Minimally Invasive Back Surgery

A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the lamina, which is the posterior part of a vertebra that covers and protects the spinal canal. By removing the lamina, the surgeon aims to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves, which may be caused by conditions such as lumbar stenosis, a herniated disc, or a bone spur.

Laminectomies can be performed at any level of the spine and can be done using minimally invasive techniques in some cases. Minimally invasive approaches typically involve smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, and shorter recovery times compared to traditional open surgeries.

In cases where patients have single-level or two-level stenosis of the lumbar spine, they may be able to go home on the same day of the surgery. However, the length of hospital stay can vary depending on various factors, including the extent of the procedure and the individual patient’s condition.

Laminectomy is commonly used to treat conditions such as spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spinal canal, degenerative disc disease, which involves the breakdown of spinal discs, or a herniated disc, where the disc material bulges or ruptures, causing nerve compression.

It’s important to note that while a laminectomy can provide relief from symptoms and improve quality of life for many patients, it is a surgical procedure that carries risks and should be discussed thoroughly with a qualified healthcare professional.

is a procedure performed on an outpatient basis to address compression fractures in the spine. Compression fractures occur when a vertebra collapses, either partially or entirely, due to factors like osteoporosis (a condition characterized by bone thinning), cancer, or injury.

During this minimally invasive treatment, the patient is placed under either local or general anesthesia. The surgeon utilizes a needle to access the vertebra through the skin. Through this needle, a specialized balloon is carefully inserted into the affected bone and then inflated. The inflation of the balloon aids in restoring the vertebra to its original shape. To provide stability and prevent further collapse, a bone cement is subsequently injected into the space.

Overall, kyphoplasty is an effective method to address compression fractures, and it can be performed without the need for an overnight hospital stay. It is a relatively less invasive procedure that helps alleviate pain, stabilize the affected vertebra, and promote the patient’s recovery.

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure performed to permanently connect two or more bones in the spine, eliminating movement between them. To achieve fusion, the surgeon employs a graft, which serves as the material that joins the bones together.

Various types of graft materials are available for this procedure. An autograft consists of bone strips taken from the surgical area or another part of the patient’s body, such as the pelvic bone. Alternatively, an allograft involves using cadaver bone obtained from a bone bank. Synthetic materials can also be used to create grafts.

Spinal fusion surgery can be approached from different angles, including the front, side, or back of the spine. Recent advancements in technology have enabled the use of minimally invasive techniques for fusion surgery in specific cases. Our surgeons routinely perform minimally invasive fusion of the lumbar spine from the side (XLIF or DLIF surgery) or from the back (TLIF or PLIF surgery). These less invasive approaches can reduce infection rates, minimize blood loss, and facilitate a faster recovery.

To facilitate proper bone fusion, the surgeon often secures the vertebrae together using rods, screws, plates, or cages. These devices prevent movement between the bones while the grafts heal, and this technique is referred to as spinal instrumentation.

Although spinal fusion reduces some spinal flexibility, most fusions only involve small segments of the spine and do not significantly limit motion.

Spinal fusion can provide relief from symptoms associated with various back conditions, including degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, fractures, infections, and tumors. It is a treatment option aimed at addressing pain, instability, and other symptoms caused by these conditions.