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- What is a Laminectomy?
It is a procedure where a shelf of bone, overgrown ligaments and joints are removed to take pressure off the Spinal Cord and nerve roots.
- What is a Discectomy?
It is a procedure where a herniated disc fragment is removed to take pressure off the Spinal Cord or nerve roots.
- What is a Fusion?
It is a procedure where two or more vertebrae are united to create a stable, less painful segment.
- What is a Vertebroplasty?
It is a procedure where a weak fractured vertebra resulting from osteoporosis is injected with a strengthening material to restore strength and relieve pain.
- Why do we have to use Spinal Instrumentation (Rods and Screws) when we perform Spinal Fusions?
Fusions are more predictable and have significantly better outcomes when instrumented because of the immediate stability provided by these devices.
- What is Cage?
A cage is a metal, carbon or bone supportive device designed to fit in the disc space and is usually filled with bone to achieve a fusion between 2 vertebrae.
- Why do I have to use a brace after a Fusion?
A brace is necessary to protect the screws from pulling out during the healing period. The brace is usually needed for 3-4 months.
- When am I expected to walk after surgery?
Laminectomy: 1 day following surgery.
Discectomy: On the night of surgery or the next morning.
Fusion: 2 days following surgery.
- What is the difference between a Spine Surgeon and a Neurosurgeon?
A Neurosurgeon is Brain and a Spinal Cord surgeon. During residency training, a Neurosurgeon is typically exposed to Laminectomies , Discectomies and Cervical Fusions (the neck part of the Spine ).
An Orthopaedic Surgeon is a Bone and Joint surgeon. During Residency training, an Orthopaedic surgeon is typically exposed to Laminectomies, Discectomies, Lumbar Fusions (the low back area).
A Spine-Fellowship trained Surgeon is typically an Orthopaedic Surgeon who has spent an additional year of very specialized and concentrated training dealing with complicated spinal procedures including the Cervical ,Thoracic (the middle back ) and Lumbar Spinal regions. These procedures include, in addition to those mentioned above: - Deformity correction (Humpback, S -curves ,Slipped Vertebrae ).
- Fusions at several levels.
- Revision of Failed back Surgery.
- Revision of Laminectomies.
- Revision of Instrumentation (Rods, cages etc. )
- Which surgeons usually obtain Fellowship training in spine?
They are most commonly Orthopaedic surgeons. The reason for this is that Orthopaedic Surgeons have an extensive background in dealing with bone surgery and Instrumentation.
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