Do all cervical discectomies require a fusion as well?

Cervical discectomies are done for cervical spine Arthritis called as spondylosis.

They are also done for compression of the spinal cord or a nerve root.

If the discectomy is done from the front of the cervical spine, fusion is generally done. if the patient is young and disease is at single level, cervical disc replacement can also be done to avoid fusion and preserve motion, but studies say the outcomes are the same with both the procedures.

If the nerve root compression is the only problem then the nerve root decompression can also be done by what is called as cervical formainotomy where the spine is approached from the back. If this procedure is done fusion is not necessary.