Surgical Procedures

Laminectomy – helps relieve pressure on the spinal cord by opening the spinal canal. The lamina which is the posterior roof of the spinal canal is either lifted or removed to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves. A fusion may be considered if stabilization is an issue.

Discectomy – a common surgical procedure to treat the damaged discs by either removing the ruptured portion of the disc (microdiscectomy) in order to relieve the pressure on the nerve.

Vertebrectomy/Corpectomy – surgical removal of a portion of the vertebral body in the process of excising tumor, fractured bone, or infected bone imbedded in the vertebral body. A mechanism of support scaffolding is often used to stabilize the spine at this time.

Spinal Fusion – is surgery that involves fusing adjacent vertebrae in order to stabilize the spine and reduce pain.

Posterior – approach to spinal fusion involves performing a partial discectomy and often laminectomy followed by the placement pedicle screws inserted into the upper and lower vertebrae and connected with rods or plates.

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) – is a lateral approach of the spine for placement of an intervertebral body spacer to fuse the adjacent vertebral bodies. Pedicle screws are inserted afterwards to help maintain stability.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) – approaches the vertebral bodies from the front through the abdomen. A metal plating system is placed to stabilize the spine while the intervertebral body spacer fuses the adjacent bodies.

Anterior/ Posterior (360) – is similar to an ALIF, but includes a posterior approach to secure the spine with pedicle screws and rod system.