Spine Surgery: Explained
Spine surgery is exactly what it sounds like; surgery on your spine. Spinal surgery is performed by a licensed surgeon, typically an orthopedic (bone) surgeon in a proper medical facility. This form of surgery tends to differ from other surgeries because of the delicate nature of this particular area of the body. The spine extends from the skull down into the pelvis (hips) traversing vertically down the upper torso. The tissue contained therein is delicate and fragile, which is why it is surrounded by strong, firm bones. Despite the delicate nature of the tissue inside and around the spinal column the majority of these surgeries are very successful.
When Spine Surgery is Needed
Virtually anyone may require spinal surgery in their life. The majority of spine surgeries are performed on individuals following injuries such as car accidents, falls, or those related to athletics. Traumatic events such as these can cause the spine to be twisted, fractured, broken or otherwise injured warranting the necessity of surgery. In addition all parts of the body eventually wear down and the spine is no different. Many people who elect to have spinal surgery do so to correct posture, eliminate pain, and repair long term damage due to aging which hasn’t resulted from a particular accident or injury.
The Spine Surgery Process
There are many forms of spinal surgery. Many spinal surgeries are not invasive meaning a very small amount of tissue around the designated area is disrupted by incision or other surgical procedures. Surgeries on the spine are done to relieve pressure on a nerve or spinal cord as well as to fuse two vertebrae (bones in your spine) together to eliminate what is known as an “unstable spine”. The removal of a portion of the vertebrae is often done to relieve pressure on a nerve or the spinal cord respectively. Correcting damage done to the spine and surrounding tissue is performed for the purpose of enhancing the quality of an individual’s life.
Other Spine Surgery Services
Anterior cervical discectomy/fusion (ACDF)
Posterior cervical laminotomy
Cervical laminectomy/fusion
Cervical laminoplasty
Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF)
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)
Lumbar laminectomy/fusion
Micro lumbar discectomy
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF)
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)
Scoliosis Treatment