What insurance plans do you accept?

We are in-network with many major insurance providers, including Amerihealth, Cigna Healthcare, Aetna, United Healthcare, Oxford plans, UMR, and Medicare. Please contact our office to confirm participation with your specific plan.

Do you accept Medicare?

Yes, we accept Medicare for patients in New Jersey and New York with the Red, White and Blue card through Novitas and National Government Services.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your insurance card, photo ID, any imaging such as MRIs, CT scans, or X-rays, and results from previous medical tests.

What additional information is needed for motor vehicle accident cases?

For motor vehicle accident visits, please bring your claim number, date of accident, insurance claim address, and the claim representative's contact information.

What should I bring for a workers’ compensation case?

You will need a letter of authorization for treatment, the date of the accident, claim number, insurance claim address, and your nurse case manager's contact information.

What happens during my first visit?

During your initial visit, our team will review your medical history and symptoms, perform a focused neurological exam, and discuss treatment options.

What information is most important to share with my doctor?

It is important to share details about your symptoms such as pain, weakness, or numbness, and how they affect your daily activities.

What should I do in case of an emergency after office hours?

If you have an emergency after hours, go to the nearest hospital emergency room where the physician will coordinate with your doctor or the on-call provider.

How are treatment decisions made?

Patients are presented with treatment options along with risks and benefits, and make the final decision based on their health needs and goals.

Which hospitals are you affiliated with?

We are affiliated with Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, The Mount Sinai Hospital, Holy Name Medical Center, Pascack Valley Medical Center, and Hackensack University Medical Center.

09 Apr Cervical Disc Replacement vs. Spinal Fusion: Which is Right for Me?

Posted at 13:54h in Blog by samcomes

The primary difference between these two procedures is how they handle movement: cervical disc replacement preserves neck motion, while spinal fusion permanently stabilizes a segment of the spine to stop movement.

If you’re unsure which treatment is best for you, contact Metropolitan Neurosurgery Associates. Our team of expert neurosurgeons prioritizes motion-preserving techniques whenever possible to help patients return to their active lifestyles.

Understanding Your Options: Disc Replacement and Fusion

Cervical disc replacement involves removing a damaged or diseased disc and replacing it with a high-tech artificial device. This implant mimics the natural function of a healthy disc, allowing the vertebrae to rotate, tilt, and flex.

In contrast, spinal fusion is a procedure where the damaged disc is removed, and the space is filled with a bone graft or spacer. Over time, the two adjacent vertebrae grow together into a single, solid bone.

Both procedures are designed to decompress nerves and relieve chronic pain, but they achieve stability through different mechanical goals:

Recovery Times and Range of Motion

Patients often recover faster and regain motion more quickly following a disc replacement compared to a traditional fusion. Because fusion requires the bone to actually grow together (a process that can take several months), recovery often involves more stringent activity restrictions.

Cervical Disc Replacement

Hospital Stay: For many patients, disc replacement is almost always outpatient.
Return to Activity: Most individuals return to light office work within 1 to 2 weeks.
Neck Mobility: Full natural range of motion is typically preserved, allowing you to tilt and turn your head normally.
Post-Operative Support: Neck braces or collars are usually not required, as the artificial disc provides immediate mechanical stability.
Long-Term Impact: By maintaining motion, this procedure reduces the “adjacent segment” stress on the rest of your spine.

Spinal Fusion

Hospital Stay: Fusion is generally outpatient, if done anteriorly. If done posteriorly, then it is usually a 2 day stay.
Return to Activity: Because the vertebrae must physically grow together, a return to light work usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Neck Mobility: Movement is permanently stopped at the fused segment; however, most patients still maintain significant overall mobility through the remaining healthy joints.
Post-Operative Support: A soft or hard cervical collar is often required for several weeks to keep the neck still while the bone graft sets.
Pain Management: This is highly effective for eliminating pain caused by unstable or slipping vertebrae.

Who Qualifies for Each Procedure?

Not every patient is a candidate for disc replacement; eligibility is largely determined by the health of the surrounding bone and joints. Disc replacement vs fusion candidacy typically breaks down as follows:

Disc Replacement Candidates: Best for those with a single-level herniation, good bone density, and no significant facet joint arthritis. It is ideal for younger, active patients who want to maintain maximum flexibility.
Fusion Candidates: Generally recommended for patients with multi-level disease, severe spinal instability, significant osteoporosis, or advanced arthritis that has already compromised the joint’s movement.

Making Your Decision and Next Steps

Choosing the right path requires an integrative approach where you are as involved in the treatment plan as your physician. While the prospect of spine surgery can be daunting, understanding that you have options beyond traditional fusion can change your outlook on recovery.

Next steps toward relief:

Ask you doctor if you are a candidate for a motion preserving disc replacement.
Review your latest MRI or CT scans with a specialist to check facet joint health.
Discuss your specific lifestyle needs, such as sports or professional requirements, with your surgeon.

If you are ready to explore the best surgical treatment for your spine, request an appointment with a neurosurgeon at Metropolitan Neurosurgery today to discuss whether disc replacement or fusion is the right fit for your future.

Image credit: // Shutterstock // JLco Julia Amaral