Overview
When non-surgical spine care doesn’t resolve your pain, your doctor may recommend spine surgery. In this case, there are many spinal surgeries available. After taking a thorough medical exam, learning your medical history, and in some cases performing imaging or blood tests, your doctor will be able to make a recommendation as to which spinal surgery is best for you.
The two main types of spine surgery are open surgery and minimally invasive surgery. During this surgery, a five- to six-inch incision will be made along the back, so that your doctor can thoroughly examine the affected part of the spine. Your surgeon will then remove the tissue or bone matter that is causing pressure in the spinal cord or nerves.
While open surgery tends to be more common, the popularity of minimally invasive procedures is growing quickly. With minimally invasive surgeries, patients usually experience lower infection rates, quicker recovery as well as less blood loss and pain. Minimally invasive spine surgery is performed through a small incision, with computer-assisted imaging, which allows surgeons to view the operative site. Because of the smaller incision, surrounding muscles and tissues are left untouched during surgery, which results in less scarring.
Not all patients are candidates for minimally invasive spinal surgeries. To be considered for a minimally invasive procedure, your surgeon must know that it will achieve the same results or better results than an open surgery would.
The two main types of spine surgery are open surgery and minimally invasive surgery. During this surgery, a five- to six-inch incision will be made along the back, so that your doctor can thoroughly examine the affected part of the spine. Your surgeon will then remove the tissue or bone matter that is causing pressure in the spinal cord or nerves.
While open surgery tends to be more common, the popularity of minimally invasive procedures is growing quickly. With minimally invasive surgeries, patients usually experience lower infection rates, quicker recovery as well as less blood loss and pain. Minimally invasive spine surgery is performed through a small incision, with computer-assisted imaging, which allows surgeons to view the operative site. Because of the smaller incision, surrounding muscles and tissues are left untouched during surgery, which results in less scarring.
Not all patients are candidates for minimally invasive spinal surgeries. To be considered for a minimally invasive procedure, your surgeon must know that it will achieve the same results or better results than an open surgery would.
Common Spine Conditions We Treat:
- Cervical Cord Compression
- Cervical Radiculopathy (Nerve Root Compression)
- Cervical Spondylolysis
- Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
- Cervical Stenosis
- Compression Fractures
- Herniated Disc (Lumbar and Cervical)
- Kyphosis
- Lower Back Pain
- Lumbar Radiculopathy (Nerve Root Compression)
- Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
- Lumbar Stenosis
- Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL)
- Scoliosis
- Scheuermann's Disease
- Spinal Tumors
- Spondylolsis
Why Choose Mercy Health?
We understand that spinal surgery is about more than the time spent in the hospital. That’s why our therapy departments work with you in both inpatient and outpatient settings to help you return to activities as soon as possible. In addition to therapy, we can provide the medical equipment and supplies that you need to recover safely at home.
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