Types of Spine Surgery

Discectomy — A discectomy involves the removal of disc herniation through a two­inch incision, with essentially no blood loss. Ten years ago these patients spent two to three days in the hospital. Now, discectomy is an outpatient procedure. You are up and around from the first day and driving within a week or two.

Lumbar Laminectomy — A lumbar laminectomy is performed to remove herniated discs or bone spurs that put pressure on a spinal nerve. Surgeons make a two or three­inch incision in the middle of your lower back. You may be an outpatient or have a short hospital stay. Recovery is quick.

Lumbar Fusion — Lumbar fusion is performed when spinal disease causes the vertebrae to become unstable and move out of alignment, putting pressure on the nerves. To restore the correct relationship between vertebrae and keep them from moving, surgeons internally fix the bones with screws and plates and create bony bridges between them by using bone grafts. The bone graft may come from your bone or from the bone bank. Newer graft materials speed healing.

Kyphoplasty — Patients with osteoporosis and compression fractures may be candidates for kyphoplasty. Two very small incisions are made in the skin. Through each, a balloon is inserted and inflated, expanding the bone to its normal size. Cement is used to fill the void. Kyphoplasty can prevent deformities, loss of height, and pain associated with fractures.

Because anesthesia is used, most patients stay in the hospital overnight, although some go home the same day. Patients are up and about in a day.

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