If the patient’s back or neck symptoms do not respond to one of the nonsurgical treatments listed above or if the extent of the injuries is severe, a doctor may recommend surgery. These procedures can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as decompression and fusion procedures, or by using open techniques.
Microdiscectomies
Microdiscectomies are a common minimally invasive spine surgery whose goal is to take pressure off the nerves to relieve back pain and leg pain. This treatment used to be performed as an open surgery and was called a discectomy.
Spinal fusion (arthrodesis)
Spinal fusion is a surgery that fuses two or more vertebrae to eliminate painful motion or restore stability to the spine. This surgery takes several hours. These procedures can be done from the front or back part of the spine. In principle, bone graft is used to make a bridge between the vertebrae, which will allow new bone to grow. Screws and rods or plates hold the segment in place until the fusion heals.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) are common fusion procedures in our practice.
Artificial Disc Replacement
Artificial disc replacement is a procedure to remove and replace a degenerating spinal disc with an implant in order to help the spine retain its natural flexibility. These are performed in the cervical and lumbar spine.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is a common treatment for vertebral compression fractures, which can occur in older patients with osteoporosis.
Kyphoplasty is a minimal invasive procedure. It utilizes a balloon that is inflated in the vertebral body creating a channel for the bone cement while restoring height of the vertebral body.
Scoliosis Treatment, Adult & Pediatric
At times spinal surgery is needed for severe or rapidly worsening scoliosis. Surgery for scoliosis includes inserting two metal rods with screws and hooks to hold the spine in place until the bone heals together.
Our center specializes in these complex procedures. A multidisciplinary approach is taken to the deformities. Patient optimization and pre-operative detailed planning are key to a successful outcome.
Tumor Removal
If a tumor can be removed with minimal risk of nerve damage, the doctor may recommend surgery. New technology and techniques have expanded the number of tumors that can be removed that were once considered inoperable.
Laminectomy
A laminectomy surgery removes certain parts of the vertebral bone to increase space within the spinal canal and relieve pressure.
Cervical Laminoplasty
A laminoplasty is a spinal canal expansive procedure which retains the outer covering of the spinal canal. This elegant procedure is performed most commonly for multiple level cervical stenosis in the neck.
Laminotomy
A laminotomy removes a portion of the spine bone that covers the spinal canal. This removes less bone than a laminectomy but also decompresses the neural elements to relieve pressure.
Foraminotomy
A foraminotomy removes the bone or tissue in the neuroforamen, or the passageway, where the nerve roots branch off the spinal cord and exit the spinal column.
Risks of Surgery
As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with spinal surgeries. Prior to surgery, a Golden State Orthopedics & Spine surgeon will go over the specific risks related to your surgery.
Possible risks of spinal surgery include infection, complications from anesthesia, nerve damage, bleeding, and stiffness.