Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

A damaged disc in the neck can cause pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling. One way to resolve the problem is through a surgical decompression called anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. This surgery contains two parts. The first part is the anterior cervical discectomy. The surgeon approaches the damaged disc from the front of the cervical spine, which is the neck, and removes the disc from between two vertebral bones.

The second part is the fusion for stabilizing the cervical spine. The surgeon inserts a bone graft or implant where the removed disc came from. This provides stability and strength in place of the removed disc. A physician may recommend an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion to treat cervical herniated disc and cervical degenerative disc disease. It can also alleviate symptoms associated with cervical spinal stenosis or remove bone spurs caused by arthritis.

Posterior Cervical Discectomy

A posterior cervical discectomy is a discectomy that involves the surgeon approaching the cervical spine from the back. After making a small incision, the surgeon removes part of the damaged disc to provide relief. A surgeon may recommend a cervical discectomy for large disc herniations. The advantage of this approach is that the patient will not need a fusion. This preserves the mobility of the spine.

Corpectomy

Corpectomy is the removal of the vertebral body, which is the solid part of the bone at the front of the spine and its neighboring discs, and replacing it with an implant to stabilize the spine. There are different types of corpectomy depending on whether it’s in the middle or upper back (thoracic corpectomy) or the neck (anterior cervical corpectomy). A discectomy only involves the removal of a disc. A corpectomy removes the damaged vertebra and nearby discs.

Sacroiliac Fusion

The sacroiliac (SI) joint is where the base of the spine and the pelvis connect. It’s a low-motion joint that acts as a shock-absorber between the lower body and torso. The SI joint can become dysfunctional and cause instability, stiffness, and pain in the lower back, pelvis, groin, and hips. If the pain persists after trying medication, physical therapy, or injections, an SI fusion may be an option. This surgery stabilizes the SI joint with screws and relieves pain.

Spinal Cord Stimulators

For pain that is difficult to treat, a spine surgeon or pain management doctor may implant a spinal cord stimulator. A small battery pack called a generator is implanted under the skin, typically near the stomach or buttocks, and is connected to thin wires or electrodes that are inserted next to the spinal cord. The patient uses a remote control to send low-level electrical pulses from the generator to the wires. These pulses help block pain signals from reaching the brain.

Cervical Arthroplasty

The discs in the neck provide cushioning for the bones of the spine. The discs contain a jelly-like center that acts as a shock absorber. Normal aging and everyday wear and tear can cause the disc to dry out, compress, or become damaged. This causes the disc to narrow and push out the jelly, which can compress the nerve. It results in pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Cervical arthroplasty, also known as artificial disc replacement surgery, is a procedure in which a damaged disc is replaced by an artificial disc.

Carpal Tunnel Release

Numbness and tingling in your hand or upper extremity are unpleasant sensations. Numbness is a reduced or absent feeling in the skin, while tingling is often referred to as a “pins and needles” sensation. The most common reason associated with these two sensations is a problem with nerve function. It can be a result of an injury to the nerve, something pressing on the nerve or an imbalance in the body’s chemistry which interferes with nerve function.

Numbness and tingling of hands and fingers are commonly associated with a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome. This is caused when one of the nerves going to the hand is crushed and can be treated with a surgery, called carpal tunnel release, to remove compression from the nerve.

Ulnar Nerve Repair

The ulnar nerve is a nerve that travels from the pinky up to the shoulder. Since it’s close to the skin’s surface, it can become compressed. When this happens, it may cause tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain. After attempting non-invasive treatments, the doctor may recommend a procedure in which the ulnar nerve is relocated (anterior transposition) or decompressed to relieve pressure. If a nerve is damaged or cut, the surgeon may remove the damaged part of the nerve and reconnect the healthy nerve ends

Peroneal Nerve Release

The peroneal nerve appears in the lower leg and runs from the outside of the fibula below the knee down to the top of the feet. This nerve controls the muscles that lift the ankle and toes. It’s responsible for the sensations on the front and sides of the shin and top of the feet. When there’s pain from the peroneal nerve, it may be caused by trauma or nerve compression. The treatment depends on how the nerve is affected. Decompression surgery can release a compressed nerve. If a nerve is cut or damaged, then it may need a peroneal nerve repair in which the surgeon removes the damaged part of the nerve and reconnects the healthy nerve ends.

Laminectomy 

The lamina is the arch of bone that covers the spinal cord to help protect it. To relieve compression on the spinal cord, a doctor may recommend a laminectomy. This procedure involves the removal of a portion of the lamina. Also referred to as decompression surgery, this procedure can treat herniated discs or symptoms of spinal stenosis.

Discectomy

A disc contains shock-absorbing jelly-like material inside. A herniated disc occurs when this jelly pushes out between the bones and compresses the nerve. This causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs, arms, and back. To relieve the pressure that a herniated disc puts on the spinal nerve, the surgeon performs a discectomy. This is a procedure in which a damaged disc is removed.