Motion-Preserving Spine Treatments
Non-Fusion Spine Surgery
Advanced alternatives to spinal fusion
Living With
Spine pain does not have to mean having a spinal fusion is your only option
Many patients are told that spinal fusion is their only surgical option. While fusion can relieve pain in some cases, it permanently eliminates motion at the treated segment and can place added stress on surrounding levels.
At Spine Motion Specialists, we believe your spine was designed to move. Our focus is on non-fusion treatment options that relieve pain while protecting your natural movement, function, and long term spine health.
What is it?
Non-fusion spine surgery refers to a class of procedures that treat, stabilize, and reconstruct the spine without permanently fusing vertebrae together.
Traditional spinal fusion eliminates motion at the treated segment. While this may relieve pain, it often transfers stress to nearby levels, which can contribute to adjacent segment degeneration over time.
In contrast, non-fusion techniques are designed to:
- Restore or maintain natural motion
- Provide stability and alignment
- Relieve pain
These advanced procedures are redefining spine care by prioritizing function, motion, and long term spine health.
Who is a
Good Candidate
Non-fusion 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
Non-Fusion Surgery Work?
Instead of using bone grafts or rigid fixation such as rods and screws to lock vertebrae together, non fusion procedures use:
- Motion preserving implants
- Non instrumented techniques
These approaches replicate or maintain the spine’s natural movement.
Many non-fusion procedures are performed using minimally invasive techniques, allowing surgeons to:
- Precisely target the source of pain
- Reduce tissue trauma
- Minimize blood loss
This approach supports faster recovery while protecting healthy anatomy.
Alternatives to Spinal Fusion Surgery
Several motion preserving and restorative techniques fall under the category of non-fusion spine surgery:
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.
MOTUS Lumbar total joint replacement
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 clinical trials.
Microdiscectomy
Removes small portions of disc material to relieve nerve compression while preserving spinal stability.
Spinal decompression (laminectomy or foraminotomy)
Removes small portions of bone from the lamina, foramen, or surrounding stenotic areas to relieve nerve compression while preserving spinal stability.
What are the benefits
Non-fusion spine surgery offers effective pain relief without sacrificing mobility.
By preserving natural movement, these procedures help:
- Reduce stress on adjacent spinal levels
- Lower the risk of future degeneration
- Support long term spinal balance
Patients often experience:
- Faster recovery
- Quicker return to daily activities
- Improved function
- Lower risk of needing future surgeries
Non-fusion approaches represent the evolution of spine surgery, focusing not just on eliminating pain, but on restoring motion, function, and quality of life.
For many patients, this means
Lasting pain relief without sacrificing mobility.
What does recovery look like?
Recovery depends on the specific procedure performed.
Hospital stay
Many procedures are outpatient or require a short stay.
Return to work
Desk work may be possible within one to three weeks.
Physical therapy
Rehabilitation focuses on strength, flexibility, and safe movement.
Dr. Hodges creates a personalized recovery plan based on your goals.
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
Non-Fusion Spine Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I want to avoid a spinal fusion?
Spinal fusion can be an effective treatment in certain situations, but it permanently eliminates motion at the treated segment. Over time, we have learned that removing motion can change the natural biomechanics of the spine and place added stress on the levels above and below the fusion. This may increase the risk of adjacent segment degeneration, stiffness, and the need for future surgery.
Many patients also notice reduced flexibility and function after fusion, which can impact daily activities, exercise, and overall quality of life.
Non fusion and motion preserving procedures aim to treat pain while maintaining movement. Preserving motion helps support healthier spinal mechanics, protects surrounding levels, and allows patients to stay active.
Fusion may still be appropriate in certain cases, but at Spine Motion Specialists, our philosophy is to explore motion preserving options first whenever possible. Dr. Hodges will help you understand whether a non fusion alternative may be appropriate for your specific condition and goals.
Are non-fusion procedures safe?
Non-fusion procedures have been carefully developed and studied and continue to evolve as technology advances. Like all surgery, there are risks, but these techniques are designed to preserve healthy tissue and natural movement rather than restrict it.
Dr. Hodges will review all potential risks and benefits with you in detail so you can make an informed and confident decision about your care.
Am I a candidate for non-fusion spine surgery?
Candidacy depends on several factors, including:
- Your specific diagnosis
- Spine alignment and stability
- Condition of your discs and facet joints
- Overall bone health
- Severity of symptoms
- Response to conservative treatment
Dr. Hodges performs a comprehensive evaluation using advanced imaging and motion analysis to determine whether a non fusion option may be right for you.
What if I have been told fusion is my only option?
This is something we hear often. For many years, fusion was the most common surgical solution offered for chronic spine conditions. Over time, we have learned more about the long term impact of fusion, including how eliminating motion can place added stress on nearby spinal levels.
Dr. Hodges has spent more than 35 years studying spinal biomechanics and developing motion preserving procedures to give patients alternatives to fusion. His goal has always been to help patients maintain or restore function and mobility, which fusion does not allow.
While fusion may still be necessary in certain cases, many patients are surprised to learn they may have non fusion alternatives available. 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 after non-fusion surgery. By addressing the root cause of pain while preserving movement, these procedures are designed to support durable outcomes.
Your long term results also depend on factors such as:
- Overall spine health
- Activity level
- Adherence to your recovery plan
Dr. Hodges will guide you on how to protect your spine and maintain results over time.
Will I need physical therapy after surgery?
In many cases, yes. Physical therapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and confidence in movement. Therapy may focus on:
- Core stabilization
- Posture correction
- Safe movement patterns
- Injury prevention
Your therapy plan will be personalized based on your goals and lifestyle.
How soon can I return to normal activities?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure performed and your overall health. Many patients are able to:
- Walk the same day as surgery
- Resume light activities within days
- Return to desk work within one to three weeks
Dr. Hodges will provide clear guidance on activity progression to ensure safe healing.
Take the next step
Not sure if non-fusion spine surgery is right for you?
A consultation can help you understand your options and make a confident decision.
