Back and Spine Health
Even though most pain in the lower back region can be corrected without surgery, there are times when back surgery is the only viable procedure for the patient. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) states that there are many back conditions that are viable candidates for surgical treatments.
Back surgery has a higher risk compared to some of the other types of surgery since it is done closer to the nervous system of the patient. That is why you need to work with a highly specialized and experienced spine surgeons in Las Vegas, NV when undergoing back surgery. This article provides information on some of the most common back surgery procedures.
Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty
This back surgery procedure is effective in repairing compression fractures of the vertebrae caused – which are usually caused due to osteoporosis. The procedure includes an injection of glue-like bone cement that helps harden and strengthen the bone. The surgeon will use image guidance to inject the cement mixture into the bone using a hollow needle. During kyphoplasty, the surgeon will insert a balloon into the bone via the hollow needle in order to create a cavity. The balloon will be removed once the cement is injected into the space.
Discectomy
This back surgery procedure is performed by a qualified spine surgeon to remove the damaged portion of a herniated disk in the spine. Discectomy and Laminectomy are most often performed together.
Your healthcare provider may recommend this procedure when conservative, nonsurgical treatments don’t work for you or if your symptoms worsen over time. Even though there are several ways to perform this procedure, minimally invasive diskectomy is the most popular procedure today. It uses a small incision and a video camera for viewing the surgical procedure.
Spinal Laminectomy (Spinal Decompression)
This surgical procedure is usually performed when spinal stenosis is causing the narrowing of the spinal canal that could result in severe pain, weakness, and numbness of the area over time. The surgeon will remove the bony walls of the vertebrae including any bone spurs to open up the spinal column to relieve the pressure on the nerves.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is a back surgery procedure that helps remove the spinal disk between two vertebrae. The surgeon will then fuse the nearby vertebrae with bone grafts or a metal device secured by screws. This procedure involves a long-term recovery period since the patient can lose some flexibility in the spine soon after the surgery. Proper recovery will let the bone grafts grow & fuse the vertebrae together.
Nucleoplasty Or Plasma Disk Decompression
This is a laser surgical procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to treat patients suffering from lower back pain associated with a mildly herniated disk. The surgeon will insert a needle into the disk with a plasma laser device inserted into the needle. The tip is then heated to create a field that vaporizes the tissue in the affected disk. It helps relieve the pressure on the nerves.
If you are considering surgery be sure and consult with your spine surgeons or medical professional about a referral for a spine surgeon in Las Vegas, NV or contact The Robotic Spine Institute of Las Vegas today for assistance either at 7140 Smoke Ranch Rd, #150, Las Vegas, NV 89128 or calling (888) 617-7463.
