In-depth information
on back surgery procedures such as decompression, laminectomy
and microdiscectomy for the lumbar and cervical spine
Cervical spine surgery
Posterior cervical laminectomy
October 7, 2005
A posterior cervical laminectomy surgery may be used
to treat cervical stenosis by removing the lamina to
enable more room for the spinal cord. This article
explains the basics of a posterior cervical laminectomy
procedure. Read more...
Posterior cervical decompression (microdiscectomy)
surgery
October 7, 2005
The posterior approach (from the back of the neck)
for a cervical discectomy is often considered for large
soft disc herniations that are to the side of the spinal
cord. An advantage of this approach is that a spine
fusion does not need to be done after removing the
disc. Read more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Anterior
cervical decompression (discectomy)
October 7, 2005
Anterior cervical discectomy may be performed to alleviate pain and other symptoms
due to spinal cord or nerve root pressure caused by a cervical disc herniation.
This procedure, approached from the front of the patient’s neck, allows
the offending disc to be surgically removed. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Anterior cervical
decompression and fusion for spondylotic myelopathy
August 31, 2001
Because the majority of the anatomy that produces spinal
cord compression is located in front of the spinal cord,
many surgeons prefer anterior decompression of the spinal
cord and nerve roots. Read
more...
By: Thomas M. Wascher, MD, FACS
Posterior
cervical decompression (microdiscectomy)
September 8, 1999 (updated March
30, 2001)
Some surgeons may prefer the posterior approach (from
the back of the neck) for a cervical discectomy. This
approach is often considered for large soft disc herniations
that are lateral to (to the side of) the spinal cord.
Read more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Posterior
cervical laminectomy
September 8, 1999 (updated March
30, 2001)
Cervical stenosis can place pressure on the spinal
cord. If most of the compression is in the back, this
condition can be treated with a posterior laminectomy.
The objective of this procedure is to remove the lamina
(and spinous process) to give the spinal cord more
room. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Lumbar spine surgery
How is
sciatica treated?
September 21, 2005
Most cases of sciatica heal on their own within 6 to 12 weeks. There are several
conservative care options for helping alleviate the pain and discomfort associated
with sciatica, including heat/ice, medications, and epidural steroid injections.
For more severe cases of sciatica, surgery may be considered. Read
more...
By: Stephen H. Hochschuler, MD
Surgery
for spinal arthritis
May 25, 2005
Although spinal arthritis tends to be chronic, the symptoms are rarely progressive
and rarely require surgery on the painful spinal joints. However, surgery may
be needed in severe cases, and may include a spine fusion, decompression and/or
laminectomy. Read more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Lumbar microdiscectomy
September 8, 1999 (updated March
30, 2001)
In a microdiscectomy, a small portion of the bone over
the nerve root and/or disc material from under the nerve
root is removed to relieve neural impingement and provide
more room for the nerve to heal. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Lumbar laminectomy
September 8, 1999 (updated March
30, 2001)
Similar to a microdecompression, a lumbar laminectomy
(open decompression) is a surgical procedure that is
performed to alleviate pain caused by neural impingement.
Read more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Postoperative care
for lumbar microdiscectomy
July 31, 2000
Follow-up care for a lumbar microdiscectomy usually
includes a combination of pain management, stretching,
back strengthening, and an early return to activity.
Read more...
By: Theodore B. Goldstein, MD
Multi-specialty
case review: Post-laminectomy syndrome
December 14, 2000
Physicians from three different specialties review and
comment on a patient's case with post-laminectomy syndrome
and recommend a course of treatment. Read
the case...
By: John P. Revord, MD, Peter F. Ullrich, Jr. MD, John
J. Triano, DC, PhD
Lumbar microdecompression (microdiscectomy) spine surgery animation
For leg pain (sciatica) and/or back pain caused by a herniated disc, a microdecompression spine surgery can be performed by using a microscope and a small incision to decompress the nerve root by removing the portion of the disc material that is impinging on the nerve. View spine surgery animation...
Laminaplasty back surgery animation
Pressure on the spinal cord can be relieved by changing the configuration of the lamina through spine surgery. An "open door laminoplasty" spine surgery creates more room by cutting one side of the lamina, and then swinging it open like a door. View laminaplasty back surgery animation...
Laminectomy back surgery animation
The bone overlying the nerve roots can be removed by first taking off the lamina (laminectomy). This operation is performed through a straight midline incision in the low back. View laminectomy back surgery animation...
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