Alternatives to Spinal Fusion Surgery in Southern California
If you’ve been recommended for a spinal fusion surgery, you may be worried about the idea of permanently fusing vertebrae in your spine. Many patients facing procedures like a lumbar fusion are rightly concerned about losing flexibility and undergoing a long recovery. At the practice of Rojeh Melikian, M.D., we focus on effective spinal fusion alternatives that restore your lifestyle, not restrict it.
Dr. Melikian is a board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in motion preservation surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery. He utilizes state-of-the-art endoscopic techniques and microscopic surgery to address the root cause of your pain, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional fusion.
Is Non-Fusion Spine Surgery Right for You?
While fusion is necessary for severe instability, it is not the only answer for many common conditions affecting the intervertebral discs. Patients seek Dr. Melikian’s help because they want a solution for their herniated disc, degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis that avoids the drawbacks of fusion, such as these:
- Permanent loss of motion at the surgical site
- Reduced flexibility impacting daily life
- Increased stress on adjacent discs, which can lead to future pain
If this sounds like you, you may be an excellent candidate for a non-fusion spine surgery procedure.
Our Motion-Preserving and Decompression Solutions
Dr. Melikian is an expert in a range of advanced procedures designed to solve pain without fusion.
Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)
As a leading specialist in artificial disc replacement (ADR), Dr. Melikian can replace a damaged disc with one of today’s advanced artificial discs. This state-of-the-art device mimics the natural movement of a healthy disc, preserving motion and protecting your spine from future wear.
Minimally Invasive Decompression
If your pain is caused by pressure on your nerve roots or spinal cord, a decompression surgery may be your best option. Dr. Melikian is an expert in procedures like these:
- Microdecompression: A procedure that removes bone or tissue to relieve pressure, often used to treat spinal stenosis.
- Foraminotomy: This surgery enlarges the spinal canal where the nerve root exits, relieving pinching and radiating pain.
Advanced Stabilization
For select patients who need more support than a decompression but do not require a fusion, dynamic stabilization systems can provide stability while still permitting controlled movement, offering another innovative form of motion preservation surgery.
A Faster Spine Surgery Recovery
A significant advantage of choosing a minimally invasive alternative is a faster and more comfortable spine surgery recovery.
- Shorter hospital stays: Most of these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis or require a single overnight stay.
- Quicker return to activity: Without waiting for bone to fuse, you can begin moving much sooner, returning to your life in weeks, not months.
- Unparalleled safety: Dr. Melikian’s meticulous surgical approach has resulted in a zero MRSA infection rate to date, providing you with critical peace of mind.
Our patient testimonials highlight the proven results of Dr. Melikian’s compassionate and expert care.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
You do not have to accept a treatment plan that limits your future. Discover if one of the modern alternatives to spinal fusion is the right solution for you. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Rojeh Melikian, or call us at 949-828-4966 to learn more.