Motion Preservation Procedures in Milwaukee, WI
What Is Motion Preservation in Spine Surgery?
Motion preservation refers to a surgical approach that maintains movement in the spine rather than restricting it. In traditional spinal fusion, two or more vertebrae are joined together to limit painful motion. Motion preservation surgery aims to keep the spine flexible, aligned, and functioning naturally while relieving pressure on nerves or damaged structures.
These procedures are becoming more common for patients who want to reduce pain without losing range of motion. Motion-preserving techniques can help treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and chronic back or neck pain.
At Branko Prpa Spine Surgery, Dr. Prpa and his team use a patient-first philosophy to determine when a motion-preserving option provides the safest and most effective outcome. The most widely used method is artificial disc replacement, which is a form of restorative motion surgery designed to mimic the natural movement of a healthy disc.
Dr. Prpa’s approach is grounded in careful evaluation, modern technology, and a commitment to preserving quality of life through advanced motion preservation surgery of the spine.
What Is Artificial Disc Replacement?
Artificial disc replacement is a newer surgical procedure for relieving back or neck pain. An artificial disc replaces an intervertebral disc in the spine with an artificial one (also called a disc replacement, disc prosthesis or spine arthroplasty device). The artificial disc is meant to restore motion to the spine by replacing the worn, degenerated disk. This technology has been available in Europe since the late 1980′s. Artificial disk replacement gained FDA approval for use in the lumbar spine in the U.S. in 2004.
Artificial Disc Replacement vs. Spinal Fusion Surgery
Spinal fusion surgery remains the “gold standard” for treating back and neck pain. Although many people with back and neck pain find relief with a typical fusion everybody is different. If a patient is a candidate for an artificial disc, then replacing the disc with the artificial disc helps the patient maintain full motion which is not the case with a fusion. A normal healthy spine allows motion at each of the discs throughout the spine. Ideally, your surgeon would like to restore your spine to this normal state.
Currently, the treatment for many painful spinal conditions is fusion, which eliminates motion of the painful spinal segment. Artificial discs are designed to allow motion after surgery that is as normal as possible. Also with fusion, there is a possibility that the fusion of one part of the spine forces the discs and vertebra above and/or below to carry more load and motion. This may result in more wear and tear than normal. The artificial disc may significantly reduce this risk.
Types of Artificial Disc Replacement
There are many artificial disc designs classified into two general types: total disc replacement and disc nucleus replacement. With a total disc replacement, all or most of the disc tissue is removed and a replacement device is implanted into the space between the vertebra. With a disc nucleus replacement, only the center of the disc (the nucleus) is removed and replaced with an implant. The outer part of the disc (the annulus) is not removed.
Who Is a Candidate for Motion Preservation Surgery?
Good candidates for disk replacement have the following:
- Back pain thought to be caused mostly from one or two intervertebral disks in the spine
- No significant facet joint disease or bony compression on nerves
- Not excessively overweight
- No prior major surgery in that area of the spine
- No deformity (scoliosis) (spondylosis)
- No instability at that level
- No instability at that level
Dr. Prpa uses imaging, physical examination, and medical history to determine candidacy. Every evaluation focuses on identifying whether a motion-preserving option can address your symptoms while protecting long-term spinal health.
Benefits of Motion Preservation Surgery
Motion-preserving techniques offer meaningful advantages compared to traditional fusion. Key benefits include:
- Maintaining natural spinal movement
- Faster recovery timelines for many patients
- Reduced stress on segments above and below the surgical level
- Lower risk of accelerated wear in surrounding discs
- Improved flexibility and posture
- Potential reductions in pain and stiffness
Often, minimally invasive methods lead to shorter hospital stays, smaller incisions, and fewer complications. Many patients also report improvements in daily mobility, physical comfort, and overall quality of life after motion-preserving procedures.
Consult Dr. Branko Prpa About Motion Preservation Procedures
With more than 5,000 successful surgeries and advanced training from the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Branko Prpa is Wisconsin’s trusted expert in motion preservation spine surgery. He specializes in minimally invasive approaches and motion-preserving techniques that support long-term mobility and spinal health.
Dr. Prpa provides personalized care focused on transparency, education, and patient comfort. He performs spinal procedures – including spinal decompression procedures – in Milwaukee and offers guidance tailored to each individual’s spinal condition and lifestyle.
If you are ready to explore motion-preserving options or want expert insight on your spinal health, you can schedule a consultation.