing or reconstructing damaged structures such as Intervertebral discs and facet joints using artificial implants or procedures that maintain or restore natural motion.
Procedures can be performed from:
- The anterior front portion of the spine
- The posterior back portion of the spine
Implants have been developed for both the cervical and lumbar spine with the ultimate goal of achieving:
- Effective pain relief
- Nerve decompression
- Preservation of the spine’s ability to bend, rotate, and flex naturally
Types of Motion-Preserving Procedures
A variety of procedures fall under the motion-preserving category, each addressing specific spinal pathologies:
- Artificial Disc Replacement (Cervical and Lumbar): Replaces a damaged or herniated disc with a prosthetic implant that maintains motion between vertebrae.
- Facet Joint Replacement (TOPS System): Reconstructs the posterior facets to relieve pain and maintain motion without fusing the spine.
- Lumbar Total Joint Replacement (MOTUS by 3Spine): A next-generation approach replacing both the intervertebral disc and facet joints to fully restore lumbar motion and alignment through a total joint replacement, similar to a hip or knee replacement. Currently in US FDA Clinical trials.
- Microdiscectomy: Remove small portions of disc to relieve nerve compression while preserving spinal stability
- Spinal Decompression (Laminectomy / Foraminotomy): Remove small portions of bone from the lamina, foramen, or surrounding stenotic areas to relieve nerve compression while preserving spinal stability.
What happens during motion preserving spine surgery?
The exact procedure depends on the condition being treated and the type of motion preserving surgery performed. However, the guiding principles remain the same:
- Target the source of pain
- Preserve healthy anatomy
- Maintain natural movement
Dr. Hodges carefully selects the surgical approach based on your condition and anatomy. Advanced imaging and surgical planning are used to ensure precise implant placement, proper alignment, and nerve decompression when needed.
The goal is to restore stability while allowing the spine to move naturally, rather than locking it in place.
What are the benefits
Motion preserving surgery offers several potential advantages over fusion based approaches:
Preserves natural motion
Allows the treated segment to continue bending and rotating.
Reduces stress on nearby levels
Maintaining motion may lower the risk of adjacent segment degeneration.
Faster recovery
Many patients experience quicker recovery compared to fusion.
Less postoperative pain
Minimally invasive techniques reduce tissue disruption.
Long term spine health
Supports healthier biomechanics over time.
For many patients, this means
Lasting relief without sacrificing movement.
What does recovery look like?
Recovery depends on the specific procedure performed and your overall health.
Hospital stay
Many procedures are outpatient or require a short stay.
Return to work
Light work may be possible within one to three weeks.
Physical therapy
Rehabilitation focuses on strength, flexibility, and safe movement.
Dr. Hodges will guide you through recovery with a personalized plan.
Why Spine Motion Specialists?
Your care plan is built around your goals, your movement, and your lifestyle, never a protocol.
Dr. Scott Hodges brings 35+ years of experience and a deep understanding of spine biomechanics to every patient visit.
Fusion-free philosophy
Motion-preserving expertise
Concierge, one-on-one care
Extended 60–90 minute consults
Virtual visits available for travel patients
Motion Preserving Spine Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
How is motion preserving surgery different from fusion?
Fusion permanently locks vertebrae together, eliminating motion at that level. Motion preserving surgery is designed to maintain movement while still relieving pain and stabilizing the spine. Preserving motion may reduce stress on surrounding levels over time.
Am I a candidate for motion preserving surgery?
Eligibility depends on your specific diagnosis, anatomy, and overall spine health. Dr. Hodges performs a detailed evaluation using advanced imaging to determine whether a motion preserving option is appropriate for you.
Are motion preserving procedures safe?
These procedures have been carefully developed and studied. Like all surgery, there are risks, but motion preserving techniques aim to reduce tissue disruption and protect healthy structures.
Dr. Hodges will review all risks and benefits with you so you can make an informed decision.
What if I have been told fusion is my only option?
This is something we hear often. For many years, spinal fusion was the most common solution offered for chronic spine conditions. While fusion can be appropriate in some cases, we have learned more over time about its long term impact. Fusion permanently removes motion at a spinal segment, which can change biomechanics and place added stress on surrounding levels.
Dr. Hodges has spent more than 35 years studying the spine and treating patients. Seeing how fusion affected mobility and function is what led him to focus on motion preserving solutions and help develop advanced procedures designed to maintain natural movement.
While fusion is still commonly offered as a treatment option, many patients may have alternatives that protect mobility and long term function. A second opinion with Dr. Hodges can help you fully understand your options and determine whether a motion preserving approach may be right for you.
How long do results last?
Many patients experience long term relief. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following your recovery plan can help protect your spine health over time.
Take the next step
Not sure if motion preserving spine surgery is right for you?
A consultation can help you understand your options and make a confident decision.
