Hybrid Disc Replacement & Fusion Surgery

Hybrid disc replacement and fusion surgery is a specialized procedure that combines two techniques: spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement. Spinal fusion is a spinal surgery to join two or more vertebrae to prevent movement and provide stability, Artificial disc replacement, on the other hand, is a spinal surgery to replace a damaged spinal disc with an artificial one to relieve pain, provide stability and maintain spinal motion. Hybrid disc replacement and fusion surgery is used when multiple levels of the spine are affected by conditions like degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or spinal instability, but not every level is suitable for disc replacement. By fusing the most damaged or unstable levels and replacing other discs with artificial ones, hybrid disc replacement and fusion surgery can relieve pain, restore stability, and preserve as much natural movement as possible. 

What Is Hybrid Disc Replacement and Fusion Surgery?

Hybrid disc replacement and fusion surgery is an advanced spinal surgery procedure that combines two approaches to treat complex spinal problems affecting multiple levels of the spine. In this surgery, the most damaged or unstable spinal segments are stabilized using spinal fusion, while other segments that are less affected are treated with artificial disc replacement. This tailored combination allows patients to benefit from both pain relief and improved mobility, which is especially important for maintaining an active lifestyle.

A hybrid approach is typically used when a patient has more than one problematic disc, but not all segments are suitable for disc replacement alone. Common conditions treated with hybrid spine surgery include:

• Degenerative disc disease: Wear and tear of the discs that often comes from age and genetics 
• Herniated discs: A disc bulges or ruptures
• Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal 
• Radiculopathy: Nerve pain from compressed nerves

By addressing each spinal level with the most appropriate technique, hybrid surgery relieves pain, restores stability, and preserves spinal motion.

When to Choose Hybrid Spine Surgery

Hybrid spine surgery is typically considered when patients have multi-level disc degeneration, that is, disease affecting two or more spinal levels, but are also not good candidates for artificial disc replacement at every spinal level. Good candidates for hybrid spine surgery are often active individuals under 50 with well-preserved spinal mobility at some levels, no severe osteoporosis, and minimal facet joint degeneration. For example, a 2025 study of 305 lumbar hybrid surgery patients showed significant pain reduction (back pain scores improved from 6.7 to 3.3) and functional gains, with 83.9% avoiding reoperations over a 67-month follow-up. This approach is particularly effective for conditions like degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis that affect both stable and unstable spinal segments. Research shows hybrid constructs preserve 80-90% of natural cervical spine motion compared to fusion, reducing stress on adjacent discs. A 2020 meta-analysis confirmed hybrid surgery’s superiority in maintaining range of motion over traditional fusion techniques.

Hybrid surgery prioritizes spinal motion preservation, making it better suited for younger, physically active patients compared to full, multi-level fusion. Dr. John Peloza will consider your spinal stability, disc height at replacement levels, and spinal alignment along with your functional goals to help you decide on the best path for you.  

How the Procedure Works

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how Hybrid Spine Surgery works:

1. You are placed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort and safety during the procedure.
2. Dr. Peloza makes an incision—either in the front of the neck for cervical (neck) surgery or through the abdomen for lumbar (lower back) surgery—to access the affected spinal segments.
3. Dr. Peloza carefully exposes your spine and identifies the damaged discs that need treatment.
4. At each problematic spinal level, the diseased disc is removed to relieve pressure on nerves and the spinal cord.
5. For the level(s) that are too damaged or unstable for disc replacement, a spinal fusion is performed by inserting a bone graft or spacer to permanently join (fuse) the adjacent vertebrae and provide stability.
6. For the spinal level(s) best suited for motion preservation, an artificial disc is implanted to maintain flexibility and movement.
7. Once all levels are treated, Dr. Peloza closes the incision with sutures (stitches).
8. You are then moved to the recovery area for monitoring.

While some people can go home within hours of arriving, some patients stay in the hospital overnight before starting the post-surgical recovery process.

Benefits of Hybrid Spine Surgery

Hybrid spine surgery combines the stability of spinal fusion with the motion-preserving benefits of artificial disc replacement. Studies show that patients who undergo hybrid procedures experience significant improvements in pain and function; one study reported back pain scores dropping from 6.7 to 3.3 and disability scores improving from 45.5 to 24.6 after hybrid surgery. Importantly, hybrid surgery preserves a greater range of motion compared to traditional fusion alone. A study found that 63.5% of lumbar spine movement was retained in the hybrid group, while the fusion-only group lost all motion at the treated levels. This preservation of movement can help patients maintain a more active lifestyle and reduce the risk of additional stress or degeneration in the spinal segments above and below the treated area.

Another key benefit is that hybrid surgery can deliver long-lasting relief from symptoms of multi-level disc degeneration, spinal stenosis, and similar conditions. Research also suggests that the rate of complications and re-operations remains low. Only 16.1% of patients needed further surgery over a ten-year period, and most of those surgeries were minor procedures. By tailoring the treatment to each spinal level, hybrid surgery provides pain relief, improved function, and better overall spine health, which helps patients return to the activities they enjoy with less restriction and discomfort.

Risks and Recovery

Hybrid spine surgery offers significant benefits but carries risks similar to other spinal procedures. The most common complications include infection, nerve damage, non-union/non-fusion and implant-related issues like migration or wear. The risk of complications increases with the number of spinal levels treated, though hybrid surgery avoids the higher risks of multi-level fusion alone.

Recovery can involve a hospital stay. Patients can usually resume light activities within 1-2 weeks. Most patients achieve 80-90% pain reduction by 3 months, but full fusion healing can take 6-12 months. Early recovery focuses on managing surgical site discomfort and gradually increasing mobility, while avoiding heavy lifting or bending for 6-8 weeks. 

Rehabilitation follows a phased approach:

• Weeks 1-6: Gentle walking, core stabilization exercises, and avoiding lifting >10 lbs.
• Months 2-3: Physical therapy to restore flexibility and strength, with low-impact exercises like stationary biking.
• Months 4-6: Gradual return to moderate activities (e.g., swimming, golf), while heavy labor or contact sports are cleared after 6-12 months. Structured rehab programs reduce adjacent segment degeneration risk by maintaining spinal mobility. Adhering to surgeon-guided timelines is critical—studies show patients who follow protocols regain full activity 30% faster than those who rush recovery.

Dr. John Peloza is a Leader in Hybrid Disc Replacement & Fusion Surgery

Experience is crucial when it comes to hybrid disc replacement and fusion surgery. These procedures require advanced surgical skill and a deep understanding of spinal biomechanics. Dr. John Peloza stands out as a true leader in this field, with over three decades of experience and a reputation for pioneering minimally invasive and motion-preserving spine techniques. He is board-certified, fellowship-trained, and has contributed extensively to peer-reviewed spine literature. Dr. Peloza has also authored book chapters and presented at hundreds of national and international medical meetings. 

Dr. Peloza’s expertise means patients benefit from the latest innovations and proven techniques, reducing risks and improving outcomes. Patients consistently praise Dr. Peloza for his life-changing results, compassionate care, and clear communication. Testimonials highlight his ability to restore mobility and relieve pain. Dr. Peloza’s extensive credentials, patient-centered philosophy, and recognition as a “Top Surgeon” and “Best Doctor in America” underscore his commitment to delivering exceptional care in hybrid spine surgery.

Take the first step toward lasting relief and restored mobility—schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. Peloza today.