Treatment for any condition usually starts with the most conservative intervention, moving to another level when more gentle treatment can’t produce satisfactory results. In the case of the spine, surgery becomes necessary only when all less aggressive options fail.
The spine is an extremely complex structure, the foundation of both the physical and electrical systems that support your body. Any surgical intervention needs careful consideration and compelling reasons.
There’s no way to substitute for the experience of an elite spinal surgeon. In Marina del Rey and Manhattan Beach, California, that’s Sanjay Khurana, MD. Recognized as one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the country, Dr. Khurana specializes in minimally invasive microsurgery techniques for spinal procedures.
Though the applications aren’t limited to these, let’s take a brief look at six common spine problems that respond well to minimally invasive spine surgery.
The central location of the spinal cord means that nerve roots branch from it virtually its entire length. The vertebrae that make up the spine have openings through which these nerves pass. If these openings narrow, a condition called spinal stenosis, nerve compression can cause problems. Minimally invasive spine surgery can enlarge openings to relieve compression.
The discs between vertebrae have a tough outer shell surrounding an inner gel. As discs deteriorate, cracks may form in the outer ring, and gel escapes. This is a herniated disc. On its own, a herniated disc may not cause any issues. The gel, though, can flow into the openings through which nerves pass, causing compression. A herniated disc could also be a cause of spinal stenosis. In this case, minimally invasive surgery might address the herniation to give a nerve more room.
Whether cancerous or benign, tumors can cause stenosis or press on other structures within the spine. Surgery targets excess tissue to relieve symptoms caused by excess tissue growth.
An abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, scoliosis can develop to a point where functions like breathing become difficult. There are minimally invasive techniques to help realign vertebral joints.
Every set of adjacent vertebrae represents a joint. As components of these joints wear with age or disease, a spinal joint may become unstable. Minimally invasive surgery can connect these vertebrae to limit the effects of instability.
Several types of fractures potentially affect the bones of the spine. Compression fractures, for example, represent a collapse of bone tissue. It’s common with advanced osteoporosis. Minimally invasive techniques can restore vertebrae height or fix secondary problems that fractures create.
Minimally invasive spine surgery offers several benefits over conventional open surgery. There’s less bleeding and less pain. You heal faster and have greater comfort while enjoying less risk of infection.
When you’re facing spinal surgery, contact Sanjay Khurana, MD, by phone or online to book a consultation. Your spine surgery’s success often comes down to selecting the right surgeon, so plan your visit now.
