Advantages and Disadvantages of Nonfusion Technology in Spine Surgery
Nonfusion technology in spine surgery may improve outcomes by reducing surgical morbidity and the incidence of adjacent level degeneration; however, new technologies also introduce new short- and long-term complications. There is currently no evidence that nonfusion implants are superior to fusion in mid- to long-term follow-up. Understanding the potential risks and benefits of nonfusion technology is essential for spine surgeons and their patients. This article reviews the current evidence relating to the potential risks and benefits of nonfusion technology in spine surgery.
aHospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
cThomas Jefferson University, 925 Chestnut Street, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
Corresponding author. Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021
Federico P. Girardi and Frank P. Cammisa owned stock in and Frank P. Cammisa served as a consultant to Spine Solutions, manufacturer of the ProDisc (Synthes, Paoli, PA) total disc replacement system.