Types of Spine Surgery and How to Know When You Might Need Surgery

Spine surgery

Spine surgery is an operation that intends to modify a victim’s anatomy such as; removing the bony plate on the back of the vertebrae, to allay back pain. At Spine.MD, this procedure is preferably performed to patients who have had a long history of unceasing back pain. Patients with minor spine injuries do not require this surgery; rather, conservative therapies could be employed to aid their recovery.

Types of spine surgery

There are four types of spine surgery done by orthopaedists, that is Laminectomy, Discectomy, Spinal fusion and Vertebroplasty.

Let’s take a brief insight into four types of spine surgery that Spine.MD have pulled together for you:

Laminectomy: In this case, part of the lamina (a bone in the spinal column) is extracted to inflate the space within the spinal canal. Oftentimes, the ligament that supports the spinal column is the root of compression on the spinal cord. This procedure is also done to remove bone spurs and tumours in the spine.

Discectomy: This involves removal of the herniated portion of the nucleus pulposus which causes compression on the spinal nerves. It is done using a laser. Discectomy is done to relieve leg numbness and weakness and also solves balance and mobility issues.

Spinal Fusion: It involves fusion of two vertebral bones to form one complete bone. This procedure is permanent. The bones used for this operation are obtained from specific bone banks or sometimes extracted from one of the bones of the patient. Fusion is done to align the spinal cord and treat spondylosis.

Vertebroplasty: This procedure is used to treat vertebral bone fissures. In this case, bone cement is filled into a long syringe. It is then inserted into each affected vertebral bone. Vertebroplasty is used to bar collapse of the spinal cord and treat osteoporosis.

Cases in which spine surgery is performed

The daily activities that we involve ourselves in have risks that can cause us spine injuries. For instance, a motorist can get hit by a truck and sustain a spine injury while on his job. People over the age of 65 have higher risks of sustaining falls (spinal injuries at old age are known as falls). Vicious games such as rugby could cause injuries that damage the central nervous system. Diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis increase the risks of picking spine disorders.

Care for patients from spine surgery

The patient is discharged seven to twelve days after a successful surgery. The patient is given medication and dates for medical visits. This procedure can interfere with a major part of the patient’s life. Family and friends should always support them mentally and physically in their recovery process.