There are many reasons a person might need to undergo spine surgery. Some of the most popular reasons for spine surgery include reducing pain, taking pressure off the nerves, stabilizing the spine, and realigning a crooked spine. The reason for the spine surgery will determine the type of procedure that needs to be performed. Here are four common types of spine surgeries performed by orthopedic surgeons.
1. Artificial Disc Replacement
The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are stacked on top of each other with discs in between them. These discs are like cushions and allow the vertebrae to move without rubbing against each other. When the disc becomes damaged, it may have to be replaced. This is done with a spine surgery called artificial disc replacement. The artificial disc is usually made of either metal or a combination of metal and plastic.
2. Vertebral Augmentation
A fracture in the vertebra is called a compression fracture. This type of fracture can happen in people with osteoporosis. Trauma to the spine, spinal infections, and tumors in the spine can also cause compression fractures. This type of spine injury is treated with a procedure called vertebral augmentation, of which there are two kinds:
Both types of vertebral augmentation procedures have high success rates when it comes to stabilizing the fractured vertebra and reducing pain.
3. Herniated Disc Surgery
A herniated disc is also called a slipped or bulging disc. It occurs when a part of the nucleus of the disc is pushed into the spinal canal. Some common causes of a herniated disc include:
In many cases, a herniated disc is the result of wear and tear on the spine. This condition can be treated with physical therapy or steroid injections. For severe cases, herniated disc surgery may be required. During this procedure, a surgeon removes the damaged disc and fuses the vertebrae together.
4. Spinal Fusion Surgery
This type of spine surgery should only be performed on patients with the following problems:
The primary goal of spinal fusion is to stabilize the spine. In some cases, an orthopedic surgeon performs spinal fusion following a discectomy or laminectomy.
For more information about spine surgery, contact the staff at a clinic like Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, P.C. near you.
My name is Shawna Banks and this is a blog that focuses on health issues that affect women. I became interested in women's health when my sister began having medical problems. After her condition worsened, she went to see a doctor. After her diagnosis and successful treatment, I helped her research the different kinds of health conditions that are common in women. By becoming knowledgeable about these types of problems, we can keep ourselves healthier. I hope that when you read this blog, it will help you to identify symptoms that shouldn't be ignored. If necessary, you can schedule an appointment with your physician as soon as possible.