Overview
Posterior spinal decompression and fusion is a surgical process that is done to relieve the pain in the spine from the neck to the lower back. This surgery opens up the bony canals through which the nerves and spinal cord pass, creating the required space for them to move freely.
What is posterior spinal decompression?
Posterior spinal decompression is a medical procedure performed to relieve the pressure on the spinal nerves anywhere along the spine, from the neck to the lower back. There are a number of factors which cause chronic pain, weakness, numbness, etc. in your legs or arms.
Those factors are as follows
- Disc Herniations
- Spinal canal stenosis
- Fractures
- Infections
To battle this condition, posterior spinal decompression surgery is done.
What are the symptoms of spine decompression?
There are certain symptoms for decompression. If you are facing any of the following symptoms you must consult your specialized doctor immediately.
- Severe Leg pain
- Numbness or weakness in your leg or foot.
- Difficulty in standing or walking.
- If your leg pain or condition is not improved with medication or physical therapy
What are the types of Decompression Surgery?
There are different types of decompression surgery. These are their names:
- Laminectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the entire lamina or thickened ligaments that cover the spinal nerves.
- Laminotomy is the procedure in which a small portion of the lamina (or ligament) is removed.
- Discectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of a bulging or degenerative disc to relieve pressure on the nerves.
- Laminaplasty is the procedure in which the spinal canal is expanded by cutting the laminae on one side and leaving them open. It is usually used only in the neck area.
- Foraminotomy is the procedure in which the bone surrounding the neural foramen, or channel where the nerve root leaves the spine, is removed. This approach is employed when disc degeneration has resulted in the foramen’s height collapsing and pressing against a nerve.
What is Instrumented Fusion?
The procedure through which the spinal vertebrae are stabilized is known as a spinal fusion. The purpose of a lumbar fusion is to give stability by building a strong bone bridge between two or more vertebrae. When the spine is unstable or there has been a major loss of disc space, spinal fusion is a possibility.
The primary goal of lumbar decompression surgery is to release pressure from the spine’s nerves. Decompression and spinal fusion may be coupled if the spine is unstable.
Who will perform the surgery?
Spine surgeries are done by a trained neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon. Spine surgeons will undergo specialized training in complex spine surgery.
At Astra Hospital, Doctor SS Kumar, an orthopaedics and spine surgeon, has over 20 years of experience performing complex spine surgeries. He has helped so many people transform their lives with basic lifestyle changes as well as complex surgeries. Here is a story of one of our patient who got her life transformed after undergoing Posterior spinal decompression & Instrumented fusion.
She was from Nigeria; she had been suffering from chronic pain for a long time, and she was not able to stand on her feet. She has consulted so many doctors, but she wasn’t able to relieve the pain she was going through. After a period of time, she came to know that she was having some spinal nerve problem. Her brother, Mr., took her to India for consultation with Dr. SS Kumar from Astra Hospital.
Here, after taking physical and other tests, we came to know that she had to undergo surgery, and within 3 days, our Dr. SS Kumar successfully performed the surgery without any complications. And she was relieved from her pain, which she had been undergoing for years.
Listen to what the patient herself wants to say about the surgery.
How Much Time Will It Take to Heal From Posterior Spinal Decompression Surgery?
Based on the person condition usually, it will take about 4 to 6 weeks for you to reach your expected level of mobility and lead a normal lifestyle.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing any difficulties or pain in your back or spine, it is best to consult with the doctor right away. Medications and treatments at the right time will help you avoid complications.
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