What Does a Spine Surgeon Do?
A spine surgeon is a medical specialist who specializes in surgical procedures to treat spinal disorders. These procedures can correct structural abnormalities or relieve pressure caused by a spinal stenosis. They can also correct spinal deformities. In addition to their training and experience, a spine surgeon should be highly committed to their patients.
Spine surgery is a subspecialty of neurosurgery
Spine surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on the function of the spine and treatment of disorders associated with it. It encompasses a wide range of techniques, from non-operative methods to complex operative procedures. Unlike many other types of surgery, spine surgery is a subspecialty of the field of neurosurgery. In 1997, the American Board of Spine Surgery was founded, a non-profit organization that certifies surgeons based on their specialization in the field. The board’s role is to protect the interests of the public and medical/surgical community.
Spine surgery has always been an important part of neurosurgery and its education. However, neurosurgeons only started to form spine societies in the last few decades. While the term “neurospine” was first used by orthopedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons have only recently started to use it to refer to spine surgery.
It is performed to correct possible structural abnormalities
Spine surgery is a medical procedure that aims to correct structural abnormalities of the spinal column. Its main goals are to restore nerve function, reduce pain, prevent abnormal motion of the spinal column, and correct spinal deformities. While 90% of patients will experience improvement without surgery, certain patients require surgical intervention to correct their back problems. At UR Medicine’s Spine Center, a team of highly qualified orthopaedic surgeons offers a full range of surgical treatments. Before undergoing surgery, each patient meets with their surgeon to discuss treatment options and postoperative care.
Spine surgery involves making an incision in the back or neck. The ispine.com.au surgeon will then use a special instrumentation to add stability to the spine. After the procedure, the incision is closed with dissolving sutures and the patient will be given pain medications to manage the pain. Patients should expect tingling or numbness after surgery, but these should subside in time. If pain persists, patients should contact their neurosurgeon for further instructions.
It is performed to relieve pressure from a stenosis
Spine surgery is performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots caused by spinal stenosis. Surgery involves cutting part or all of the bony arch of the spinal column to create more space. A laminectomy is one common spinal stenosis treatment. A laminectomy removes a section of bone from a vertebra, opening up the spinal canal and relieving pressure on the nerve roots.
An anterior cervical laminectomy, also called an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion, is another procedure used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. This surgical procedure involves cutting a vertebral bone to open up the central canal and the foramen, which allows more space to the spinal cord. This procedure is an alternative to spinal fusion and helps relieve the pain and motion restrictions of a stenosis.
It is performed to correct spinal deformities
Spine surgery is a surgical procedure to correct deformities in the spine. Spinal deformities can result from birth defects or degeneration of the spine. It involves removing a segment of the spine to correct it. The surgery also involves fusion and the placement of spinal instrumentation.
The primary goal of spinal deformity surgery is to restore proper spinal alignment. The deformity must be corrected without compromising the integrity of the spinal cord. The surgery is a complex procedure that requires a thorough understanding of spinal deformity and the underlying spine. During surgery, the surgeon must consider the biomechanics of the spine, instrumentation, and neurophysiological monitoring. This review focuses on the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of patients with spinal deformities treated by neurosurgeons.
It is performed to correct sciatic pain
Surgical treatment of sciatic pain is performed to treat the underlying problem that is causing the pain. The procedure can relieve the pain and help a person regain their mobility. However, the risks and recovery times may vary, depending on the extent of the pain and the patient’s health.
The main goal of surgery for sciatic pain is to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, which is responsible for the discomfort that accompanies sciatic pain. Several surgical procedures are available to address this problem. Laminectomy, for example, involves the removal of a small portion of the vertebrae that are compressing the sciatic nerve. Foraminotomy, on the other hand, involves widening the foramina, or openings in the vertebrae where the nerve roots exit the spinal cord. In this procedure, a surgeon uses a surgical drill to widen the narrowed openings and decrease the pressure on the nerve roots.