Surgical Procedures
As spine specialists, Dr. Jordan Grabel and Dr. Zachary Grabel routinely treat spine conditions through advanced and effective surgical procedures. However, surgery is not the first treatment option for most patients. In fact, our physicians make every attempt to bring relief to patients using conservative treatments, such as medication and physical therapy. However, when conservative treatments fail to bring relief, surgical procedures are considered.
Grabel Spine provides many surgical interventions. Below are procedures our surgeons most often perform.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is often used to treat herniated disks in the neck. The surgery is performed to remove the damaged disc and insert an implant, which allows the vertebra above the disc to fuse to the vertebra below the disc. The procedure is performed by making a small incision in the front of the neck.
Artificial disc replacement, otherwise known as arthroplasty or total disc replacement (TDR), is an alternative to ACDF. After the disc herniation is removed, an artificial disc is placed between the two vertebra to preserve motion. Some researchers have found that this preservation of motion reduces the likelihood of adjacent disks wearing out in the future, as compared to ACDF. Not all patients are candidates for TDR.
A laminectomy refers to a surgical procedure performed to remove the back of the vertebra called the lamina. This procedure is done to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. A laminectomy essentially creates more space in the spinal column. The creation of additional space is meant to alleviate pain and other symptoms related to a herniated disc. A laminectomy or discectomy can be performed anywhere along the length of the spine. A discectomy is the removal of the herniated disc to relieve pressure that’s causing pain. A laminectomy may be performed at the same time.
One of the posterior approaches (performed by making an incision in the back of the neck) in the cervical region is called cervical laminoplasty. The bones in the rear portion of the spine are partially opened to provide more space for the spinal cord. This is a motion sparing alternative to laminectomy/fusion for some patients.
Posterior spinal fusion is performed to fuse two or more vertebrae in the neck or back. Often this is done in conjunction with laminectomy in situations where the spinal cord is being squeezed. This procedure provides stability to the spinal column and usually requires screws and rods.
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is a surgical procedure generally performed through one or multiple incisions in the lower back. Segments of the spine are fused by removing of one or more disks and replacing them with cages, bone grafts, or other implants. This procedure is generally supplemented with the placement of screws and rods.
The lateral approach for spinal fusion is sometimes preferred over an anterior or posterior approach. These techniques use minimally invasive approaches through small incisions on the side of the body. These techniques are often associated with a shorter recovery time, but they are not appropriate for all patients.
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion involves fusing two vertebra through an incision made anteriorly, usually around or below the bellybutton. The disc is surgically removed and then replaced with either a cage or bone graft. This procedure may be performed alone or in conjunction with additional small incisions in the back for minimally invasive placement of screws and rods.
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) and percutaneous procedures use small incisions and special surgical instruments to perform spine surgery. Discectomies, spinal fusions, and other types of spine surgery can be performed using these techniques. These minimally invasive procedures can lead to shorter hospital stays and shorter recovery periods, but are not appropriate for all patients.
Spine deformity correction may be necessary for conditions such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and spondylolisthesis. Correction of these deformities requires special knowledge and skills, which is exactly what you can count on at Grabel Spine.
If you suspect you have a spinal condition or injury that’s causing pain and other discomforts, the best thing you can do is speak with an expert in spine health. At Grabel Spine, we can diagnose your condition and discuss conservative and surgery treatment options with you, so you can make the best decision for yourself.
Make an appointment with one of the expert surgeons at Grabel Spine today by calling (561) 833-6388, and let us help you get much needed relief.
