Myelography and Myelogram
Overview
A Myelography (also called a Myelogram) is an outpatient diagnostic procedure to examine the spine. It allows doctors to identify problems involving the spine, the spinal cord, and the nerve roots that are often not clearly revealed with x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans.
Preparation
To …
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Overview
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan lets doctors see inside your body. Unlike x-rays that use radiation to show bony structures, MRIs use magnets and radio waves to show soft tissues.
Preparation
You will need to remove glasses, jewelry, hearing aids, dentures, and other item…
Medial Branch Block
Overview
A Medial Branch Block is an injection of numbing medicine. The medial branch nerves attach to the facet joints of your spine and can hurt when the joints are injured or diseased. The injection provides tempporary pain relief and helps the doctors find the source of your pain.
Pre…
Laminotomy
Overview
Laminotomy surgery creates more space around your spinal nerves. This procedure eliminates nerve compression and the pain, weakness, and numbness that it caused.
Preparation
You will lie face-down on the surgical table and be put to sleep by general anesthesia. The surgeon makes…
Laminectomy
Overview
A laminectomy procedure relieves pressure on the nerve roots in the spine, usually caused by stenosis. The surgery removes the “back” of the spinal canal at the affected vertebra, providing more room for the nerves to flow without compression.
Removing the Spinous Process
The sur…
Herniated Disc – Protrusion or Extrusion
Overview
The spinal bones (vertebrae) are separated by discs which cushion your bones, absorb shock, and allow your spine to twist and bend. If a disc is damaged, its contents can push into or through the disc wall and deform its shape. This is called a disc herniation, which can also be classi…
Fusion – Occipito-Cervical Fixation (OC)
Overview
This surgery uses rods and implants to stabilize your head and neck by fusing the base of your skull to your cervical spine.
Preparation
To begin, you are positioned face-down and are anesthetized. Some of your scalp may be shaved to expose the surgery site. The surgeon immobiliz…
Fusion – Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
Overview
This surgery relieves painful pressure on spinal nerves by removing a herniated or degenerative vertebral disc in your neck and replacing it with a bone graft.
Preparation
To prepare for the procedure, you are anesthetized and positioned lying on your back. The surgeon makes an…
Fusion – Anterior Cervical Corpectomy
Overview
This surgery relieves pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion removes discs and bone from your cervical spine, then fuses the adjacent vertebrae together.
Incision Created
To prepare for the procedure, you lie on your back and are a…
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 …