PROCEDURES

 Discectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of a vertebral disc that has herniated. The disc is removed by first cutting the outer annulus fibrosis and removing the nucleus pulposus to relieve pressure on the nerve root. A dissection is then performed to remove a ligament that runs from front to back in order to access the spinal canal and remove any bone spurs or disc material protruding through the ligament.

 Laminotomy is a surgical procedure performed to relieve spinal cord and/or nerve root compression. The purpose of it is to decompress—take pressure off the spinal cord and nerve roots.  During a laminotomy, part of the lamina is removed to open the spinal canal and access the spinal cord and nerve roots.  A laminotomy allows your neurosurgeon to access your spine from behind; your posterior side.

 Foraminotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to expand the opening in the spinal column where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal. Its purpose is to relieve the pressure resulting from foraminal stenosis. This is a painful condition caused by a narrowing of the foramen, the opening within each of the spinal bones that allows nerve roots to pass through. 

 Facet Thermal Ablation is a procedure that uses a laser to remove unwanted tissue from the facet joint and deadens the nerve in the joint that relays pain symptoms. The facet joints are located between the vertebrae, bony segments that compose the spinal column. Each vertebra has two facet joints, one on each side of the spinal column. Thermal ablation is the use of heat in the form of a laser to destroy the nerve that is sensing pain in the joint.

 Cervical Disc Replacement is a new surgery technique performed to replace a damaged, herniated, or painful disc while maintaining motion in the spine. Instead of performing a traditional spinal fusion, an artificial disc is inserted to replace the old damaged disc. The new disc actually moves and is designed to not reduce any motion, a problem common in spinal fusion procedures.

 Minimally invasive stabilization surgery (MISS) uses advanced technology and innovative techniques to treat back pain and neck pain caused by a variety of spinal disorders. Minimally invasive stabilization minimizes soft tissue damage. Minimally invasive stabilization may be a less risky, less invasive option compared to traditional open spine surgery.

Large incision of at least 6 inches

Inpatient procedure, requiring at least one night hospital stay

Months of recovery

Preauthorization by Medicare and insurance

Incisions 1 inch or smaller

Outpatient procedure – you go home the same day

Get back to normal activities in weeks, not months

Medicare and insurance accepted

Incision ¼ inch or smaller

Outpatient procedure – you go home the same day

DAYS – not weeks of recovery

Medicare and insurance accepted