Adjacent Segment Disease Treatment Guidelines

Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is a condition where the spinal segments next to a previously fused vertebrae degenerate, often following spinal fusion surgery. This degeneration can lead to symptoms such as pain, instability, and neurological deficits.

ASD is diagnosed through patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. These diagnostic tools help detect degenerative changes in the adjacent segments and guide appropriate treatment.

Treatment for ASD includes conservative management such as physical therapy and medications, interventional procedures like epidural steroid injections and facet joint injections, and surgical options, including artificial disc replacement and extension of fusion. Treatment choice depends on the severity of symptoms and the patient's overall condition.