Thoracic and lumbar fractures can significantly impact mobility and quality of life, often requiring surgical intervention to make proper healing and function. Internal fixation on thoracic & lumbar fractures is a key technique used at GNS Surgery Center to treat these types of fractures effectively.
Understanding Thoracic & Lumbar Fractures
Thoracic fractures occur in the upper and middle back, while lumbar fractures are located in the lower back. These injuries can result from accidents, falls, or conditions like osteoporosis, causing pain, loss of movement, and potentially severe complications if not treated properly. The goal of treatment is to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage.
What is Internal Fixation?
Internal fixation on thoracic & lumbar fractures involves surgically securing broken bones with metal screws, plates, rods, or wires. This method realigns the fractured bone and holds it in place during the healing process. The technique is crucial for making sure that the bones heal in the correct position, reducing the risk of deformity and instability.
Internal fixation on thoracic & lumbar fractures offers several advantages over other treatments. It allows for earlier mobilization, which is essential for reducing recovery time and preventing complications like bed sores and muscle atrophy. It also provides a high rate of success in achieving stable healing, allowing patients to return to their daily activities more quickly.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at GNS Surgery Center
GNS Surgery Center utilizes minimally invasive spine surgery techniques, which are designed to minimize tissue disruption and reduce recovery time. These procedures often use smaller incisions and specialized instruments to perform the surgery with less damage to surrounding tissues. This approach not only speeds up the recovery process but also reduces postoperative pain and the risk of infection.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Techniques
The benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery are significant:
- Smaller incision and less visible scarring.
- Reduced damage to muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues.
- Less blood loss during surgery.
- Quicker recovery and return to normal activities.
At GNS Surgery Center, specific procedures like lumbar spinal fusion, lumbar laminectomy, and discectomy are performed using minimally invasive techniques. These procedures help to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on nerves, thereby alleviating pain and improving function.
Advanced Surgical Tools: StealthStation™ and O-arm™ Systems
GNS Surgery Center employs advanced imaging and navigation systems like the StealthStation and O-arm to enhance the accuracy and safety of spinal surgeries. The O-arm provides detailed 2D and 3D images, allowing surgeons to precisely place screws and hardware with minimal exposure. The StealthStation Surgical Navigation system helps guide the surgeon in real-time, making optimal alignment of the bones.
These systems significantly reduce the risk of surgical errors and improve the outcomes for patients undergoing internal fixation.
Stronger Spine, Swift Recovery with GNS Surgery Center
Internal fixation on thoracic & lumbar fractures at GNS Surgery Center offers a reliable and effective solution for treating thoracic and lumbar fractures. The use of minimally invasive techniques and advanced surgical tools helps to reduce recovery time and improve outcomes, allowing patients to return to their daily lives sooner. If you or a loved one is suffering from a spinal fracture, get in touch with one of our physicians today, and we will provide valuable insights into the treatment options available.
