Surgical Treatment
Other Complex Spine Surgery Procedures
Spinal decompression is a broad term encompassing several surgical procedures to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. This pressure, often caused by spinal stenosis, herniated discs, tumors, or bone spurs, can lead to significant pain, numbness, and in severe cases, loss of mobility or function.
A hemivertebra is a congenital spinal anomaly where a vertebra develops incompletely or is wedge-shaped, leading to an abnormal spine curvature. This condition can result in progressive spinal deformities such as scoliosis (sideways curvature) or kyphosis (forward curvature). The decision to proceed with surgery considers the severity of the deformity, the patient's age, and the potential for progression. Correcting the spinal deformity can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the condition, improving the overall quality of life and functionality.
Spondylolisthesis, a condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, can lead to spinal instability and nerve compression. This can cause significant back pain, leg pain, and neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness. Decompression laminectomy and fusion is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing these issues.
Scoliosis and kyphosis are both spinal deformities characterized by curvatures of the spine. Scoliosis in adults is characterized by an abnormal, side-to-side curvature of the spine, often accompanied by a rotation of the vertebrae. Adult scoliosis can either be a progression of a condition that began in childhood or develop due to degenerative changes in the spine, such as arthritis, disc degeneration, or osteoporosis.
Kyphosis refers to an excessive forward curvature of the spine, leading to a hunched-back appearance. While it can arise from developmental issues, in adults, it's more commonly caused by degenerative diseases, osteoporotic fractures, or long-standing poor posture.
Foraminoplasty is a surgical procedure to relieve nerve root compression in the spine. The term "foramen" refers to the small openings on either side of the vertebrae through which the spinal nerve roots exit. Foraminoplasty specifically targets these foramina, enlarging them to relieve pressure on the nerves. This condition, known as foraminal stenosis, often results from degenerative changes in the spine, such as arthritis, herniated discs, or bone spurs, and who have not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication.
Revision spine surgery refers to a second (or subsequent) surgical procedure performed on the spine after a previous spine surgery. This type of surgery is considered when the initial surgery has not achieved the desired outcomes or has led to complications. Given the unique challenges each patient's case presents, it's a complex area of spinal surgery.
Spine tumor surgery addresses a wide range of neoplasms that can affect the spinal column, spinal cord, and surrounding structures. These tumors vary in their histological characteristics, which significantly influence their behavior, treatment approach, and prognosis.
Spinal infections, though less common than other spinal disorders, can be severe and may require surgical intervention. These infections can involve different parts of the spine: the vertebrae (osteomyelitis), the intervertebral discs (discitis), or the space around the spinal cord (epidural abscess). The most common causative agents are bacteria, with Staphylococcus aureus being a frequent culprit. Fungal or tubercular infections, though rarer, can also affect the spine.