Motion Preservation Surgery

If you’re dealing with neck or back pain and have been told you might need surgery, the idea can feel overwhelming. Many people worry that surgery will leave them “stiff” or unable to move normally.

The good news is that spine surgeons at Hoag Orthopedic Institute (HOI) offer advanced techniques such as motion-preservation surgery designed to relieve pain while preserving your natural motion.

A Growing Trend in Spine Surgery

Motion-preserving spine surgery​ is a rapidly advancing approach to spine care that keeps the spine moving as naturally as possible while correcting the source of pain. Instead of locking bones together, motion preservation techniques use an artificial disc or other device that lets the spine bend and twist more normally.

Unlike spinal fusion, which permanently connects two or more vertebrae, motion preservation spine surgery is designed to maintain flexibility at the treated segment. These procedures aim to reduce pain, preserve function and mobility, as well as support long-term spine health, especially for younger patients or those with active lifestyles.

At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our physicians provide a growing range of motion surgery techniques, including artificial disc replacement and decompression without fusion, which can relieve pressure on spinal nerves without sacrificing movement. These options offer effective symptom relief while maintaining spine mobility, helping patients return to an active lifestyle.

What are the Benefits of Motion Preservation Surgery?

Motion surgery offers patients several benefits compared to traditional spinal fusion, including:

Faster recovery

By preserving natural movement in the spine, motion surgery typically involves less disruption to surrounding tissues, which can lead to a shorter recovery period and earlier return to daily activities.

Potentially better long-term outcomes

By preserving natural movement, motion-preservation surgery helps patients maintain better spinal function over time. This can lower the chances of chronic pain, reduced range of motion or limitations in daily activities.

Reduced stress on adjacent spinal segments

When two vertebrae are fused, the joints above and below often compensate by moving more, leading to increased wear and tear over time. Motion-preservation techniques help the spine move more naturally, potentially reducing this added stress on nearby joints.

Lower Risk of Degenerative Changes

Some fusion patients develop adjacent segment disease, a breakdown of nearby vertebrae over time. Motion surgery helps reduce this risk by avoiding unnatural load distribution and allowing the spine to move more normally.

Motion preservation surgeries have helped many HOI patients return to active, comfortable lives without the limitations of a traditional fusion.

Types of Motion Preservation Techniques Offered at HOI

At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our specialists treat a number of spine conditions with motion surgery.

• Artificial Disc Replacement: In this advanced motion surgery, surgeons remove the damaged disc and replace it with an artificial disc designed to mimic natural spine movement. It is performed in the lumbar or cervical spine and can provide long-lasting relief. It offers a faster recovery and keeps normal spine motion.
• Decompression Without Fusion: Surgeons relieve pressure without fusing vertebrae, keeping the spine’s natural structure and movement intact.
• Laminoplasty: This motion surgery reshapes and repositions bone to widen the spinal canal without removing it, avoiding fusion and maintaining movement. It can relieve pain and other symptoms caused by nerve compression.
• Anterior Cervical Discectomy (ACD) (Motion-Preserving Option): In this motion-preserving spine surgery, surgeons remove the damaged disc through a small incision in the front of the neck. Rather than fusing the vertebrae, they insert an artificial disc to restore normal spacing and preserve spinal movement. This option can relieve pain, reduce nerve pressure and help maintain more natural biomechanics in the cervical spine.

Who is Best Suited For Motion Preservation Surgery?

Motion preservation surgery is not suitable for every patient or condition, nor does every physician offer these techniques. Therefore, patients must select an experienced, fellowship-trained spine surgeon who can provide guidance on the best individualized treatment.

From non-operative to minimally invasive and advanced surgical solutions, Hoag Orthopedic Institute’s board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons and treatment teams are the leaders in Orange County for spine care. We offer motion preservation surgery as part of our comprehensive program, which includes 25 orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons on staff with access to the latest treatment modalities. HOI’s dedicated spine surgeons focus on matching each patient with the right procedure.

Why Choose Hoag Orthopedic Institute for Motion-Preserving Spine Surgery?

Hoag Orthopedic Institute is nationally recognized for excellence in spine care, combining advanced surgical techniques with a personalized, patient-first approach. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeons are experts in both traditional and motion-preservation surgery, providing informed, individualized care.

Motion surgery is part of our comprehensive, evidence-based philosophy. Every treatment plan is grounded in the latest clinical research, imaging and diagnostics to ensure the best possible outcome.

At HOI, your care team takes time to understand your goals and lifestyle. We work with you to chart the right course — one that supports long-term spine health and helps you return to what you love most.

Call Today (949) 705-6493 or

Find A Spine Surgeon