Fusion – Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
Overview
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) surgery treats back or leg pain caused by compressed nerves. The surgeon uses bone graft material and hardware to fix two or more vertebrae together. Most TLIF surgeries have shorter recovery times, since the damaged disc is accessed throug…
Fusion – Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
Overview
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion uses implants and bone graft material to fuse two of your vertebrae. This surgery stabilizes your spine and relieves pain caused by a compressed spinal nerve.
Preparation
In preparation for the procedure, you are positioned face-down and anestheti…
Fusion – Lumbar Corpectomy
Overview
A Lumbar Corpectomy Fusion surgery relieves pain caused when a lumbar vertebrae compresses spinal nerve roots. It also corrects spinal column deformities.
Incision and Removal
During this procedure, the patient lies on his right side and the surgery is done through the patient’s …
Fusion – Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
Overview
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is generally used to treat back or leg pain caused by a herniated or degenerated disc. The surgeon stabilizes the spine by fusing vertebrae together with bone graft material.
Incision Made
The procedure is performed through a three- to five-…
Foraminotomy
Overview
This surgery creates more space for a spinal nerve that is being compressed due to a herniated or degenerative disc.
Preparation
In preparation for the procedure, you are placed in a face down position and anesthetized. The surgeon creates a small incision in your skin and gently …
Facet Joint Injections
Overview
The facet joints are found at the back of spinal vertebrae and can become painfully irritated or inflamed. An injection can relieve inflammation and pain, helping doctors diagnosis the pain’s source.
Skin Numbed
In preparation for the procedure, the physician injects local anesthe…
Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) – Lumbar Spine
Overview
This injection procedure is performed to reduce nerve swelling and inflammation to relieve low back and radiating leg pain.
Patient Positioning
You lie face down with a cushion under the stomach area. This flexes the back to expand the spine and allow the doctor easier access to …
Electromyography (EMG)
Overview
This is a two-part test of your nerves and muscles. The first part is a nerve conduction study, sometimes called an NCS or NCV (nerve conduction velocity). The NCS measures how well electricity moves through your nerves. The second part is a needle electromyogram (needle EMG), which reco…
Discography and Discogram
Overview
This procedure, which your doctor may call discography or discogram, helps to identify painful spinal discs. Here’s how it works.
Preparation
You will be relaxed but awake during he procedure. You will not be put to sleep, so that you can give your doctor feedback during the discography…
Discogenic Pain
Overview
Spinal discs cushion the spinal bones (vertebrae) above and below them, and allow the spine to move in a variety of directions. These disc have nerves that give the sensation of pain when the disc is injured or weakened. This is called discogenic pain and is different than pain caused …