If you’ve been suffering from spinal pain, it’s important to find a top-notch spine surgeon. A good orthopedic spine surgeon will be able to assess your condition and recommend a treatment plan. This may include minimally invasive surgery, congenital spinal deformities, and treatment for spinal stenosis.
Orthopaedic spine surgeon
An Orthopaedic spine surgeon is a specialist in treating spine conditions. They perform nonsurgical and surgical procedures to treat degenerative and traumatic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. These surgeons also specialize in sports injuries and congenital disorders. Listed below are some common procedures performed by orthopedic spine surgeons.
Patients should find an Orthopaedic spine surgeon who has an established reputation for excellent patient care. A good surgeon will not rush patients into surgery if it is not necessary, and they will pursue conservative treatment options before deciding on a surgical procedure. It’s a good idea to bring any recent medical tests and x-rays along with you to Dr Richard Parkinson your consultation. Also, make sure to inform the surgeon of any prior spinal surgeries or chiropractic treatments you may be receiving.
Minimally invasive spine surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery, or MISS, is an approach to treating spinal problems that does not require a major surgical invasion. In the past, even small disc problems could require a five to six inch incision, and a month or more in the hospital. The newer minimally invasive techniques require only a small incision, and most patients can go home the same day.
The recovery time following minimally invasive spine surgery is significantly shorter than that from traditional open surgery. While the time varies from patient to patient, most patients can return to their normal activities within six weeks. Patients must be sure to follow all medication and rehab instructions recommended by their doctor.
Congenital deformities of the spine
Congenital deformities of the spine are disorders of the spine that affect a person’s vertebrae. The causes of congenital deformities vary. Some result in asymmetry, while others may be as severe as a hunchback. In addition to deformity of the spine, these conditions may affect a person’s pulmonary function.
Most of these spine problems are caused by the vertebrae failing to form properly during fetal development. This results in structural problems within the spine and spinal cord. While some congenital deformities are minor and may have no noticeable symptoms, others may be severe and lead to pain.
Treatment of spinal stenosis
A spine surgeon can perform surgery to correct spinal stenosis. Surgery can relieve the pressure on nerve roots and spinal cord by widening the foramen in the spinal canal. Various procedures are available to achieve this goal, including laminectomy and foraminotomy. Some patients have severe spinal stenosis and will require fusion of adjacent vertebrae.
The gold standard surgery for spinal stenosis is a decompression laminectomy, which involves removing bone spurs and arthritic materials from the spinal canal. This surgery can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, which will cause less pain. Other surgeries include spinal fusion, which involves joining two or more vertebrae together to increase stability and provide a stronger support. This surgery may also be performed to correct spinal deformity or restore spinal alignment.
Treatment of scoliosis
Surgical treatment for scoliosis consists of spinal fusion, a surgical procedure that straightens the spine. It can be done on children or adults and can take several months to show results. It may be necessary to follow up with a spine surgeon periodically and go through physical therapy. You should discuss your specific needs with the surgeon, as some cases do not respond to this treatment. You should also consider the risks involved before you decide to undergo surgery.
The severity of the curve is an important factor in determining the best treatment for scoliosis. If the curve is moderate or mild, bracing may be sufficient to correct the deformity. If the curve is more severe, spinal fusion may be the best option. During the surgical procedure, metal rods are placed inside the spine to stabilize the spine and keep it straight.