Our Procedures
The Center for Spine Surgery offers advanced spinal procedures from our board-certified physicians. This page offers descriptions for some of the treatments that we provide.
Lumbar Laminectomy, Laminotomy, and Foraminotomies
Laminectomy involves making a small incision in the low back to allow removal of bone and ligament in order to enlarge the spinal canal and decompress the nerve roots in the low back. It is an effective and minimally-invasive treatment for lumbar stenosis, which can cause back and leg pain, numbness, and tingling.
Interspinous Devices
These devices are intended to supplement decompressive procedures of the lumbar spine such as laminotomy or discectomy and provide stabilization of the spine, with or without fusion.
Lumbar Discectomy
Discectomy involves making a small incision in the low back to allow removal a small amount of bone and ligament to enter the spinal canal and then remove a herniated or protruded part of a disc that is pushing on a nerve causing severe leg pain, numbness, or weakness.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty (vertebral augmentation) is a minimally-invasive treatment for vertebral compression fractures. These fractures, often from osteoporosis, can cause severe pain. Kyphoplasty involves creating a cavity in the bone and filling it with “cement”, which stabilizes the bone and can relieve severe pain for patients who have not improved with read, bracing, and medications.
Spinal Cord Simulation
Spinal cord stimulation (also known as dorsal column stimulation) is a minimally invasive treatment for chronic low back and/or leg pain not responsive to other therapies. It is indicated for the severe pain caused by neuropathy. It involves implantation of an electrode within the spinal canal, behind the spinal canal through a small incision in the mid-back (thoracic spine). That electrode is connected under the skin to a battery (also called a pulse generator) placed in the buttock that can be controlled by the patient. Batteries come in rechargeable and non- rechargeable varieties.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
ACDF involves making an incision in the front of the next to access the front of the spine. Under an operating microscope the disc is then removed, decompressing spinal cord and nerve roots. The disc space is then filled with a spacer (bone or synthetic cage) and fixed with plate and screws. This is used to treat spinal stenosis or pinched nerves in the neck (cervical spine). This can relieve neck or arm pain as well as the other neurological symptoms of stenosis, such as balance difficulty or loss of fine motor skills.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Disc Replacement
ACDF involves making an incision in the front of the next to access the front of the spine. Under an operating microscope the disc is then removed, decompressing spinal cord and nerve roots. The disc material is then replaced with an artificial disc, maintaining full motion. This is used to treat spinal stenosis or pinched nerves in the neck (cervical spine).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which procedure is appropriate for me?
The first step in the treatment of your spine is a consultation with your provider. After discussing your particular situation with them, they may recommend a specific surgery as a treatment option. If you both agree that this is appropriate, then the Center for Spine Surgery may be the place where this surgery takes place.
How can I schedule an appointment with the Center for Spine Surgery?
Patients do not schedule appointments directly with the Center for Spine Surgery. You should speak with your provider, and they will help you coordinate next steps with us should they recommend surgery.
I have an upcoming surgery. Is there anything I need to do?
Your provider's office will have all of the information regarding your upcoming procedure. We will coordinate closely with them, and we will reach out to you directly throughout the scheduling process. Please visit our patient information page HERE for additional forms and details.
Will my procedure require an overnight stay?
This depends on several factors, including the complexity of your surgery and whether it is recommended by your treating physician. We offer beautiful overnight rooms should you require a longer stay. If you do require an overnight visit, we will reach out regarding details of what to bring and what your experience will entail.
Will my support people be allowed to stay during my procedure?
Yes! We encourage you to bring support people with you, especially if they involved in your care decisions. If you choose, they will be allowed to accompany you through your initial surgery preparation at the Center for Spine Surgery. While your procedure is in progress, they are welcome to stay in our waiting room and rejoin you once you are in recovery. We offer patient tracking boards in the waiting room so that they will know which stage of the procedure you are in.