Motion in your body and its structures mainly involves your spine in one way or another. This makes the spine flexible enough to handle various motions without any exertions. This results in multiple issues affecting the spine and its associated features. Some of these can be addressed through rest, while others may require certain treatment plans to manage. When non-invasive treatment options are unsuccessful, a Pittsburgh board certified orthopedic spine surgeon visit might be needed. What this physician can do to help spine problems is discussed more below.

What are Orthopedic spine operations?

These procedures are done on the spine or its associated structures to alleviate pain or related symptoms for patients. This enables them to eliminate the discomfort while returning to their daily activities.

A qualified orthopedic spine surgeon with vast experience in these operations will inform you of the treatment plans available before you can consider them. These options enable you to make an informed decision as surgery is a significant life decision.

Spinal surgeries are typically based on two principles:

  •         Stabilizing the spine
  •         Decompressing neurological structures

Most of the time, spinal operations combine the two principles for optimum results. There are several spinal procedures, and some of them include:

Discectomy

This involves surgical procedures done to eliminate discs that have slipped. These herniated discs occur when a piece of the disc goes through the outer layer into the spinal canal. Some usual techniques include:

  •         Microsurgical discectomy is an operation involving dealing with herniated disc problems through a minimally invasive approach
  •         Percutaneous discectomy is done to eliminate a portion of the herniated disc that causes compressed nerves that result in pain
  •         Lumbar discectomy operation involves getting rid of degenerative or herniated discs found in the lower areas of your spine
  •         Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion are done to eliminate problematic discs around your neck. Degenerative discs can also be dealt with.

Spinal fusion and decompression

This typical procedure is done to relieve pressure from the pinched spinal cord or associated nerves while stabilizing them. Specialized devices are used to be fused to the bony parts of the spine to stabilize the spine while also alleviating pressure. It combines both principles of spinal procedures.

Laminectomy

This procedure reduces compression of the nerve and spinal cord structures by introducing an opening over them. The procedure is named after the area in which the opening is made in the spine and is based on the principle of decompression.

Anterior cervical fusion and discectomy

This is a typical spinal fusion and decompression operation done via the frontal part of the spine rather than the back, like in other standard spinal procedures. It is done on the spinal cord or nerves pinched in the neck. This area gets its neurological structures easily compressed, so we eliminate the disc and fill up the space left with a spacer while using specialized devices to speed up the healing of the vertebrae in the fusion process.

Orthopedic spinal operations can be tricky due to the risk of spinal injury that may inhibit your movement. The procedures should only be done when necessary. For inquiries into orthopedic spinal procedures, visit our website, or call our offices in Pittsburgh, PA.