Lumbar discectomy refers to a surgical procedure to treat a bulging disc in the lower back.  

Why Do You Need a Lumbar Discectomy? 

You may require this surgery if you have a herniated disc in your lower back causing your symptoms. The symptoms include pain, weakness, or tingling in the back and one of your legs. 

What Are the Risks Associated with a Lumbar Discectomy? 

Every surgery has certain risks or complications. A lumbar discectomy may cause: 

• Infection. 

• Blood clots. 

• Excessive bleeding. 

• Injury to surrounding nerves and blood vessels. 

• Need for another surgery. 

What Happens During a Lumbar Discectomy? 

During the procedure, your surgeon will: 

• Give you an anaesthesia. 

• Make a small incision on your back at the affected area. 

• Use a special X-ray to identify the correct location. 

• Insert a small rod on top of the intervertebral space and push a larger tube over the rod. 

• Also, push a third tube over the second (if required) push apart the tissues of the vertebra and remove these. 

• Insert small tools through this tube including a camera and light. 

• Remove the herniated part of the disc. 

• Close the wound. 

The entire procedure is done on an outpatient basis and may take around 1 hour. 

What Happens After a Lumbar Discectomy? 

After the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery area and your surgeon will keep an eye for a few hours. You may be able to go home on the same day. Some patients, however, may be required to stay overnight. 

Spinal fusion refers to a surgical procedure that connects two or more vertebrae in your spine. The ring-shaped bones in your back create an interlocking system that holds your body straight. Fusing these can help in reinforcing your back’s structure. 

Why Do You Need a Spinal Fusion? 

You may need a spinal fusion, if you have: 

• Herniated discs. 

• Congenital spine conditions. 

• Infection in the bone. 

• Pinched nerves in the back or sciatica. 

• Scoliosis. 

• Spine fracture. 

• Spinal stenosis. 

• Pain, weakness, and numbness in the back. 

What Happens During a Spinal Fusion? 

During the procedure, your surgeon will: 

• Give you anaesthesia and approach direction to access your spine. 

• Make a small incision on the affected area. 

• Use a bone tissue to strengthen the fusion. The tissue may be taken from your own body or a synthetic material. 

• Close the incision. 

What Happens After a Spinal Fusion? 

After the procedure, you may go back home on the same day or be required to stay in the hospital for a few days depending on your condition. 

What Are the Risks Associated with a Spinal Fusion? 

The possible risks with a spinal fusion are similar to any other surgical method. This includes: 

• Bleeding. 

• Infection/ 

• Pain. 

• Wound issues. 

• Nerve pain. 

• Muscle weakness. 

Microdiscectomy or micro-depression refers to a surgical procedure to remove part of a herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal column. 

Why Do You Need a Microdiscectomy? 

You may need a microdiscectomy if you have a herniated lumbar disc. The damaged tissues may push the nerves and send pain signals to the brain leading to excruciating pain and numbness. 

What Happens During a Microdiscectomy? 

During the procedure, your surgeon will: 

• Give you an anaesthesia. 

• Make an incision directly on the affected area. 

• Use a lighted microscope to see the area. 

• Remove a small portion of the bone to protect the root nerve. 

• Remove the damaged herniated tissue with a scissor-like tool. 

• Close the incision. 

What Happens After a Microdiscectomy? 

After the procedure, you may be moved to a recovery room. You may go back home on the same day or be required to stay in the hospital for a few days depending on your condition. 

What Are the Risks Associated with a Microdiscectomy? 

Microdiscectomy is a safe procedure, it may, however, lead to certain risks as: 

• Nerve root damaged. 

• Recurrent disc herniation. 

• Bleeding. 

• Infection. 

• Bowel or bladder incontinence. 

Spinal decompression involves different types of treatments to relieve back pain by taking pressure off your spine. 

Why Do You Need a Spinal Decompression? 

You may need a spinal decompression if you have: 

• Bulging discs. 

• Herniated discs. 

• Degenerative discs. 

• Sciatica. 

• Pinched nerves. 

• Spinal stenosis. 

What Are Spinal Decompression Surgeries? 

The surgeries involved in spinal decompression include: 

• Corpectomy: 

During this procedure, your surgeon will remove a disc or vertebra. Additionally, spine fusion may be done to stabilize your spine and fuse two bones. 

• Discectomy: 

During this procedure, your surgeon may remove a part of your disc to remove pressure from your nerves. 

• Foraminotomy: 

During this procedure, your surgeon will expand the opening of your nerve root by removing a bone or tissue.  

• Laminotomy: 

During this procedure, your surgeon will remove a piece or all of the bony arches on your spinal column. This is done to relieve pressure on the column. 

• Osteophyte Removal: 

   

During this procedure, bone spurs or osteophytes are removed to relieve pressure from the spine. 

What Happens After Spinal Decompression Surgeries? 

Depending on your surgical procedure, you will be required to stay in the hospital for up to 5-6 days. Complete recovery may take months. 

What Are the Risks Associated with Spinal Decompression? 

Although safe the surgeries may pose certain risks including infection, bleeding, blood clots, or tissue damage. 

Laminectomy refers to a surgical procedure to remove the lamina. A lamina or bony arch in your spine protects and supports the spinal cord. Removing a lamina can help in relieving pressure on your nerves. 

Why Do You Need a Laminectomy? 

• You may need a laminectomy, if you have: 

• Arthritis. 

• Bone fracture. 

• Bone spurs. 

• Herniated disc. 

• Spinal stenosis. 

• Spinal tumour. 

• Degenerative back conditions. 

What Happens During a Laminectomy? 

During a laminectomy, your surgeon will: 

• Give you anaesthesia. 

• Make an incision in your back or neck. 

• Separate your skin, ligaments, and muscles to access the spine. 

• Study the affected area with the help of a lighted microscope. 

• Remove all or some part of your lamina or bone spurs (if any). 

• Move your muscles, skin, and ligaments in place. 

• Close the incision. 

What Happens After a Laminectomy? 

After your surgery, you will be required to stay in the hospital for up to 5-6 days. Complete recovery may take months. 

What Are the Risks Associated with Laminectomy? 

The possible risks with laminectomy include: 

• Infection. 

• Nerve damage. 

• Pain in the back. 

• Bleeding. 

• Blood clots. 

• Bladder incontinence. 

• Headaches. 

Artificial disc replacement is a surgical procedure to remove a diseased disc and replace it with an artificial disc.  

Why Do You Need a Disc Replacement? 

You may need a disc replacement if you have: 

• Extreme neck pain. 

• Neck stiffness. 

• Headache. 

• Pain that travels from your shoulders into your arms 

• Weakness of your shoulders, arms, hands, or legs. 

• Numbness in any area of your body. 

What Are the Risks Associated with a Disc Replacement? 

Some potential risks involved with disc replacement include: 

• Bleeding. 

• Infection. 

• Nerve injury. 

• Spinal fluid leak. 

• Difficulty breathing. 

• Difficulty swallowing. 

• Change in voice. 

• Need for further surgery. 

What Happens During a Disc Replacement? 

During the procedure, your surgeon will: 

• Give you anaesthesia. 

• Make an incision at the affected site. 

• Remove the affected disc. 

• Place the artificial disc in the space. 

• Close the incision. 

What Happens After a Disc Replacement? 

After the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery area. You will be required to stay in the hospital for up to 5-6 days. Complete recovery may take months.

Vertebroplasty refers to a surgical procedure to treat spinal compression fractures. Spinal compression fractures are breaks in the bones in your spine. When these broken pieces rub together, it may lead to pain. 

Why Do You Need a Vertebroplasty? 

You may need a vertebroplasty if you have: 

• A spinal injury. 

• Osteoporosis. 

• Cancer. 

What Happens During a Vertebroplasty? 

During the procedure, your surgeon will: 

• Give you an anaesthesia. 

• Insert a needle into your skin. 

• Use an X-ray to guide the needle to the proper position. 

• Inject a surgical cement into the affected area through the needle. 

The entire procedure will take about one hour. 

What Happens After a Vertebroplasty? 

After the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery area and you may go back home on the same day. 

What Are the Risks Associated with Vertebroplasty? 

Although complications are rare, you may experience: 

• Infection. 

• Bleeding. 

• Increased pain or numbness. 

• Nerve damage. 

• Additional fractures in case of osteoporosis. 

• Spinal stenosis. 

Kyphoplasty is another surgical procedure to treat spinal compression fractures in your spine. Spinal compression fractures in your spine may cause your bones to collapse or curve and make you look hunched over. A Kyphoplasty prevents this from happening. 

Why Do You Need a Kyphoplasty? 

You may need a kyphoplasty, if you have: 

• A spinal injury. 

• Osteoporosis. 

• Cancer. 

What Happens During a Kyphoplasty? 

During the procedure, your surgeon will: 

• Give you anaesthesia. 

• Insert a hollow needle or trocar into the affected bone in your spine. 

• Use an X-ray or fluoroscope to guide the trocar to the proper position. 

• Put an inflatable balloon-like device into your spine through the trocar. As the balloon will inflate, it will open a space in the bone. 

• Inject bone cement in the area. 

What Happens After a Kyphoplasty? 

After the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery area and you may go back home on the same day. 

What Are the Risks Associated with Kyphoplasty? 

Although complications are rare, you may experience: 

• Infection. 

• Bleeding. 

• Increased pain or numbness. 

• Nerve damage. 

• Additional fractures in case of osteoporosis. 

• Spinal stenosis. 

Scoliosis refers to an abnormal curvature of your spine. Your spine may curve to the left and right with a C or S shape. 

What Are the Symptoms of Scoliosis? 

Scoliosis may not have apparent symptoms, but it may include: 

• Back pain. 

• Leg pain or numbness. 

• Difficulty standing upright. 

• Uneven shoulders. 

• Uneven leg length 

• Elevated hips. 

• Uneven alignment of pelvis and hips. 

How is Scoliosis Treated? 

The treatment for scoliosis will depend on: 

• The type of scoliosis. 

• Degree of curvature. 

• Family history and your age. 

The treatment may involve: 

• Non-surgical or Conservative Treatment: 

   

A non-surgical treatment will involve taking over-the-counter pain medications and regular exercise to strengthen your core muscles and improve flexibility. 

• Scoliosis Surgery 

   

If conservative treatment is not possible, your orthopaedic may recommend a scoliosis surgery. 

The surgery may either be done via a spinal fusion during which your bone will be fused and a metal brace will be used to hold your spine straight. Or the surgeon may insert an expandable rod along the spine to support a child’s growing spine. 

What Are the Risks Associated with Scoliosis Surgery? 

Scoliosis surgery is safe, it may, however, cause: 

• Infection. 

• Bleeding. 

• Blood clots. 

• Limited movement. 

• Nerve damage.