Surgery of the spine is technically complicated, but the ideas are very basic. If there is a pinched nerve, then decompress it. If the spine is unstable, fuse it. However, the application of scientific method to determine how well a surgery is expected to do, is not consistent. The controversy and risk of spine surgery is that not all surgery will get better, there are no guarantees, but discussing your indivdual situation with your surgeon will allow you to make your best decission. Always get as much information as you need.
Therefore, when all treatments have been exhausted, surgery can be discussed. Only an experienced spine surgeon can give detailed information for surgery. Spine surgery has a great deal of complexity, controversy is common, but there are basic standards that can be followed. The main reasons for surgical treatment are for unremitting nerve pain, neurologic deficit or potential of nerve damage, or mechanical instability or deformity. The most controversial reason for surgery is a fusion for degenerative or “bulging” disks. These issues clearly need a personal discussion of each individual’s need with the surgeon. Use this web page as information, not as a substitute for a surgeon’s consultation.
Therefore, when all treatments have been exhausted, surgery can be discussed. Only an experienced spine surgeon can give detailed information for surgery. Spine surgery has a great deal of complexity, controversy is common, but there are basic standards that can be followed. The main reasons for surgical treatment are for unremitting nerve pain, neurologic deficit or potential of nerve damage, or mechanical instability or deformity. The most controversial reason for surgery is a fusion for degenerative or “bulging” disks. These issues clearly need a personal discussion of each individual’s need with the surgeon. Use this web page as information, not as a substitute for a surgeon’s consultation.
There is no guarantee for spine surgeries, but a well planned surgery should be successfully 90% of the time
AOS Spine
Surgery of the spine
Spine Surgery
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