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What is adjacent segment degeneration after fusion of the neck?

After a segment of the spine is fused, the natural body response is to find a way to increase the range of motion that has been lost. This is usually at the expense of the segment above and or below the level of the fusion. This additional stress on the adjacent segments seems to increase the rate of degeneration at these joints. If this causes pain, further surgery may be needed to extend the fusion.

Reference: 

J.D. Auerbach et al. The prevalence of indications and contraindications to cervical total disc replacement. SpineJ. September 2008. Volume 8. Issue 5. Pp. 711-716.


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