Spine surgery encompasses a range of surgical procedures performed on the spine to treat conditions that affect its structure, stability, or function. These surgeries are typically recommended when conservative treatments (such as medication, physical therapy, or injections) have not provided sufficient relief or when the condition is severe and affecting quality of life.

Common Conditions Treated with Spine Surgery:

1. Herniated Disc:

   • Discectomy: Surgical removal of the herniated portion of a disc that presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord.

2. Spinal Stenosis:

   • Laminectomy: Removal of the lamina (back part of the vertebra) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

3. Degenerative Disc Disease:

   • Spinal Fusion: Joining (fusing) two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine and reduce pain.

4. Spondylolisthesis:

   • Spinal Decompression: Removing bone or tissue that’s pressing on the spinal nerves.

5. Spinal Fractures:

   • Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty: Procedures to stabilize fractured vertebrae and reduce pain, often used in osteoporotic fractures.

6. Spinal Tumors or Infections:

   • Tumor Resection: Surgery to remove tumors affecting the spine, followed by spinal stabilization if necessary.
   • Debridement and Fusion: Removal of infected tissue and fusion of affected spinal segments to treat spinal infections.

Types of Spine Surgery:

1. Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS):

   • Uses small incisions and specialized tools to access the spine, reducing muscle and tissue damage, and typically resulting in faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.

2. Open Spine Surgery:

   • Involves larger incisions to directly access and treat the spine. May be necessary for complex or extensive procedures.

3. Instrumentation:

   • Implants: Metal rods, screws, and cages may be used to stabilize the spine and promote fusion during certain surgeries.

Surgical Techniques and Approaches:

• Anterior Approach: Surgery performed from the front of the body, often used for conditions affecting the cervical spine (neck).
• Posterior Approach: Surgery performed from the back of the body, commonly used for conditions affecting the lumbar spine (lower back).
• Lateral Approach: Surgery performed from the side, suitable for accessing certain areas of the spine with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.