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Motion Preservation in the Lumbar Spine: Total Joint Replacement Restores Function in a 35-Year-Old Patient

While several physicians had recommended spinal fusion surgery, Frank Vrionis, M.D., Ph.D., neurosurgeon and chief of surgery at Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health, took a different approach.

  • By

  • March 3, 2026

  • 4 min

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  • 1

    Marilia Gioia suffered severe chronic back pain affecting her life.

  • 2

    Multiple conservative treatments failed to improve her condition.

  • 3

    Dr. Frank Vrionis recommended a combination of disc replacement and facet arthroplasty.

  • 4

    The surgery helped preserve spinal motion.

  • 5

    Immediately post-surgery, Marilia felt restored sensation in her legs.

  • 6

    She has stopped taking pain medication and started physical therapy.

  • 7

    Motion preservation surgery may offer benefits over spinal fusion.

Original Source(s)

Motion Preservation in the Lumbar Spine: Total Joint Replacement Restores Function in a 35-Year-Old Patient

While several physicians had recommended spinal fusion surgery, Frank Vrionis, M.D., Ph.D., neurosurgeon and chief of surgery at Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health, took a different approach.

  • by

  • March 3, 2026

  • 4 min

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