Which Surgical Spine Treatments Are Available to Me?

If you are an individual battling severe back pain or spine disease, surgical treatment is available to you. From spinal fusions to disc replacements, suggested surgical procedures can vary based on a patient’s specialized needs. At Spine Solutions, we tailor your surgical spine treatment to your individual needs, while also championing the least invasive options.

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy

A micro-endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a tubular device. It is designed to relieve pain caused by herniated discs pressing on nerve roots.

Disc Replacements

An artificial disc replacement is one of the newer surgical options in the United States treating painful lumbar discs. With two implant technologies available, artificial disc replacement is becoming more popular and discussed more frequently as a spine treatment option.

Lumbar Laminectomy

This spine surgery involves removing a portion of the vertebral bone to relieve excess pressure on the spinal nerve (or nerves) in the lower back. Ultimately, a lumbar laminectomy will enlarge the spinal canal to achieve relief.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

An anterior lumbar interbody fusion, or ALIF, is a spine surgery that involves approaching the spine from the front (anterior) of the body to remove all or part of a herniated disc. The disc is removed from in between two adjacent vertebrae (interbody) in the lower back (lumbar spine). Then, the vertebrae on either side of the remaining disc space are fused together using bone graft or bone graft substitute.

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

A transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, or TLIF, is a form of spine surgery in which the lumbar spine is approached through an incision in the back. The name of the procedure is derived from: transforaminal (through the foramen), lumbar (lower back), interbody (implants or bone graft placed between two vertebral bodies) and fusion (spinal stabilization).

Cervical Corpectomy

The procedure typically involves accessing the cervical spine from the front (anterior). Usually, spinal fusion is necessary because of the amount of vertebral bone and/or disc material that must be removed to achieve sufficient decompression of the neural structures.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion

In a cervical discectomy, the surgeon accesses the cervical spine through a small incision in the neck and removes all or part of the disc that is pressing on the nerves and causing pain. In some cases, the surgeon may also remove bone material.

Spinal fusion involves placing bone graft between two or more affected vertebrae to promote bone growth between the vertebral bodies. The graft material acts as a binding medium and helps maintain normal disc height. As the body heals, the vertebral bone and bone graft eventually grow together to join the vertebrae and stabilize the spine.

Lumbar Interspinous Spacer

Interspinous spacers are used to treat lumbar spinal stenosis. With spinal stenosis, the spinal canal is narrowed around the spinal cord or nerve roots. The interspinous spacer is the latest technology used to treat and stabilize the affected level. A small incision (3 cm) is made between the spinous processes at the level of stenosis. The level is decompressed and expanded a few millimeters to free the spinal canal and alleviate nerve or cord pressure. A spacer is inserted between the two spinous processes to keep the space open. The procedure takes approximately one hour, and the patient usually experiences immediate relief.

Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

Designed to treat sacroiliitis, sacroiliac joint fusion is a new, minimally invasive technique. No metal rods or screws are needed for this treatment, and just one small incision (3cm) is made regardless of bilateral or unilateral pain. At Spine Solutions, Dr. Myers uses small plugs made of bone to prevent the sacroiliac joint from rubbing together. This is a permanent solution as the joints fuse together. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes, and minimal pain is experienced once completed.

Before opting for a specific surgical spine treatment, consult your doctor to ensure that option is appropriate for your condition. Our team at Spine Solutions will educate you on each treatment available, allowing for optimal patient care. To schedule a consultation with our spine specialists, please call Spine Solutions at (954) 329-1769.