There are several different kinds of back surgery:
Spinal Fusion – Spinal fusion involves fusing together two vertebrae (bones) in the spine. This procedure can help relieve pain by eliminating painful motion between vertebrae and providing stability. A bone graft is typically used to help the bones fuse together; screws or rods may be inserted to keep the spine stable while healing. The procedure can be performed through the abdomen, side, back, or a combination. Full recovery may take a year or longer.
Discectomy – A discectomy may be done to remove the herniated part of a disk to relieve pressure on a nerve that is causing irritation or inflammation. This procedure often involves removing most or part of the back portion of the vertebra to access the ruptured disk.
Laminectomy – When nerve pressure caused by spinal stenosis is causing pain, the bone overlying the spinal canal can be removed during a surgical procedure called a laminectomy. This enlarges the spinal canal and reduces pain.
Kyphoplasty – This procedure involves injecting bone cement into compressed vertebrae.
SI Joint Fusion – This is a minimally invasive procedure done through a small incision. The goal is to treat pain and dysfunction in the triangular-shaped bone in the lower portion of the spine through stabilization of joints with implantable devices.
Navigated Spinal Procedures and O-Arm Technology – Both of these options guide surgeons during complex spinal fusion cases using CT imaging.
Spinal Cord Stimulators and Pain Pumps – These are implantable devices that may help to alleviate back pain.
