- Neck Disc Replacement
- X-lif (eXtreme lateral interbody fusion)
- A discectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of the disc that bulges out and presses on a nerve root causing pain (see herniated disc).The “-ectomy” means “…a cutting out.
- Indications for this procedure is unrelenting back or leg pain that has not been relieved by non-surgical methods
- Laminectomy means the removal of the bone that covers the back of the spinal canal.This procedure decompresses the spinal cord and nerve roots giving them more room
- The lamina is the bone that covers the back of the spinal canal… “- ectomy” means “…a cutting out.”
- The surgery may also remove a herniated disc or bony spurs.
- It is intended to relief pain and other symptoms.
What is a forminotomy?
- The foraminotomy is a decompression surgery like a laminectomy, but rather than removing the entire lamina, the surgery opens just the narrowing passageway through which the nerve roots pass from the spinal cord to the body.
- The indications are similar to that of the laminectomy, but the foraminotomy is a less invasive procedure.
What is a spinal fusion?
- A fusion is a procedure used to correct problems associated with instability of the vertebrae of the spine.
- It is designed to eliminate motion by connecting two or more vertebrae together, and can be performed on both the low back or neck.
- In addition there are minimally invasive approaches called X-lif.
Why is a fusion done?
- A fusion is typically recommended when there is instability of the spine leading to pain.It may help eliminate symptoms caused by stenosis, fracture, infection, a tumor, or in some cases degenerative disc disease.
- A fusion may be done from the front, called an ‘anterior fusion,’ or from the back, called a ‘posterior fusion.
- Recent advances have led to lateral interbody fusions and interlaminar lumbar-instrumented fusions, which are less invasive procedures.
Why is a disc replacement done?
- Total disc replacement is often done in place of an instrumented fusion in the neck. The ‘disc’ is made of material that allows for normal movement in the disc that has been replaced.
- While a traditional fusion ‘welds’ two neck vertebrae together, the artificial disc permits more normal motion between two vertebrae after the disc in the neck has been removed.
What is a vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty or khypoplasty is an outpatient procedure designed to relieve pain of patients with a vertebral compression fraction. This fracture causes the vertebrae to partially collapse and leads to instability and pain.
Why is a vertebroplasty done?
The surgery is done to restore stability to the partially collapsed vertebrae. It has been shown to be safe and provide a 90% reduction in pain.
X-lif (eXtreme lateral interbody fusion)
After you have been positioned, an X-ray will be taken to help your doctor precisely locate the operative space. Next, your skin will be marked at the site where the two small incisions will be made. Your surgeon will use the latest instrumentation to access the spine in a minimally disruptive manner. Disc preparation is the next step. This is done by removing the disc tissue which will allow the bones to be fused together. Several X-rays will be taken during this stage to ensure the preparation is correct. Once the disc has been prepared, the surgeon will then place a stabilizing implant into the space to restore the disc height and enable the spine to once again support necessary loads. Once in position, a final X-ray will be taken to confirm correct implant placement. In the event that further stabilization is necessary, the surgeon may choose to insert additional screws, rods, or plates into the vertebrae.