Spine Surgery
At Grandview Medical Center, we offer surgical approaches to treat back pain and injuries. The specialized orthopedic and neurosurgeon teams provide care for conditions from herniated discs and synovial cysts to osteoporosis and more. We offer a range of minimally invasive options that involve just one or two small incisions - less than two centimeters each - in the neck or back. Smaller incisions may result in less pain and scarring, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery. We offer advanced treatments such as:
- Balloon kyphoplasty - Used to repair fractures caused by osteoporosis or cancer, balloon kyphoplasty acts as an internal cast that provides rapid relief from back pain and improves spinal alignment. In this procedure, the surgeon inflates a small balloon within the fractured vertebra and inserts bone cement to restore the original size and shape of the vertebrae.
- Cervical and lumbar disc microsurgery - This procedure is used to treat herniated discs of the spine. A herniated disc is a condition in which the disc's inner, jelly-like material pushes through the outer layer of cartilage, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and causes pain. In this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision above the damaged disc to remove the damaged portion, leaving healthy tissue intact. As the area heals, the spinal cord returns to its normal position, alleviating the pain and pressure.
- Disc arthroplasty (disc replacement) - In this procedure, an artificial disc is put in the place of a damaged disc. It restores the height between the two cervical vertebrae, enlarging the neural foramen (nerve passageway in the spine) and relieving the pressure on the spinal nerves. This stabilizes the cervical spine and restores normal mobility of the spine.
- Minimally invasive spinal fusion - For patients with severe degenerative disc disease, spinal instability or deformity, minimally invasive fusion can offer less pain and a quicker recovery than traditional surgery. In this procedure, the damaged disc is removed and a spacer is placed between the vertebrae to help restore alignment and relieve pain. Small pins and rods are inserted to provide stability while the bone heals. Rather than harvesting bone from the patient's pelvic bone, which can be a significant source of postoperative pain, this technique uses bone graft substitutes (osteobiologics) to enhance healing.
The surgeons utilize minimally invasive options whenever possible, but when traditional techniques offer the best solution, specialists have the training and knowledge to perform even the most complex procedures.
Intraoperative Imaging and Surgical Navigation
Grandview Medical Center offers an intraoperative imaging system and a surgical navigation system to assist with spine surgeries. Designed to integrate seamlessly, these advanced imaging and navigation systems enable surgeons to pre-operatively plan treatment and operate in the complex and delicate area of the spine. The key to these technologies is the ability to deliver critical information to the surgeon and surgical team throughout a patient's surgery.
These technologies can provide:
- Speed: fast access to real-time, multi-plane 3D images (and 2D images)
- Efficiency: full support of the unique workflow of spinal procedures
- Safety: radiation dose to staff and surgeon can be reduced to zero
- Precision: computerized technology allowing for micro precision and accuracy of instrumentation within 1mm to anatomical locations
- Confidence in the OR: confirmation scan of hardware and screws in real time before patient leaves operating room, potentially eliminating revision surgeries
- Facilitation of minimally invasive surgery: allows greater visualization, often overcoming need for large/open incisions as well as possible reduction in length of stay, infections and post-operative complications associated with traditional open surgery
The spine surgeons at Grandview are using these integrated technologies for treatment planning and surgery for:
- Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)
- Direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF)
- Deformity anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)
- Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis and scoliosis requiring pedicle screw placement
- Posterior cervical fusions requiring screw placement for spinal stenosis, instability and complex deformity
Non-Surgical Spine Care Options
Grandview Medical Center also offers non-surgical solutions to treat back and neck pain. We offer spinal injections and other therapies, including physical therapy, to alleviate pain and swelling. The rehabilitation specialists deliver a range of physical therapy treatments, including preventive and post-surgery recovery programs. The specialized care team offers a wide range of non-surgical treatments to meet each individual's needs.
Click here to learn more about Grandview's rehabilitation offerings.
Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks and benefits of each treatment option can help you make the best decision for your individual situation.
Click here to complete your preoperative spine surgery education.