Procedures

Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)

This procedure is done from the front of the neck. The surgery consists of removing the degenerated disc, decompressing the spinal canal at the affected level and implanting a motion sparing device. This device moves with the spinal column and preserves motion at the operated segment.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

This procedure is done from the front of the neck. This surgery consists of removing the degenerated disk and bone spurs, decompressing the spinal canal at the affected level and placing a graft in place of the disc space to facilitate bony fusion between the adjacent vertebral bodies. This usually is followed by placement of a metal plate and screws to stabilize the vertebral bones.

Cervical Laminoplasty

This procedure is done from the back of the neck and involves opening and hinging the posterior elements of the spine. In this way, more space is created in the spinal canal which relieves the pressure and stenosis on the spinal cord.

Cervical Laminectomy

This procedure is done from the back of the neck. The posterior elements (such as lamina and spinous processes) are removed and the spinal cord is decompressed. The number of affected levels and the severity of stenosis determine the extent of the laminectomy.

Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy

This procedure is done from the back of the neck. Bone spurs and disc material can narrow the opening (foramen) through which the nerve roots exit the spinal canal. This can result in pinching of the nerve. This surgery involves the partial removal of bone from the posterior elements of the spine as well as shaving of bone spurs and removal of soft tissue to open up the foramen through which the spinal nerve travels.

Posterior Cervical Fusion

This procedure is done from the back of the neck. It typically involves instrumentation of the spinal column using screws and rods. The facet joints and posterior elements are decorticated to facilitate fusion of the selected segments (i.e. healing of the bones together).

Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement

This procedure is done from the front, with an incision on the abdomen. The surgery consists of removing the degenerated disc, decompressing the spinal canal at the affected level and implanting a motion sparing device. This device moves with the spinal column and preserves motion at the operated segment. Typically, a vascular surgeon safely exposes the spinal column from the front of the abdomen, and the spine surgeon then proceeds with the decompression and device implantation.

Lumbar Microdiscectomy

This procedure is done from the back. It involves carefully removing a small portion of the bone and ligament to access the spinal canal and the disc space. The herniated disc fragment(s) can be removed in a minimally invasive manner.

Lumbar Laminectomy

This procedure is done from the back. The posterior elements (such as lamina and spinous processes) are removed and the spinal cord/nerves are decompressed. The number of affected levels and the severity of stenosis determine the extent of the laminectomy.

Laminotomy/Foraminotomy

This procedure is done from the back. Bone spurs, soft tissue and disc material can narrow the spinal canal and the opening (foramen) through which the nerve roots exit the spinal canal. This can result in pinching of the nerve. The surgery involves the partial removal of bone as well as shaving of bone spurs and removal of soft tissue to open up the spinal canal and foramen through which the spinal nerve travels.

Posterior Lumbar Fusion

This procedure is done from the back. It typically involves instrumentation of the spinal column using screws and rods. The facet joints and posterior elements are decorticated to facilitate fusion of the selected segments (i.e. healing of the bones together). This can be done in combination with interbody fusion.

Trans-Foraminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

This procedure is done from the back. With partial removal of bone and ligament, spinal canal and disc space is accessed. The disc is removed with specialized tools and, usually, a spacer with graft material is placed in the disc space to facilitate interbody fusion.

Direct Lateral Interbody Fusion (DLIF)

This procedure is done from the side of the spine. The patient is positioned either on their left or right side. The disc space between the vertebral bodies is accessed through the side, through the psoas muscle. Once the disc material is removed, usually, a spacer with graft material is placed in the disc space to facilitate interbody fusion.

Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (OLIF)

This procedure is done from the side of the spine with the patient in the lateral position. The disc space between the vertebral bodies is accessed through the side incisions, but at an oblique angle that is anterior to the psoas muscle. Once the disc material is removed, usually, a spacer with graft material is placed in the disc space to facilitate interbody fusion.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)

This procedure is done from the front of the abdomen. This surgery consists of removing the degenerated disc and bone spurs at the affected level. Once the disc material is removed, usually a spacer with graft material is placed in the disc space to facilitate interbody fusion. Typically, a vascular surgeon safely exposes the spinal column from the front of the abdomen, and the spine surgeon then proceeds with the disc space preparation and graft implantation.

Thoracic Laminectomy

Thoracic Foraminotomy

This procedure is done from the back. Bone spurs and disc material can narrow the opening (foramen) through which the nerve roots exit the spinal canal. This can result in pinching of the nerve. This surgery involves the partial removal of bone and ligament from the posterior elements of the spine as well as shaving of bone spurs and removal of soft tissue to open up the foramen through which the spinal nerve travels.

Posterior Thoracic Fusion