All Spine Surgery Articles

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Compared to open spine surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery offers several advantages. Learn about the benefits.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) may be a better surgical option than traditional or open spinal surgery to treat different causes of back pain and neck pain.

Solid Growth: Bone Grafts’ Role in Spine Surgery and Fusion Success

Ever-advancing medical technology has afforded patients undergoing neck or back spinal fusion surgery a wealth of options when it comes to bone grafts.

What Is a Neurosurgeon?

A neurosurgeon is a medical specialist who treats diseases and conditions affecting the nervous system, which includes the brain, the spine and spinal cord, and the peripheral nerves.

Should I Consider Artificial Disc Replacement for My Back or Neck Pain?

A spinal neurosurgeon and leader in total disc replacement, shares his thoughts on the current state of this surgical alternative to spinal fusion.

Understanding Lumbar Fusion Surgery

The goal of lumbar fusion surgery is to relieve low back and leg pain, numbness, tingling and weakness, restore nerve function, and stop or prevent abnormal motion in the spine.

The Role of Bone Graft in Spinal Fusion Surgery

Bone graft doesn't heal or fuse the spine immediately; instead, bone graft provides a foundation or scaffold for the patient's body to grow new bone.

Conditions Treated with Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

9 spinal disorders that may be treated using minimally invasive spine surgery techniques and the potential benefits.

Interspinous Process Decompression

Discover how interspinous process decompression (IPD)—a minimally invasive spine surgery—can ease your back pain, and learn about its benefits and risks.

BMPs and Biologic Materials in Spine Surgery

There has been a great deal of controversy regarding the use of BMP in spine surgery. A practicing spine surgeon and leader in the field of biologic materials, answers our questions in the insightful interview.

SI Joint Fusion is Highly Successful in Most People Who Respond to an SI Joint Block

Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion using the iFuse Implant System is highly successful in people with SI joint dysfunction who have a physical exam pointing to the SI joint and experience pain relief during a diagnostic SI joint block (injection of a numbing agent into the SI joint).

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) Animation

TLIF video animation explains transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, a type of spine surgery performed to treat spinal conditions that cause low back and leg pain, such as discogenic pain, disc herniation and/or spondylolisthesis

Non-operative Interventions for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Ralph Rashbaum, MD, and orthopaedic spine surgeon answers questions posed by SpineUniverse about failed back surgery syndrome. In this segment, Dr. Rashbaum explains when surgery is not elective and important considerations for both patients and surgeons.

Causes of Failed Back Surgery Are Multifactorial

"How can surgeons reduce the risk for failed back surgery syndrome?" is the question Dr. Ralph Rashbaum answers.

What Is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)?

In order to be classified as failed back surgery syndrome, there has to be a correlation between the surgical event and the failure to improve as a direct result of the surgery.

What To Do If You’re Considering Back Surgery

If you are contemplating spine surgery, and want to potentially avoid failed back surgery, you may be interested to know what an orthopaedic spine surgeon recommends you consider—including, important questions to ask.

Treatment for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Failed back surgery syndrome, FBSS, and its treatment considerations are explained by Ralph Rashbaum, MD, an orthopaedic spine surgery. Dr. Rashbaum explains his approach to proper patient care when back surgery is not successful.

Lumbar (Low Back) Artificial Discs: Spine Technology Update

The development of artificial discs for implantation into the low back started 20 years ago. Here is the history of these devices and where this technology is today.

What Is Microforaminotomy?

Microforaminotomy is a type of minimally invasive spine surgery that helps relieve pressure on your spinal cord or nerve roots. Smaller incisions and a faster recovery may make this procedure more attractive than open foraminotomy.

How Spine Surgery Treats Cervical Myelopathy and Deformity

Neurosurgeon explains his diagnosis and treatment of a patient with cervical myelopathy and deformity.

Cervical Disc Replacement Considerations and Surgery

Margaret's neck and arm pain was relieved after cervical disc replacement surgery performed as a minimally invasive spine surgery procedure. Q&A with orthopaedic spine surgeon, Richard Guyer, MD.

Cervical Disc Replacement for Neck or Arm Pain

Cervical disc replacement is considered an option for some patients with arm or neck pain, and symptoms related to a problem involving one or two cervical discs.

Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon? Does it Matter?

It is important for patients to realize that both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons perform spine surgery. There is an emerging field of "spine surgery" that incorporates both specialties.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) Surgery Treats Low Back Pain

ALIF may be recommended to treat certain spinal conditions that may cause back and/or leg pain or instability.

Smoking, Tobacco Use, e-Cigarettes and Spine Surgery

Five spine surgeons answer questions from SpineUniverse.com about smoking, tobacco use, including e-cigarettes and spinal surgery.

Spine Surgery Overview

Is spine surgery your only option for back pain? This article helps patients understand when a spine procedure may be recommended.

Kyphoplasty, Vertebroplasty, Vertebral Augmentation Implant: Treatments for Spinal Compression Fractures

Vertebroplasty, balloon kyphoplasty and vertebral body augmentation are minimally invasive surgical procedures performed to stabilize the fracture and relieve back pain caused by with vertebral compression fractures.

Vertebroplasty Reduces Pain Following Spine Fractures

Spine fractures are common and disabling in people with osteoporosis. Learn about what new findings suggest about a procedure called vertebroplasty.

Anterior Disectomy and Fusion Using Simmons Keystone Technique: Discussion

A discussion of the two cases involving anterior discectomy and fusion using the Simmons Keystone technique.

Spine Surgeon Tells Patients How to Prepare for an Appointment

Since most of us aren’t likely to have much time with a specialist, we asked Lali Sekhon, MD to share his advice on making the most of your doctor’s visit.

Laminotomy versus Laminectomy

Learn the difference between two surgical procedures relating to the lamina. The lamina is a thin, bony plate that covers and protects the spinal canal and spinal cord.

Spinal Surgery Complications Animation

Spine surgery comes with risks, and in this short animation, you'll learn about possible spine surgery complications. This will help you make an informed decision about your back pain treatment plan.

Artificial Disc Replacement as a Revision Procedure

Avid basketball player asks if he is a candidate for cervical artificial disc replacement for neck pain that developed years after a successful spinal fusion.

6 Topics to Help You Talk with Your Spine Surgeon

SpineUniverse spoke with Lali Sekhon, MD, PhD, FACS to obtain his advice about preparing for and getting the most from an appointment or consultation with a spine surgeon.

How Safe Is Cervical Spine Surgery?

Complications during routine neck surgery are rare, and a study shows death, the most serious is virtually nonexistent.

Off-Label Use of BMP in Pediatric Spinal Fusion Controversial

Recent researchthat bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in pediatric spinal fusion surgery does not improve surgery outcomes and should be used with caution.

Use of Biologics in Spine Surgery

Learn about the advances in biologic materials in spine surgery. Jeffrey C. Wang, MD, a practicing spine surgeon answers SpineUniverse.com's questions.

Bone Graft Types for Spinal Fusion Surgery

Autograft and allograft are frequently used bone graft types for spinal fusion surgery, but new biomedical materials are advancing the case for bone graft substitutes.

Robotic Spine Surgery: Q&A with a Pioneer in the Technology

Misconceptions about robotic spine surgery are dispelled by Isador H. Lieberman, MD, a pioneer in the technology. Why he thinks this technology will be the standard of care for complex spine cases within the next 5 years.

What Is Microlaminectomy and Microlaminotomy?

Microlaminectomy and microlaminotomy are two types of spinal decompression surgical procedures performed to reduce neck pain or back pain caused by a pinched nerve. These spine surgeries remove bone spurs, herniated discs and other tissues that may compress or put pressure on a nerve root or spinal cord.

Questions About Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Answered

4 common questions patients ask about minimally invasive spine surgery to treat neck and back pain are answered by a surgical expert.

Microsurgical Treatment of Herniated Discs

Read about how minimally invasive spine surgery can be used to treat herniated discs.

I'm in Pain Now—Is My Spine Surgery to Blame?

Why do some people experience back pain, neck pain or other symptoms after spinal surgery? When spine pain returns weeks, months or years after back or neck surgery, you may wonder whether your procedure wasn't successful.

Spine Surgery Risk Factors and Potential Complications

Spine surgery is not completely free of risk for complications. Co-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes can increase a patient’s risk for surgical complication. Many risk factors can be managed to avoid development of a spine surgery-related problem.

Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

Artificial disc replacement is an emerging alternative to spinal fusion for the surgical treatment of severe disc problems. Lumbar artificial disc replacement still has some hurdles to overcome, but cervical disc replacement has made great strides.

Nerve, Fusion, and Implant Complications of Spine Surgery

Your spine surgeon will explain the potential benefits and complications related to your overall health, and the particular type of spine surgery recommended.

Complex Spine Surgery: Your Questions Answered

Complex spinal surgery risks and complications often include diabetes, smoking, and obesity. Questions patients ask are answered by a neurosurgeon.

Diabetes and Spine Surgery: What You Need to Know

What you need to know about diabetes and spine surgery. People with diabetes undergoing back or neck surgery to treat a spinal disorder are at risk for complications, such as infection and slow healing.

Back Pain Questions About Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Answered

Answers to questions patients ask about minimally invasive spine surgery performed to treat back pain and its causes.

Foraminotomy: Spinal Surgical Procedure

A foraminotomy may be combined with other procedures such as a laminotomy or laminectomy.

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): Spine Surgeon Explains

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, TLIF, is a surgical procedure performed to relieve sciatica, decompress spinal nerves and stabilize the low back.

Spine Surgery Success Story: Fire Chief Back at Work After Cervical Fusion

This fire fighter’s spine surgeon explains cervical myelopathy and the surgical procedure that put his patient back to work.

Confusion About Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure performed to treat spinal deformity and/or stabilize one or more segments of the spine to prevent painful motion or micro-motion.

Lumbar Laminectomy Animation

Lumbar laminectomy video animation explains how this surgery treats low back and/or leg pain. Laminectomy is spinal decompression that is performed to remove tissues compressing nerves.

Percutaneous Discectomy

Percutaneous disc decompression or percutaneous discectomy is a type of spine surgery performed to treat sciatica back and leg pain caused by a bulging disc or herniated disc.

Bone Growth Stimulation is Wearable Therapy After Spinal Fusion

Your body’s ability to heal and repair is particularly important during a spine surgery that involves fusion—joining two or bone spinal bones together.

TLIF and PLIF: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeries

Learn what spine conditions TLIF and PLIF are most commonly used for, how they can be performed minimally invasively, and the potential risks associated with these spine surgeries.

Surgery for Herniated Disc with Sciatica: Find the Right Surgeon, Ask the Right Questions

A lumbar herniated disc is a common cause of sciatica resulting in low back and leg pain that is called a lumbar radiculopathy. Information about how to choose a spine surgeon and 10 smart questions to ask.

Cervical Spine Surgery: An Overview

Cervical spine surgery is performed by removing a disc or a bone and fusing the vertebrae together with a bone graft either in front of or behind the spine.

What Is Microdiscectomy?

Microdiscectomy is one of the most common minimally invasive spine procedures. Also known as microdecompression, microdiscectomy is a type of decompression technique that takes pressure off your spinal cord or nerve roots to relieve your pain.

Cigarette Smoking and Its Impact on Spinal Fusions

Smoking cigarettes weakens the body's systems and does not let them function normally due to the increased levels of toxins in the body.

Spine Surgery: PreOperative Questions

Patients have many questions about surgery. Answers to some of these questions include topics such as anesthesia, recovery time, physical therapy, and cost.

Spine Surgery: Questions to Ask Your Doctor

If you are scheduled to have spinal surgery, one way to relieve your anxiety about the procedure is to learn all you can about the procedure. This article includes some sample questions that you can take with you to your next appointment.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a type of spine surgery performed from the back of the spine involving discectomy, interbody cages and bone graft for spinal fusion.

Spine Surgery Risks and Potential Complications

Complications of spine surgery to treat neck or back pain are often similar to other operations, except spinal surgery may involve greater risk depending on how it is performed (open or minimally invasive) and if spinal instrumentation and fusion are involved.

Foraminotomy: Taking Pressure off Spinal Nerves

A spine surgeon explains spinal nerve compression and how it may be treated by surgical decompression, a foraminotomy.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy

Anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) is a common surgical procedure to treat chronic neck pain or other disorders affecting the cervical spine. A spine surgeon explains what will happen during an anterior cervical discectomy.

Spine Surgeons’ Role in Preventing Failed Back Syndrome

Dr. Ralph Rashbaum, an orthopaedic surgeon answers the question, "Do all roads lead back to the operating room when it comes to failed back surgery?"

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) Animation

PLIF video animation explains posterior lumbar interbody fusion, a type of spine surgery performed to treat spinal conditions that cause low back and leg pain, such as disc herniation and/or spondylolisthesis.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) Animation

ALIF video animation explains anterior lumbar interbody fusion, a type of spine surgery performed to treat spinal conditions that cause low back and leg pain, such as discogenic pain, degenerative disc disease or disc herniation.

How to Choose a Spine Surgeon

It is important for patients to be as involved as possible in their own medical care. If you are able to choose your physician, here are some guidelines on what to look for in a spine specialist.

Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Spine surgeons are always seeking new ways to perform spine surgery in a safe, effective way that will make your recovery less painful and more rapid.

Degenerative Disc Replacement Animation

Artificial disc replacement video animation explains how degenerative disc replacement is surgical performed, who is a candidate, and how total disc replacement differs from spinal fusion to treat neck and back pain.

Spinal Fusion Instrumentation Removal: Pros and Cons

If an issue with your spinal instrumentation develops, your doctor may recommend removing it or leaving it in place. Why would your doctor suggest one or the other?

Second Opinion on Spine Surgery: Rude or Smart?

Most people don't dare to ask for a second opinion?" Although patients may want to get a second opinion, many feel it is being disrepectful. Is it?

iFuse System For Sacroiliac Joint Pain Shows High Success Rate and Patient Satisfaction

The iFuse system showed a high rate of patient satisfaction and was linked to reduced need for opioid medications.

What Is Post-operative Care?

Post-operative recovery starts in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).

Patient-Controlled Analgesia – PCA

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a pain management therapy commonly used in hospitals. Learn more about the benefits.

Advancements in Spine Surgery

Technological and biological advances are on the horizon that will work in concert with minimally invasive techniques.

Surgery: Should I or Shouldn't I?

When it comes to spine surgery, patients are active participants in the decision-making process and are ultimately responsible for deciding whether to have spine surgery.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery: What It Is and What It Isn’t

Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) uses a small incision and specialized instruments to surgically treat spinal disorders ESS should not be confused with traditional procedures, such as minimally invasive, micro invasive and/or laser spine surgeries.

Why Medical Clearance Before Spine Surgery?

Medical clearance before spine surgery evaluates your general health, existing medical problems or comorbidities, and risk potential for complications. This pre-operative clearance provides information your surgeon uses to reduce risks before, during and after back or neck surgery.

What Is Neurointerventional Surgery?

Neurointerventional surgeons have special training to treat spinal disorders. Learn about their education and training and if they can help treat your back or neck pain.

Spine Specialists On-Call: Artificial Disc Technology and Low Back Pain

The Charité artificial disc offers some patients with degenerative disc disease a treatment option to alleviate discogenic back pain.

Lumbar Discectomy: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Back pain and sciatica may result from a herniated disc. Learn what happens when a disc ruptures and what non-surgical and surgical treatments are available.

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery is an attractive option for patients who want a quicker recovery after surgery, less post-operative pain, and smaller incisions.

What Is Spinal Instrumentation and Spinal Fusion?

Spinal instrumentation and fusion may be performed to stabilize the spine following disc removal (discectomy) and spinal decompression surgery (laminectomy).

Lumbar Laminectomy

Lumbar laminectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat spinal stenosis, a degenerative condition in which the spinal canal becomes narrowed and creates pressure on the spinal cord.

Artificial Disc Surgery in the Cervical Spine

Cervical disc replacement is a new technique that is becoming more available worldwide. In Part 1 of his article, Dr. Lali Sekhon discusses cervical discs and fusion.

An Introduction to Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery was developed out of the desire to effectively treat disorders of the spinal discs with minimal muscle-related injury and with rapid recovery. Learn the basics of minimally invasive surgery here.

AxiaLIF

Deciding whether to have spine surgery can be scary, even if it is minimally invasive. Find out how AxiaLIF-a type of minimally invasive spine surgery-can relieve your back pain, and learn about its advantages and disadvantages.

Mini-open ALIF

Discover how mini-open anterior lumbar interbody fusion is performed, what conditions it’s used for, and the risks associated with this minimally invasive spine surgery.

Recovery from Lumbar Fusion Surgery

What to expect after lumbar fusion surgery during recovery includes post-operative activities, discharge instructions and warning signs that warrant calling your spine surgeon.

Procedure: Lumbar Laminectomy

Lumbar laminectomy is a type of decompression spine surgery performed in the low back. The purpose of the procedure is to remove nerve compression often caused by a herniated disc and/or bony overgrowths called osteophytes.

From Facing Paralysis to Pain Free: One Man’s Spine Surgery Success Story

Firefighter’s story of cervical spinal cord compression caused by three bulging discs could have caused paralysis. His spine surgery journey and positive outcome.

After Spine Surgery: Eat Right to Heal Fast

After neck or back surgery your entire body goes through a recovery process. A high-quality diet or meal plan can help ensure a smoother and speedier one.

Post-Operative Care: Activity, Incision Care, Rehab and Recovery

Each day following spine surgery the patient is encouraged to increase physical activity and to be as independent as possible.

Surgical Recovery: OK to Leave the Hospital

Before getting the okay to go home, your doctor will make sure of certain things. Learn more in this article.

Low Back Spinal Fusion vs an Artificial Disc Implant

SpineUniverse’s interview with Jack Zigler, MD continues. Here Dr. Zigler discusses the differences between lumbar spinal fusion and a surgical procedure wherein an artificial low back disc is implanted.

Long-term Lumbar (Low Back) Artificial Disc Studies Show Positive Results

SpineUniverse spoke with Jack Zigler, MD, an orthopaedic spine surgeon who has first-hand experience with low back artificial disc technology. Here he shares long-term results after studying patient outcomes.

Lumbar Discectomy: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

This article gives a step-by-step overview of what happens during lumbar microdiscectomy surgery, which is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure used to treat herniated discs.

Recovery from Lumbar Artificial Disc Surgery

Patients recover in artificial disc surgery in about half the time it takes to recover from lumbar spine fusion. Patients are up and walking the afternoon of their surgery.

Preparing For Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Article provides hints on how to prepare your home, what to expect before admission and after admission for your lumbar surgery.

Surgical Wound Care: Questions and Answers

Read this article to get answers to the most common questions patients ask about spine surgical wound care.

Minimally Invasive TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion)

PLIF and TLIF are two different types of fusion surgeries that may be effective in the treatment of spinal instability.

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): Advantages

A unique feature of the TLIF technique is its ability to restore interbody height and proper spinal curavature, which further helps to stabilize the spine and adds to its fusion potential.

Spine Specialists On-Call: Spinal Nerve Compression and Unilateral Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

The goal of lumbar spine surgery typically involves removing pressure off spinal nerves, a procedure called nerve decompression.

Back Pain Treatment: Spine Surgery

Before having spine surgery, make sure you fully understand your back pain treatment options.

What is an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon?

Orthopaedic spine specialists are orthopaedists who further specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal diseases and conditions.

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): Indications

A TLIF procedure may be indicated for certain patients with specific spinal conditions. Read on to learn more.

Cervical Spine Surgery: Home Care and Neck Health Maintenance

How to maintain your neck health for a lifetime. Tips for neck health.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Lumbar Discectomy

Post operative care and what to expect at home following a Micro Endoscopic Discectomy (MED) procedure for treatment of a herniated disc.

Cervical Spine Surgery: Preparation Steps

This article will help you prepare for your cervical spine surgery. Hints on how to prepare your home, what to expect before admission and after admission for your cervical surgery.

Questions to Ask Your Neurosurgeon

Not every patient with back or neck pain needs a neurosurgeon. Usually, the patient's primary care physician or chiropractor makes the referral to a neurosurgeon.

Recovery From Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement

Dr. Richard Guyer, a spine surgeon at the Texas Back Institute shares his thoughts about patient recovery after cervical artificial disc replacement Surgery. .

Surgery Recovery: From Hospital to Home

The first part of recovery from spine surgery begins in the hospital.

What Treatments Do Neurosurgeons Provide?

Neurosurgeons are trained in the latest surgical techniques to treat spinal disorders.Neurosurgeons are also able to prescribe medication and refer patients for physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Technology: An Overview

Richard D. Guyer, MD, Chairman of the Texas Back Institute Research Foundation spoke with SpineUniverse about cervical artificial discs.Learn More.

What Disorders Do Neurosurgeons Treat?

Neurosurgeons treat many different dieases and conditions affecting the brain, spine, nervous system, and related structures.

Neurosurgeon Education and Training

Neurosurgeons are highly educated and specially trained spine specialists. It can take upwards of 8 years after medical school to become a neurosurgeon.

Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement vs. Spinal Fusion

Dr. Guyer discusses the differences between cervical (neck) artificial disc replacement and spinal fusion.

Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement: What You Need To Know

A good surgical candidate would have neck and arm pain. Artificial disc replacement in the kyphotic spine exacerbates existing instability and doesn’t help the situation at all. Learn More.

Before Your Surgery

Before your operation, it will be necessary to have blood tests, a chest x-ray and an EKG performed to evaluate your general condition before undergoing anesthesia.

Should You Trust Online Spine Surgery Information?

Researchers evaluated the quality of online information available to patients undergoing cervical spine surgery.

What Should I Know about Lumbar Spinal Fusion?

A lumbar spinal fusion surgery may be recommended for various conditions. Learn how the surgeon will perform the fusion and how it will help your pain.

New Technology Advances Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery utilizes small skin incisions, and attempts to leave the body as naturally intact as it was prior to surgery.

Cervical Artificial Disc Surgery

The experience for the patient undergoing implantation of the Bryan artificial cervical disc is remarkably similar to that for a patient undergoing an anterior cervical decompression and fusion.

Foraminotomy: Posterior Cervical

If surgery is undertaken, it is usually performed as a minimally-invasive procedure. The procedure can be performed as a day stay surgery, but most patients stay in hospital for 1-2 nights.

Safe Medication Use Before Spine Surgery

Some drugs and spine surgery don’t mix. Here’s what you need to know before your procedure.

Open Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) - An Introduction

The following article provides a basic introduction to the (ALIF) anterior lumbar interbody fusion procedure.

Minimally Invasive Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): A Beneficial Union

Spinal surgery has advanced to a new level that utilizes Minimal Access Spinal Technologies (MAST). These innovative surgical techniques replace traditional open procedures.

Minimally Invasive TLIF

Although still being studied, the use and effectiveness of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) seems to be very promising.

Artificial Disc Replacement

Orthopaedic surgeons have been engaged in research to offer an alternative to lumbar spinal fusion surgery; artificial spinal disc replacement.

Cervical Spine Surgery: Recovery

What to expect immediately after surgery. Personal hygiene, sutures, IV therapy, diet and breathing are some of the topics covered in this article.

Maintaining Your Back for Your Lifetime

Describes how to maintain a healthy back after having undergone a spinal surgery.

Discharge Instructions for Anterior and Posterior Cervical Fusion with Halo Placement

Discharge instructions for patients who have undergone anterior and posterior cervical fusion with halo placement.

Collar Care Instructions for Cervical Fusions

Collar care instructions for patients who have undergone cervical fusions.

Discharge Instructions for Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Collar care instructions for patients who have undergone lumbar fusions (anterior, posterior).

Coflex Device Shows ‘Similar to Superior’ Rates Compared to Fusion Surgery for Lumbar Stenosis

For moderate to severe lumbar stenosis, use of a motion-preserving stabilization device appears to be as effective as fusion when used in combination with decompression.

Transforaminal Selective Endoscopic Discectomy: Extremely Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment for Low Back and Leg Pain

Selective Endoscopic Discectomy (SED) is an alternate treatment procedure for some chronic pain patients.

Basic Introduction to Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Learn all about the recently popularized approaches to spine surgery known as thoracoscopic,laparoscopic,endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures.

Predicting Return to Play following Lumbar Discectomy in Professional Football Players

Previous research by Dr. Hsu and colleagues demonstrated that younger age and greater experience were linked to increased likelihood of return to play following lumbar discectomy among NFL players.

Pre-operative Steps to Spinal Surgery

In this article, you will learn about the pre-operative steps to help you prepare for your procedure.

Cervical Radiculopathy Treated Surgically on an Outpatient Basis

Cervical radiculopathies can now be treated surgically on an outpatient basis. A surgeon explains his preference for treating cervical radiculopathy(a type of neck pain) by the posterior approach (from the back of the neck) rather than by an anterior discectomy and fusion. Read about this minimally invasive spine surgery technique.

Artificial Disc Surgery: Cervical Spine

If you need cervical spine surgery, you may be able to have an artificial disc put in. A neurosurgeon explains how artificial disc surgery differs from traditional fusion, and he reviews one artificial cervical disc.

Spinal Fusion and Bone Morphogenetic Protein

Fusions performed with rhBMP-2 are as effective as bone graft without the problems associated with a second surgical site.

Laparoscopic Spinal Fusion

By using special instrumentation and scopes, laparoscopic spinal fusion requires only a small incision in the back. There are numerous benefits to this approach, the most significant being reduced hospital stay and less recuperation time.

Video: Microendoscopic Spinal Surgery

Dr. Richard Fessler, a pioneer in minimally invasive spine surgery, explains the various techniques. He discusses microendoscopic spinal surgery in this video.

Laparoscopic Lumbar Spinal Techniques

Minimally invasive spine surgery may involve the use of endoscopes; devices that offer surgeons enhanced visualization capabilities that help to reduce complications, blood loss, and fusion disease.

Cervical Fusion

A cervical fusion can help relieve your neck pain. A neurosurgeon explains how after detailing the parts of your spinal anatomy that can cause neck pain.

Discectomy and Microdiscectomy

Both a discectomy and a microdiscectomy are surgical procedures that are used to remove herniated or ruptured discs.

Minimally Invasive and Open Surgery Procedures

Less invasive spine surgery is the trend that is currently revolutionizing procedures such as discectomy, spinal fusion, laminotomy, and laminectomy.

Spinal Fracture Repair

Because these fractures are painful and the structural integrity of the bone is at risk, surgery is often considered. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are two procedures that can help heal such fractures.

Stabilization in Spine Surgery

Learn how surgeons incorporate posterior fixation, such as percutaneous pedicle screws and spinous process plates, during spine surgery to help keep your spine stable. Also, learn why spinal instrumentation and spinal fusion go hand-in-hand.

Cervical Plates: Provide Neck Stability Using Spinal Instrumentation

A cervical plate is a medically designed implant used to provide neck stability. Cervical plates enhance the rate of fusion and, in some cases, may reduce the need for external bracing following surgery.

X STOP

X STOP is a non-fusion surgical implant for use in treating lumbar spinal stenosis. It's a minimally invasive spine surgery procedure. Learn the benefits and results, and see if it's right for you.

Pedicle Screws

Pedicle screws can be used in spine surgery to correct spinal deformity. This article explains what they are and how they can be used by your surgeon. This article also contains excellent pictures and diagrams of pedicle screws.

Your Weight May Affect Your Spine Surgery Success

A recent study explores whether obesity affects the outcome of lumbar spine surgery used as a treatment for spinal stenosis.

Immediately After Surgery

Post-operative nurses will attend to the patient's every need following surgery. This includes monitoring vital signs and providing pain management.

Recovering from Surgery

An occupational therapist will work with you and address any concerns of how to perform bathing, dressing, toileting, cooking, or light chores safely and independently at home.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): Surgical Techniques

Pedicle screws may be used in conjunction with a posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery to complete correction of a spondylolisthesis.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): Advantages and Indications

The advantages and indications of a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) procedure are outlined.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): Spinal Stabilization

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is useful in the correction of degenerative lumbar deformity such as spondylolisthesis or scoliosis.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): Clinical Results and References

As minimal access techniques and fusion biotechnology continue to develop, clinical outcomes will continue to improve.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Glossary

From bone graft to fluoroscopy to spinal fusion, this easy-to-read glossary of common spinal terms explains everything you need to know about minimally invasive spine surgery.

Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy: A Surgical Technique to Reduce Pain

A posterior cervical foraminotomy is a minimally-invasive procedure performed to enlarge the space through which spinal nerves exit the spinal canal. It is meant to relieve neck pain. Read more about this minimally invasive spine surgery technique.

Can You Make Spine Surgery a Positive Experience? I Did!

Thousands of patients face spine fusion surgery every year to treat back pain. This patient shares her experiences and successful surgical outcome.

Transforaminal Selective Endoscopic Discectomy: Recovery, Complications, Procedure and Contraindications

An explanation of why selective endoscopic discectomy works as well as possible complications and contraindications.

Preparing for Spine Surgery

You are going to have spinal surgery (a spinal fusion). This article provides a walk-through of typical post-operative expectations and procedures.

Post-op Spine Care Recovery Tips

Your doctor and post­-operative physical therapist will know what's best for your back after surgery. Don't ignore their advice, even if it feels like you're ready to run that marathon.

Spine Surgery Treatments That Decompress Nerves

Laminotomy and Laminectomy,the spinal canal may narrow due to spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or bone spurs. This procedure widens the space of the spinal canal by removing a section of bone called the lamina.

Spine Surgery: The Last Resort

Most back surgery is done to relieve pressure from the nerve or stabilize a segment of the spine.The causes of pinched nerves are many, including vertebral fractures, bulging discs, or bone spurs, just to name a few. Different reasons, different surgical options.

Spinal Fusion, Dynamic Fusion, and Disc Replacement

If the spine becomes too unstable, conditions and pain may worsen. The goal of this type of surgery is to stabilize the vertebrae.

New Technologies in Anterior Cervical Spine Fixation

Recent advances in several different fields are significantly impacting anterior cervical spine fixation. Material engineering has developed several types of new materials to replace traditionally used bone products and titanium.
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