When might I need spine surgery?
The neurosurgeons at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery seldom recommend spine surgery as the first line of treatment for back and neck problems. Instead, they begin with conservative therapies, and then progress to minimally invasive treatments such as epidural steroid injections and facet joint injections before moving on to surgery.
if conservative therapies aren’t successful, many common spine conditions may ultimately require surgery to repair the problem.
These spine conditions include:
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated discs
- Radiculopathy
- Spondylolisthesis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Fractured vertebrae
- Facet joint arthritis
Conditions such as spinal fractures and malignant tumors are the exception, as they often need immediate surgery.
Can I receive surgery for spine cancer?
Yes, the neurosurgeons at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery have the experience and skills to surgically remove spinal tumors. While radiation therapy may be the initial treatment for some spine tumors, surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible is essential for curing spine cancer.
What type of spine surgery might I need?
The surgeons at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery have well-rounded experience in all spinal surgery techniques, and they apply all approaches to the spine. Many spine surgeons are limited to using one approach because it’s the one they’re comfortable performing.
Being able to choose from the three approaches is important. Each approach — anterior, posterior, and lateral — has different benefits, so your surgeon can choose the one that’s best for you rather than limiting your options.
Examples of spine surgeries frequently performed by the team at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery include:
- Spinal fusion
- Discectomy
- Disc replacement
- Laminectomy
- Laminoplasty
- Laminotomy
- Kyphoplasty
- Vertebroplasty
- Foraminotomy
- Scoliosis surgery
- Spinal tumor resection
The team at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery also uses the latest imaging technology to guide your surgery, ensuring the most precise procedure possible.
What is the difference between open and minimally invasive spine surgery?
Open spine surgery uses the traditional technique of making one larger incision. Your surgeon gently opens the incision, allowing them to visualize the treatment area and perform your surgery. By comparison, minimally invasive spine surgery is performed through one or several smaller incisions.
Though many spine surgeries can be done with minimally invasive techniques, there are times when open surgery is the best option. Factors such as the complexity of your procedure, your overall health, and the presence of scarring determine the best type of surgery for each patient.
If you have questions about spine surgery, call Apex Spine and Neurosurgery, or book an appointment online.
