While most cases of back pain can be successfully treated with non-surgical options, some conditions may require surgery. Some of the diagnoses that may need surgery to resolve include:
With board certified neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and pain management specialists, at Houston Northwest Medical Center, we provide a complete range of surgical treatment options that include:
Kyphoplasty—a two-step procedure in which a balloon is first inserted to restore the shape of the spine, and then a cement-like mixture is inserted into the fractured vertebra.
Lysis of epidural adhesions—a procedure in which medication is injected into the epidural space to relieve pain and dissipate scar tissue.
Laminectomy/discectomy - a procedure in which part of the lamina (portion of the bone on the back of the vertebrae) is removed as well as a portion of a ligament. The herniated disc is then removed.
Microdiscectomy – similar to a discectomy (above), but using a smaller incision.
Spinal fusion – when two or more vertebrae are joined together using bone grafts, screws and rods.
Percutaneous surgical techniques—using minimally invasive procedures.
Scoliosis deformity correction
Spinal cord stimulator—an implantable medical device that generates an electric impulse near the surface of the spinal cord and provides a tingling sensation that alters the perception of pain.
Treatment of spine trauma, spinal cord injury
Radiofrequency lesioning—a procedure using a specialized machine to interrupt nerve conduction on a semi-permanent basis. The nerves are usually blocked for six to nine months (can be as short as three months or as long as 18 months).
Vertebroplasty—a procedure in which a cement-like mixture is inserted into the fractured vertebra.