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Types of Spine Surgery
Spine surgery is
rarely an initial
treatment for back
pain, however, there
are a few emergencies
that may require
surgical treatment.
In the vast majority
of patients, spine
surgery is only
considered after a
long course of
conservative therapy.
Spine Surgery Options
Discectomy
A discectomy is a
procedure to remove a
portion of the disc
that rests between
each vertebrae. A
herniated disc is the
most common reason
for spine surgery. In
this type of spine
surgery, the
herniated disc is
removed and relieve
the pressure on the
nerves.
Foramenotomy
A foramenotomy is
also a procedure used
to relieve pressure
on a nerve, but in
this case, the nerve
is being pinched by
more than just
herniated disc. A
foramenotomy removes
a portion of bone and
other tissue that may
be compressing the
nerve as it exits the
spinal column.
Laminectomy
A laminectomy is done
to relieve pressure
on the spinal cord
itself. A laminectomy
is most commonly used
to treat conditions
such as spinal
stenosis
and
spondylolisthesis.
Depending on the
amount of bone
removed, this
procedure may be done
with a spinal fusion
to prevent
instability.
Spine Fusion
A spine fusion is
surgery that is done
to eliminate motion
between adjacent
vertebrae. The spine
fusion may be done
because to treat a
problem such as
spondylolisthesis
(unstable spine), or
it may be done
because of the extent
of other surgery
(such as a
laminectomy).
Spinal Disc
Replacement
Spinal disc
replacement is a new
surgery that is still
quite uncommon. Spine
disc replacement is
done to treat
specific types of
back pain, while
avoiding the problems
associated with spine
fusion surgery.
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