Dr Simon Abson - Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon Newcastle

Microdiscectomy. The most common surgical procedure for a ruptured disc in the lower back is a lumbar microdiscectomy. Microdiscectomy involves removing the ruptured part of the disc and any fragments that are putting pressure on the spinal nerve.

Laminectomy. Another common surgical procedure for spinal canal narrowing.   Laminectomy involves removing the bony and soft tissue structures thus increasing the space within the spinal canal for the spinal nerve/cord to pass freely.

Spinal fusion eliminates motion between vertebrae. It is an option when abnormal motion or disc collapse is the source of pain. This procedure is performed “posterior” or with the patient positioned on their front.  It involves removing bone and degenerative tissues that can put pressure on spinal nerves.  Fusion will take away some spinal flexibility, but most spinal fusions involve only small segments of the spine and do not limit motion very much. Screws and rods will be used to help stabilise the spine, this is called internal fixation.

This surgery is undertaken to relieve the pressure on nerves exiting the side of the spine due to disc collapse and/or to correct lumbar spine balance.  This surgery is performed “anterior” or through the abdomen with the patient positioned on their back.  The procedure involves removing the collapsed intervertebral disc. Then an artificial disc spacer is positioned between the two adjoining vertebrae. These “spacers”, or “implants”, can contain bone graft material helping bone healing. The spacer is secured with internally placed screws. Spinal fusion will take away some spinal flexibility, but most spinal fusions involve only small segments of the spine and loss of movement is not usually noticeable.

This surgery is undertaken to relieve the pressure on nerves exiting the side of the spine due to disc collapse and/or to correct lumbar spine balance.  This surgery is performed “lateral” or through the side of the abdomen with the patient positioned on their front and/or side.  The procedure involves removing the collapsed intervertebral disc. Then an artificial disc spacer is positioned from the side between the two adjoining vertebrae. These “spacers”, or “implants”, can contain bone graft material helping bone healing. The spacer is secured with screws which may be secured through the side or through a second posterior incision. Spinal fusion will take away some spinal flexibility, but most spinal fusions involve only small segments of the spine and loss of movement is not usually noticeable.

In some patients collapsed cervical discs in the neck or “cervical spine” may cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerves in the neck. Patients who have progressive neurologic changes due to severe spinal cord compression, from threatened spinal canal narrowing or chronic severe arm pain require surgery. This surgery is performed “anteriorly” or through the front of the neck with the patient positioned on their back.  The procedure involves removing the collapsed intervertebral disc and placing an artificial disc “spacer” between the two adjoining vertebrae. These “spacers”, or “implants”, can contain bone graft material helping bone healing. The spacer is secured with screws and/or plates. Spinal fusion will take away some spinal flexibility, but most spinal fusions involve only small segments of the spine and loss of movement is not usually noticeable.

In some patients ruptured cervical discs in the neck or “cervical spine” may cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerves in the neck. Patients who have progressive neurologic changes due to severe spinal cord compression, from threatened spinal canal narrowing or severe arm pain require surgery. This surgery is performed “anteriorly” or through the front of the neck with the patient positioned on their back.  The procedure involves removing the ruptured disc and placing an artificial disc “spacer” between the two adjoining vertebrae. These artificial discs are designed to replicate the removed disc and restore human neck movement. This is thought to prevent further adjacent disc rupture.

There are many causes for an abnormal curvature of the spine to develop. These curves are known as a scoliosis or kyphosis or both may be present. Most scoliosis/kyphosis is treated in adolescence, but it can also be treated in adults or be related to adult degenerative causes. The main aim of surgery is to prevent deformity progression and balance the spine. This procedure is the most complex type of spinal surgery. It involves a spinal fusion. The surgery to correct the deformity may be performed using posterior/back, lateral/side, anterior/abdominal or a combination of treatments. Spinal fusion will take away some spinal flexibility.