Vertebrae Surgery & Procedures

The vertebrae are the bones that form the spinal column, or backbone. Together, they constitute the main structural support for the upper body, and provide vital protection for the spinal cord. For a number of reasons, the vertebrae may become damaged or intrude abnormally into the spinal canal. When this occurs, one of several surgical procedures may be performed to restore function and relieve harmful symptoms.

Spinal Fusion

• Spinal fusion may be performed to correct a number of conditions, including direct injury to your vertebrae; degeneration or slippage of the discs that cushion your vertebrae; or other sources of spinal weakness or instability. In this procedure, two or more vertebrae are literally fused together, thereby limiting unwanted spinal motion. At the beginning of this surgery, the segment of your spine that is causing you difficulties is exposed, using either conventional open-surgery techniques or a newer, minimally-invasive approach. Your surgeon will then take small sections of bone---harvested either from your own body or that of a donor---and graft them into place between your affected vertebrae. The bones are then immobilized to allow the grafts time to fuse the vertebrae together.

  Your surgeon may substitute small bone sections with larger pieces to promote quicker stability, or use suitable man-made materials.

Laminectomy

• Laminectomy is a technique used to widen your spinal canal and relieve stress on your spinal cord. It is typically performed in combination with spinal fusion or other forms of vertebral surgery. In this procedure, your surgeon will expose the targeted vertebrae and remove all or part of their lamina---the segments at the rear of each vertebra that shield the backside of the spinal cord. He will also remove the spiny portion of the vertebra that sits between the lamina. The remaining segments of vertebrae may then be fused to provide proper support for the spine.

Foraminotomy

• Foraminotomy is a technique used to relieve pressure on nerves exiting the spinal column. It takes its name from the foramen, the natural opening in a vertebra where a nerve passes through. In this procedure, your surgeon will shave or cut away the edges of the foramen to provide a larger channel for a restricted nerve. You may undergo this surgery separately or in combination with a laminectomy and/or spinal fusion. Any form of vertebrae surgery may also be performed in combination with a discectomy, or surgical removal of all or part the cushioning vertebral disc.

Precautions and Preparations

• All forms of vertebrae surgery are considered major operations. In advance of your procedure, you will need to make several preparations. If you smoke, you will need to quit temporarily to maximize your body's healing abilities. At least two weeks in advance, you may also need to stop use of any medication that hinders blood clotting. Common examples include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as naproxen, ibuprofen and aspirin. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease or diabetes, or regularly drink substantial amounts of alcohol. Make sure you understand the risks and benefits of any procedure prior to surgery.