Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) allows surgeons to access the spine through smaller incisions. It is made possible by the use of a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the end – called an endoscope – and specialized tools. The endoscopic technique is used to treat patients with complex spine disorders. MISS may be used to treat trauma, spinal tumors, or deformities. Fracture reduction, spinal fusion, laminectomy, and discectomy may be performed using minimally-invasive ... [Read More]
Back Surgery
What Should I Ask My Spinal Surgeon Before Undergoing Tumor Surgery?
Spinal tumors can grow inside the spinal canal or the bones that make up the spine. Depending on their type and grade, the tumors may spread to the vertebrae and surrounding tissues. Nonsurgical treatment options—such as medications and radiation therapy—are usually the first-line treatment for spinal tumors. However, if they are ineffective, your spinal surgeon may recommend tumor surgery. Surgeries by their very nature are complex and risky, so it proves prudent to equip yourself with ... [Read More]
Weighing the Risks and Benefits of Back Surgery
If you have suffered a back injury or have chronic back pain, your doctor may recommend back surgery to help you finally achieve pain relief. Back surgery is generally a much less serious surgery than it used to be, thanks to more advanced equipment and capabilities which enable your back surgeon to operate only on the injury in question – without causing needless harm to the surrounding tissues. Let’s talk about some of the main benefits and possible risks involved in back surgery, and where ... [Read More]
What You Need to Know About Spinal Tumor Surgery
A spinal tumor may be a primary tumor, which means it develops initially in the spine, or it may be metastatic from a tumor spreading from another part of the body. Either way, a skilled neurosurgeon can perform surgery to remove the spinal tumor. This is a very delicate operation because a severed or damaged spinal cord can result in paralysis. You will therefore want to partner with a neurosurgeon who has years of successful experience in performing spinal tumor surgery. Let’s talk about ... [Read More]
Am I a Good Candidate for Artificial Disc Replacement?
Chronic back pain affects over 16 million adults. It is one of the most common conditions limiting human function. When conservative methods no longer work to relieve your pain, your doctor may suggest artificial disc replacement. During this procedure, your surgeon will replace one or two of your spinal discs with metal or plastic discs. Before discussing the details of the surgery, your doctor will review your medical history and assess several factors to ascertain if you are a suitable ... [Read More]
