Spinal surgery is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It may be performed to treat a spinal disorder or injury or to remove a tumor or other mass from the spine. Spinal surgery Washington, PA, is often performed by neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and spine surgeons but may also be done by general surgeons in some cases.
Here are reasons why spinal surgery is performed and the types of spinal surgeries.
Why is spinal surgery performed?
There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend spinal surgery. Spinal surgery can be performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, repair a problem with the spine, and treat an infection of the spine. It is usually performed as part of a treatment plan for other conditions or injuries in addition to treating spinal problems.
When you are being evaluated for spinal surgery, your doctor will want to know your symptoms, how long they have been present, and whether any pain is associated with them. They will also ask about any other health conditions you may have and any medications you take. Your doctor may also perform tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to help determine if surgery is necessary.
Types of spinal surgery include:
Cervical laminectomy: A procedure in which part of the bony vertebral arch is removed to allow room for the spinal cord and nerve roots, which can then expand outward. This relieves compression on the nerves and blood vessels in the spine, allowing these structures to heal properly.
Cervical discectomy: Removal of herniated disc material from between vertebral bones. The removed material may be sent for analysis for specific diseases that could have caused it to bulge out into the spinal canal, for example, cancer.
Hysteroscopic lumbar discectomy: A minimally invasive form of surgery that involves using a hysteroscopy to remove a herniated disc. Hysteroscopic lumbar discectomy uses a thin telescope inserted through an incision in the abdomen or via the vagina to remove herniated discs from the spine. The procedure is performed with general anesthesia and does not require open-back surgery.
Disc replacement: A disc replacement is an operation in which the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc made from metal or plastic. This type of surgery is only suitable for patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and is usually performed on younger people who want to avoid future problems with their spine.
Fusion: Fusion involves joining two or more vertebrae together using bone grafts, titanium rods, screws, or other materials such as cages or plates. It can be done using either an anterior or posterior approach, depending on where the vertebrae have fused. In some cases, there may be damage to other structures in the spine which need to be corrected during fusion surgery, such as nerve roots or discs.
Spinal stabilization: Using wires, rods, or screws to stabilize a segment of the spine after fusion has been performed to prevent movement between affected vertebrae while healing occurs.
Decompression surgery: This is done to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves in the spine. Sometimes a disk (intervertebral disk) presses on the spinal cord or nerves and causes pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs. Decompression surgery can relieve this pressure by removing part of an intervertebral disk or performing a fenestration, making a small opening in part of the vertebrae.
Spinal surgery is a complex procedure, and each case is unique. The decision to have surgery should not be made lightly. Some people with spinal stenosis may not need surgery. Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center specialists will help you decide whether you are a candidate for surgery based on your symptoms, diagnosis, and test results.
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