What Are Types of Spine Surgery?
There are many different types of spine surgery to treat a broad scope of conditions. This article will outline some of the most common spine surgeries and the conditions they treat.
Minimally Invasive Surgery vs Traditional Surgery
First, it is helpful to know the difference between traditional spine surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery. Traditional spine surgery involves making an incision and opening the back as much as needed for the surgeon to conduct an open surgery. This usually results in scarring but is the traditional method of operating and is sometimes the only option available, depending on one’s condition.
Minimally invasive surgery is a surgery in which the smallest incision possible is made to conduct the procedure. This often requires the surgeon to use surgeon aids and other equipment to guide them through the surgery. [1]
Minimally invasive surgery is sometimes preferred due to generally faster recovery time and less scarring. [2] Some conditions that can be treated through the minimally invasive method are degenerated disc disease, herniated discs, lumbar spine stenosis, scoliosis, infections, spondylolisthesis, compression fractures and tumors. [3]
However, this method is not always an option, as some patient’s conditions require traditional open spine surgery. It is worth noting that some types of surgeries can be performed either openly or through the minimally invasive method. Different types of spine surgeries are further explained below.
Laminectomy
A laminectomy is a type of procedure conducted to treat spinal compression. The surgeon removes part of the vertebrae, specifically the lamina, which releases pressure on the spinal cord. [4] This act of decompression can serve to alleviate pain and numbness caused by intrusion into the area where the nerves are.
Discectomy
A microdiscectomy procedure can also treat spinal compression by removing the disc underneath a compressed nerve. The patient may notice immediate pain relief, though it may take months for other symptoms to resolve. [5]
Spinal Fusion
Next, patients may undergo spinal fusion surgery to treat a variety of conditions. Degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis are just two conditions in which spinal fusion may be indicated. Spinal fusion involves removing discs between vertebrae and then using bone grafts or metal pieces to stabilize the vertebrae. This fusion may cause loss of range of motion and can sometimes take a long time to heal. [6]
Artificial Disk Replacement (ADR)
An alternative to spinal fusion is a procedure called Artificial Disk Replacement (ADR). In this procedure, instead of removing discs and then fusing the vertebrae, the surgeon will remove the damaged disc and replace it with an artificial one. [7] This procedure minimizes the loss of range of motion and often has a faster recovery time than that of spinal fusion surgery. [8]
Kyphoplasty
Sometimes patients experience fractures or other degenerative bone conditions caused by osteoporosis. [9] This can be painful and disrupt daily life. A procedure called a kyphoplasty can improve this condition quite quickly. More specifically, a surgeon will use a balloon to place the fractured vertebrae into its correct position and then use bone cement to ensure the vertebrae stays in place. [10]
Tumors
In some cases, patients may require surgery to remove tumors from the spine. Tumors can be inside the spinal cord itself or on the surrounding structures, such as the vertebrae. Surgeons may use a wide variety of methods to remove the tumor, including some of the procedures listed previously.
Furthermore, in some cases, surgery may be preceded by radiation to shrink the tumor enough for the surgeon to operate more effectively. Risk of adverse outcomes vary and one 9-year study of patients undergoing spinal cord tumor removal surgery in the United States found an inpatient mortality rate of 0.55% and a complication rate of 17.5%. [11] Risk, however, can vary from individuals based on a variety of factors. For any procedure you undergo, your physician will explain the risks that are most relevant to your condition.
Undergoing surgery to treat a condition of the spine can be a stressful and emotional process. However, discussing the various options and outcomes with your physician can help alleviate some of this stress. For many conditions, surgery is not the only option – and discussing your individual circumstances with your physician will help you both develop a plan that works best for you.
Sources
Minimally invasive spine surgery. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/MinimallyInvasive-Spine-Surgery.
Patil, C., Patil, T., Lad, S. et al. Complications and outcomes after spinal cord tumor resection in the United States from 1993 to 2002. Spinal Cord 46, 375–379 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3102155
Surgical treatment options for spine disorders. Surgical Treatment for Spine Disorders - BWH Neurosurgery. https://www.brighamandwomens.org/neurosurgery/spine-and-peripheralnerve/surgical-treatment-options-for-spine-disorders.
Types of Spine Surgery and How to Know When You Might Need Surgery. Penn Medicine. https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/neuroscience-blog/2020/july/types-of-spinesurgery. Published July 29, 2020.
Types of spine surgery: Beaufort Memorial. Beaufort Memorial Hospital. https://www.bmhsc.org/services/orthopedics/treatments/spinal-surgery.
