Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Transforaminal Full-Endoscopic Lumbar Foraminotomy Under Local Anesthesia for L5/S1 Adjacent Segment Foraminal Stenosis
Published on: October 17, 2025
Adjacent segment degeneration and adjacent segment disease: the consequences of spinal fusion?
Alan S Hilibrand1, Matthew Robbins
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University and The Rothman Institute, 925 Chestnut Street, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. alan.hilibrand@mail.tju.edu
Abstract:
Given the number of spinal fusions performed annually, concerns have mounted over the potential for adjacent segment degeneration (radiographic changes of degeneration at levels adjacent to a spinal fusion) and adjacent segment disease (development of new symptoms correlating with adjacent segment degeneration). This article reviews documented evidence on adjacent segment degeneration and disease as it relates to cervical and lumbar arthrodesis. There appears to be an incidence of adjacent segment degeneration and disease after arthrodesis that may be related to natural degeneration or the adjacent fusion. It remains to be seen whether restoration of motion with disc arthroplasty will alter the rate of adjacent segment degeneration or disease.
Related Concept Videos
Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology