Motion Preservation Surgery
Restore Your Motion and Flexibility
The traditional surgical treatment for a damaged disc whether in the neck or lumbar spine is usually a lumbar fusion. In the right circumstances, this fusion which can be either an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), or a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is an excellent choice, especially if done with a minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) technique in an outpatient setting. These surgeries can relieve significant pain and allow patients to resume their normal, daily activities.
Recently, spine surgeons now have a new non-fusion treatment for patients suffering from both neck and back pain due to a damaged, painful disc. This new treatment is a disc replacement in which a damaged disc is removed and replaced with a mechanical device which replicates the natural movement of the lumbar or cervical disc. The benefits of a cervical total disc replacement (CTDR) or a lumbar total disc replacement (LTDR) is that by preserving motion has the potential of not placing additional stress on the adjacent undamaged discs.
Both CTDR and LTDR are placed from an anterior approach; that is, from the front of the spine, and in each case the damaged disc is removed and replaced with the disc replacement that fits in between the adjacent vertebral bodies. After surgery, early movement by the patient is encouraged. For patients who have both back/neck and leg/arm pain, they can expect to relieve of their symptoms. Not only does the artificial disc support the adjacent vertebral bodies, but it also successfully removes pressure from the pinched nerves.
The main concern about disc replacements is that, like any mechanical device such as a knee or hip replacement, it can wear out over time requiring the removal and another replacement. Additionally, not every patient with a damaged disc is a candidate for a TDR. In patients where the disc is too damaged and there is too much arthritis, a TDR is not a good option since the disc replacement will continue the movement of a painful joint. In these patients, a MISS cervical or lumbar fusion is a better option.
“I am very lucky to have Dr. Tyndall he is very professional and an excellent surgeon He came very highly recommended by several Doctors I was nervous and concerned with having fusion surgery but because of him I can say I am definitely on the road to recovery and having my quality of life back!!”
– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com
“Dr. Dwight Tyndall is the BEST orthopedic surgeon on the planet! He is always concerned about your overall health and gives the best care ever. His bedside manner is beyond exceptional. You always feel comfortable with him and you know you are receiving excellent treatment. I had back problems for over 5 years and not one doctor could help me until I met him. After one visit, I knew I would finally have the relief I was looking for. His nurse Carrie is wonderful and very attentive as well!”
– Laurie via healthgrades.com
“Not only do I completely trust Dr. Tyndall to have performed cervical & lumbar fusions in my spine, but also he completely trusted me. Dr. Tyndall has been my spine surgeon for nearly 3 yrs. He provides all information needed & answers any questions with ease & friendliness. Dr. Tyndall is very professional, yet has a unique way about him to understand my concerns & makes me feel comfortable as a human being. Doctor has a genuine concern for your well-being. He has improved my livelihood 100%.”
– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com
“Dr. Tyndall, Nurse Carrie and NP Tamara Lee are the most compassionate, knowledgeable and helpful medical professionals I’ve ever met. I highly recommend their services! I was experiencing excruciating pain as a result of a herniated disc. Not only did they listen to me, they did everything they could to help me, including performing a MUCH NEEDED urgent surgery to fix my back problems, on Christmas Eve! Although I am still in the recovery process I feel 100% better. I am forever thankful!”
– Melissa M. via healthgrades.com
“I cannot say enough about Dr. Tyndall and Nurse Carrie. After having back pain which was unrelieved by pain management, I was very skeptical that my pain could ever be relieved. Dr. Tyndall saw me promptly, reviewed my films, and explained my care plan in language I could understand. I had surgery and was back to work in a few weeks. I am so happy that Dr. Tyndall performed my surgery. I have been pain-free ever since. I highly recommend Dr. Tyndall to anyone wanting quality care.”
– Jeff via healthgrades.com
“I have been working with Dr. Tyndall and his team of specialist for the past 2.5 years. They correctly diagnosed my condition and offered me options and alternatives before deciding to correct my physical some issues. I am still far away for being healthy, but I feel I am receiving the best care, advice, and the options to solve my condition long term. His team was the first I got listen to my concerns and provide the proper diagnosis and solution. I have long term PT, but I know I am on the path to recovery long term success.”
– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com
“I have been a patient of Dr. Tyndall since 2009 and I am very pleased with the level of service and commitment he has towards his patients. He does not do surgery unless it is the only solution to your medical problem, in other words as a last resort. His nurse Carrie is so helpful, friendly and knowledgeable, she makes you very comfortable during your visit. I would highly recommend him.”
– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com
“Dr. Tyndall is by far the best doctor i have ever seen. Went to other specialists and was told that there was nothing they could do for me. Have not felt this good in years but he has done great work on me. I highly recommend Dr. Tyndall.”
– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com
“Was very personable from the first time I meet him! Always concerned about what was going on before and after my surgery. His nurse Kerri is always pleasant and nice to talk to. Had to call her a couple of times, and she had no problem calling me back every time I called! And helped me with all my questions. She took time on her day off to bring my neck brace to the surgery center, because she had to order one because they were out of my size. That just goes to show the Big Hearts they have for their patients that they take care of and help! Both are Awesome!”
– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com
“Dr. Dwight Tyndall has gifted hands. He and his team did a wonderful job in surgery on my spine; afterwards, no pain, short rehab, good to go. Got back problems? This IS your guy!”
– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com
“Dr. Tyndall has become my hero. He has helped with my chronic back pain and I am forever thankful. He was always willing to listen and encouraged me to contact his staff with any questions. When I did have a question, I never was made to feel like I was a bother and that I truly mattered. This doctor and his staff are worth every penny. So glad I found Dr. Tyndall.”
– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com
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Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Spine Surgeon
Dwight S. Tyndall, MD, FAAOS
Get a consultation with the premier spine surgeon for back and neck pain options.