Traditional Spine Surgery Procedures
1) Traditional lumbar fusion
Traditional lumbar fusion or traditional spinal fusion is performed in order to treat spine instability, critical disc degeneration, scoliosis, and the combination of these spinal problems. As one of the traditional spine surgery procedures, traditional lumbar fusion involves utilizing bone acquired from the body of the patient in order to fuse together one vertebrae with another. Pedicle screws are attached to the vertebrae in order to increase stability in the motion segment and help in the process of fusion.
2) Microdiscectomy
Another traditional spine surgery procedure is microdiscectomy. This procedure is performed to treat sciatica caused by herniated disc that impinges the nerve located in the spine. Microdiscectomy requires making a tiny incision on the lower back and removing the herniated disc that stresses the spinal nerve.
3) Laminectomy
Laminectomy is another traditional spine surgery procedure and it helps correct stenosis. Spinal stenosis happens when there is pressure on the lower back nerves. This procedure involves making an incision on the back of the spine and allowing the surgeon to pull out thickened ligaments and bone spurs that are causing the pressure on the lower back nerves.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Procedures
1) Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion with percutaneous instrumentation
One of the minimally invasive spine surgery procedures is the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with the accompaniment of percutaneous instrumentation. In this particular surgery, the surgeon will place screws and rods in between muscle fibers via intraoperative X-ray or computer navigation. This is less invasive than the traditional spinal fusion surgery that involves the removal of muscles from the spine.
2) Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Another minimally invasive spine surgery procedure is the lateral lumbar interbody fusion. This procedure will require the surgeon to make a tiny incision under the ribs on the patient’s side in order to reach the spine laterally. Through this procedure, the surgeon will be able to carry out spinal fusion but without the disruption of spine muscles. This is way less invasive than the traditional lumbar fusion.
When To Seek Medical Attention
If you are feeling something painful or serious on your back, your neck, or your spine, you should immediately seek medical attention in order to diagnose your condition and do the proper treatment. There are many health care providers, like spine.md, that present information and perform procedures that promote the health and strength of your spine.