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Reversing Cervical Spinal Fusion with Dr. Alexander Taghva

Dr. Alexander Taghva is a board-certified neurosurgeon in Orange County specializing in advanced motion-preserving spine surgery, including artificial disc replacement and cervical spinal fusion reversal. For carefully selected patients, it may be possible to remove a prior fusion and restore motion to the neck using the latest generation of artificial cervical discs. This approach can help reduce stress on adjacent levels, improve flexibility, and promote a more natural spine alignment.

949-388-7190

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Can Spinal Fusion Be Reversed?

In select cases, cervical spinal fusion can be reversed. If your previous fusion was performed through an anterior approach only (front of the neck), it may be possible to remove the fusion and replace it with an artificial disc. This is known as cervical fusion reversal or fusion-to-disc conversion.

Currently, lumbar (lower back) fusion reversal is technically more challenging and rarely performed.

Benefits of Reversing Cervical Spinal Fusion

Reduced adjacent segment disease

Artificial discs preserve motion, potentially reducing stress on the discs above and below the fused level.

Improved range of motion

Patients may experience increased neck flexibility and more natural biomechanics.

Potential symptom relief

Some patients report decreased stiffness or discomfort associated with the prior fusion.

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Who Are Candidates for Cervical Fusion Reversal?

Prior anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) of 1–4 levels.

Intact posterior elements (no prior posterior surgery).

Adequate bone quality and alignment on imaging studies.

Who Are Not Candidates?

History of posterior fusion or laminectomy.

Evidence of facet joint fusion or severe arthritis on CT scan.

Spinal deformity (kyphosis) or instability (spondylolisthesis).

Ongoing spinal cord compression or myelopathy.

Previous corpectomy (removal of the vertebral body).

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Taghva

If you’ve previously undergone cervical spinal fusion and are wondering whether a fusion reversal or artificial disc replacement could restore your neck’s natural movement, schedule a consultation with Dr. Alexander Taghva in Orange County, California. Dr. Taghva will personally review your imaging, discuss candidacy, and outline a treatment plan tailored to your goals.

Call our office or request an appointment online to learn if cervical fusion reversal is right for you.

949-388-7190

Lateral cervical spine X-ray showing surgical hardware and fusion levels used for preoperative surgical evaluation — X-rays help identify spinal hardware and fusion levels before cervical spine surgery.

Preoperative Workup

Evaluation includes MRI, CT, and X-rays of the cervical spine, as well as a detailed consultation with Dr. Taghva. Prior surgical records and operative reports are very helpful, as they identify the hardware type and fusion levels that may influence surgical planning.

My husband Tom had a great experience with Dr. Taghva recently. Very professional staff and ultra clean facility and amazing, personable nurses. Dr. Taghva spent quality time with us prior to committing to the surgery explaining the various options and outcomes. He had a calming bedside manner. Office appointments were always smooth and on time. His excruciating pain is nearly gone after the laminectomies within two weeks. We are glad to be under his care now moving forward. Thank you!!

5 stars
Julie Lytle

How Is the Procedure Performed?

A small incision is made on the front of the neck, often through the same scar as the original surgery. Scar tissue is carefully released, and the previous hardware and bony fusion are removed using specialized microsurgical tools.

An artificial cervical disc is then inserted in place of the fusion to restore motion at that level.

Do All Fused Levels Need to Be Converted?

Not always. In many cases, converting just the top or bottom levels of a multi-level fusion to artificial discs can provide significant benefit by restoring motion and reducing stress on the remaining levels.

Risks and Considerations

Anterior cervical spine surgery is generally safe, but risks include:

Bleeding, infection, or neck hematoma

Hoarseness or vocal cord weakness (recurrent laryngeal nerve injury)

Difficulty swallowing (temporary dysphagia)

Esophageal or vascular injury (rare)

Inability to remove the fusion or convert to a disc replacement

Nerve or spinal cord injury

Long-term device failure

Close-up 3D model of cervical spine with artificial disc implant illustrating potential risks of anterior neck surgery — Cervical disc replacement reduces fusion-related complications but still carries surgical risks.

These risks are similar to those associated with ACDF or cervical disc replacement surgery.

Recovery

Cervical fusion reversal is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients go home within 4–6 hours after surgery.

A small drain may be placed and removed within 24 hours.

A soft neck brace is usually worn for 2 weeks (no driving during this time).

Most patients resume normal activities within 4–6 weeks.

Are you ready to meet a leading Orange County Neurosurgeon?

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Insurance and Cost

At this time, insurance does not cover cervical fusion reversal. It is considered an elective, non-covered service.

Costs vary based on the number of levels involved and the complexity of hardware removal.

For the right patient, however, the potential to regain motion and prevent future degeneration may be worth the investment.

Dr. Alexander Taghva, MD, FAANS — Dr. Alexander Taghva – Board-Certified Neurosurgeon

Why Choose Dr. Alexander Taghva

Dr. Alexander Taghva is a leading board-certified neurosurgeon, specializing in brain surgery, endoscopic spine surgery, as well as spine disorders. Also, he is the only spine surgeon in Orange County and southern California who offers endoscopic laminotomy surgery. Dr. Taghva:

Graduated from John Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of California
Completed a prestigious fellowship at The Ohio State University in Neuromodulation and Functional Neurosurgery
Specializes in minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery, spinal stenosis, artificial disc replacement, spinal disorders, spinal surgery revision, and other spinal conditions.
Specializes in brain surgery to treat trigeminal neuralgia, brain tumors, pituitary tumors, and Parkinson’s disease.
A highly-respected neurosurgeon with many years of experience, including treating chronic pain via stimulation of the spinal cord and brain
Actively involved in medical research and the lead investigator for clinical trials on spinal cord stimulation