title: Fusion versus disk replacement for degenerative conditions of the lumbar and cervical spine: quid est testimonium?
abstract: This article compares the outcomes following spinal fusion and disk replacement for degenerative conditions of the lumbar and cervical spine. The short-term outcomes of lumbar and cervical total disk replacement are equivalent to that following spinal fusion. Long-term follow-up studies of total disk replacement are necessary to confirm its potential benefit in reducing or preventing adjacent level degeneration. Also discussed is the philosophy of the surgical management of degenerative conditions of the lumbar and cervical spine.
authors.affiliation: Spine Service, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, St George Hospital and Clinical School, University of New South Wales, 53 Montgomery Street, Kogarah, New South Wales 2217, Australia.
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Kishen
authors.forename: Ashish D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Diwan
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000601:surgery*; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery*; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000601:surgery; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000191:economics; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000191:economics; D016896:Treatment Outcome