Open Access

Risk factors and treatment strategies for adjacent segment disease following spinal fusion (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Xing Huang
    • Yong Cai
    • Kai Chen
    • Qiang Ren
    • Bo Huang
    • Gang Wan
    • Yuchen Wang
    • Jincheng Lin
    • Jun Zhao
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: November 18, 2024     https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2024.13398
  • Article Number: 33
  • Copyright: © Huang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is a significant clinical complication following cervical and lumbar spinal fusion surgery, characterized by the degeneration of spinal segments adjacent to the fused area. The present literature review aimed to elucidate the risk factors contributing to ASD and to evaluate current and emerging treatment strategies. Epidemiological data indicate that patient‑related factors such as age, pre‑existing spinal degeneration and comorbidities, along with surgical factors including the type of fusion, instrumentation and alignment correction, play pivotal roles in ASD development. Biomechanical alterations post‑fusion further exacerbate the risk. The underlying mechanisms of ASD involve changes in spinal kinematics and disc degeneration, driven by inflammatory and degenerative processes. Diagnostic modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans, are essential for early detection and accurate diagnosis. Preventive strategies emphasize meticulous preoperative planning, advanced surgical techniques and postoperative rehabilitation. Treatment approaches range from conservative methods such as physical therapy and pharmacological interventions to surgical solutions, including revision surgeries and the use of motion‑preserving technologies. Emerging therapies, particularly in regenerative medicine, show promise in mitigating ASD. The present review underscored the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to optimize patient outcomes and highlighted the need for ongoing research to address gaps in the current understanding of ASD in both cervical and lumbar regions.
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February-2025
Volume 31 Issue 2

Print ISSN: 1791-2997
Online ISSN:1791-3004

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Copy and paste a formatted citation
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Spandidos Publications style
Huang X, Cai Y, Chen K, Ren Q, Huang B, Wan G, Wang Y, Lin J and Zhao J: Risk factors and treatment strategies for adjacent segment disease following spinal fusion (Review). Mol Med Rep 31: 33, 2025.
APA
Huang, X., Cai, Y., Chen, K., Ren, Q., Huang, B., Wan, G. ... Zhao, J. (2025). Risk factors and treatment strategies for adjacent segment disease following spinal fusion (Review). Molecular Medicine Reports, 31, 33. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2024.13398
MLA
Huang, X., Cai, Y., Chen, K., Ren, Q., Huang, B., Wan, G., Wang, Y., Lin, J., Zhao, J."Risk factors and treatment strategies for adjacent segment disease following spinal fusion (Review)". Molecular Medicine Reports 31.2 (2025): 33.
Chicago
Huang, X., Cai, Y., Chen, K., Ren, Q., Huang, B., Wan, G., Wang, Y., Lin, J., Zhao, J."Risk factors and treatment strategies for adjacent segment disease following spinal fusion (Review)". Molecular Medicine Reports 31, no. 2 (2025): 33. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2024.13398