Spinal Fusion Alternatives

Laminotomy

A Laminotomy is a minimally invasive endoscopic approach to opening the spinal canal.  A laminotomy does not require the use of general anesthesia and it can be performed in a surgical outpatient setting.

Thermal Ablation

Minimally invasive surgical procedures do not require general anesthesia and may be performed in an outpatient surgical setting.  A facet thermal ablation is a minimally invasive laser procedure.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy

The percutaneous endoscopic discectomy involves a local anaesthetic and a small incision.  A small tube is inserted into the skin through the incision and into the herniated disc space.  The tube allows the surgeon to use various tools such as the laser, camera, suction and other instruments.

Foraminotomy Surgery

The term foraminotomy is derived from two words.  The first being foramen - defined as a natural opening, or a hollow passage, most often through bone, though it can be an opening through other tissue. The second part of this term is otomy, or to cut or incise. 

Conditions Treated With Spinal Fusion Surgery

Most often spinal fusion surgery is used to treat condition of the lumbar spinal region. A spinal fusion can be also used to correct cervical and thoracic problems, although there are conditions that require spinal fusion surgery in the thoracic region of the spine.

Spinal Fusion Surgery

By immobilizing a painful vertebral segment through spinal fusion surgery, the pain that is generated through the join should be decreased.

Spinal Fusion Recovery

Spinal fusion surgery risks are quite similar to other conventional spinal surgeries and should we discussed in detail with your surgeon prior to the surgery.

Spinal Fusion Alternative

When spinal fusion surgery is performed there is a loss of mobility in that particular region of the spine. Because the spine is very mobile when you fuse vertebrae together you cause extreme wear and tear on the vertebrae and discs above and below the area fused.

Conservative Treatments

Before considering Spinal fusion surgery it is best that all conservative methods be explored to their fullest potential.