Spinal fusion refers to a surgical procedure that connects two or more vertebrae in your spine. The ring-shaped bones create an interlocking column that holds your body upright. Fusing these helps reinforce your back’s structure. 

Why Do You Need a Spinal Fusion Surgery?  

Your doctor may recommend a spinal fusion surgery if you have: 

• Congenital spine condition. 

• Herniated, ruptured, or bulging disks. 

• Cervical radiculopathy or pinched nerves in the lower back. 

• Scoliosis. 

• Spondylosis. 

• Spondylolisthesis. 

• Spinal stenosis. 

• Spine fractures or injuries. 

• Tumours that affect the soft tissues, bones, and nervous tissues in and around your spine. 

What are the Risks Associated with Spinal Fusion Surgery? 

The risks or complications associated with spinal fusion surgery are similar to any other surgical procedure, such as: 

• Bleeding. 

• Pain. 

• Infections. 

• Issues with wound healing. 

• Issues with anaesthesia. 

Although rare, the surgery may also pose some serious complications, including: 

• Reduced movement ability. 

• Paralysis. 

• Muscular weakness. 

• Nerve pain. 

What Happens During a Spinal Fusion Surgery? 

The surgery may vary depending on the part of your spine to be treated and the type of fusion you need. It may depend on: 

• Direction of approach: Your surgeon may access the spine from your back (posterior), front (anterior), or side (lateral), or a combination of any of these. 
• Incision Type: Some spinal fusions may require open surgery while others may be performed through a minimally invasive approach.  
• Type of material: Depending on your condition, the bone tissue may be taken from some other part of your body (autologous) or maybe an artificial bone (synthetic). 

In addition, your surgeon may also use screws, plates, or rods to further strengthen the fusion between the vertebrae.  

What Happens After a Spinal Fusion Surgery? 

After your surgery, the next step will depend on whether your surgery was an inpatient or outpatient procedure. If you had an outpatient procedure, you will mostly go home on the same while an inpatient procedure may require you to stay in the hospital for a few days. A complete recovery will take up to a few weeks to a few months.  

Discectomy or diskectomy refers to a surgical procedure during which a part or all intervertebral disc in your spine is removed. Intervertebral discs are flat and round cushions that are present between bones in your spine and act as shock absorbers. 

At times, these discs can tear or get inflamed which may require surgery. 

Why Do You Need a Discectomy? 

Mostly, a herniated disc is the main reason for discectomy. Although for a lot of people, herniated discs are cured with medications, some people may experience intense pain and require surgery. They may show symptoms including: 

• Pain in legs, and arms, or severe numbness that is not getting better and hindering your daily tasks. 

• Severe weakness in the muscles of your arm, lower leg, or buttocks. 

• Pain that spreads into your legs or buttocks (sciatica). 

What are the Risks Associated with a Discectomy? 

Discectomy is a safe procedure and rarely may involve: 

• Infection. 

• Blood clots. 

• Allergic reaction to anaesthesia. 

• Damage to the nerves in the spinal cord. 

• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. 

What Happens During a Discectomy? 

Before the surgery, you will receive anaesthesia. During an open discectomy, your neurosurgeon will make a 1-to-2-inch incision in the middle of your back or over the affected disk and remove the part of a herniated disc. 

During a minimally invasive lumbar discectomy, your neurosurgeon will use a special X-ray called a fluoroscope to pass a thin needle through your skin to locate the affected area and remove the herniated part of the disc. 

After removing the disc, the surgeon will attach the muscles and close the incision. 

What Happens After a Discectomy? 

After a discectomy, you will be moved to a recovery room to monitor your vital signs. In the case of a minimally invasive discectomy, you will be able to go home on the same day as your surgery. In case of open surgery, you may be required to stay in the hospital for a day or two.  

A laminectomy is a surgery to remove the “lamina” on your spine. Lamina refers to the “bony arch” that protects and supports the back side of your spinal cord. Removing the lamina relieves pressure on your nerves and spinal cord to make some room for your spinal canal. 

Why Do You Need a Laminectomy? 

You may need a laminectomy, if you have: 

• Arthritis. 

• Bone fracture. 

• Bone spurs. 

• Herniated disc. 

• Degenerative back condition. 

• Spinal stenosis. 

• Spinal tumours or abscesses. 

What are the Risks Associated with a Laminectomy? 

Any surgical procedure comes with a certain level of risk, including: 

• Nerve damage. 

• Infection. 

• Back pain. 

• Bleeding. 

• Headaches. 

• Blood clots. 

What Happens During a Laminectomy? 

Before starting laminectomy, your neurosurgeon will give you an anaesthesia. After this, the surgeon will, 

• Make an incision in your neck or back. 
• Move your skin, ligaments, and muscles to access the spine. 
• With the help of a surgical microscope, assess the affected spine. 
• Remove all or some parts of your lamina. 
• Move your skin, ligaments, and muscles back in place. 
• Stitch your skin around the incision. 

What Happens After a Laminectomy? 

After the surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room. Your doctor will give you instructions on movements and you may go home on the same day.  

Spinal decompression refers to different types of treatments that provide relief from back pain by taking pressure from the neural elements of your spine. 

Why Do You Need Spinal Decompression? 

You may need spinal decompression for: 

• Bulging discs. 

• Degenerative discs. 

• Herniated discs. 

• Pinched nerves. 

• Spinal stenosis. 

• Sciatica. 

What Are the Risks Associated with Spinal Decompression? 

Any surgical procedure comes with a certain level of risk, including: 

• Nerve damage. 

• Infection. 

• Back pain. 

• Bleeding. 

• Headaches. 

• Blood clots. 

What Happens During a Spinal Decompression? 

Depending on your condition, your surgeon will determine which determine the type of your surgery. Your surgical options may include: 

• Corpectomy: 

During this procedure, the surgeon will remove a disc and may even do a spinal fusion to stabilize your spine. 

• Discectomy: 

During this procedure, your surgeon will remove a part of your disc to take pressure off your nerve. 

• Foraminotomy: 

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

• Laminectomy: 

During this procedure, your surgeon will remove the lamina or bony arch on your spinal cord to relieve pressure. 

• Osteophyte Removal: 

   

Osteophyte removal or bone spur refers to removing bone outgrowths.  

What Happens After a Spinal Decompression? 

After the surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room. Your doctor will give you instructions on movements and you may go home on the same day.  

Disc replacement refers to removing a damaged disc joint and replacing it with an artificial disc. 

Why Do You Need a Disc Replacement? 

Disc replacement is usually preferable for people with excruciating lower back pain. You may be a good candidate for the surgery if you have: 

• A back pain is caused by one or two arthritic intervertebral discs in the spine. 

• No significant joint disease or bony compression. 

• No excessive weight on your body. 

• No prior major surgery on the lumbar spine. 

• No spine deformity. 

• No osteoporosis. 

What Are the Risks Associated with a Disc Replacement? 

Disc replacement surgery is an effective way that enable you to lead a normal life. It may, however, show certain complications, including: 

• Disc dislocation. 

• Infection in the artificial disc. 

• Breaking of the disc. 

• Loosening of artificial disc. 

• Stiffness in the spine. 

• Blood clots in legs. 

What Happens During a Disc Replacement Surgery? 

Before the surgery, you will receive anaesthesia. Once the anaesthesia has set in, your surgeon will make an incision on the abdomen to access the spine. The surgeon will remove the damaged disc and insert an artificial one in its place. After properly placing the blood vessels and organs in place, the incision will be closed. 

What Happens After a Disc Replacement Surgery? 

Since disc replacement surgery is a major procedure, you will be kept under observation in the hospital for a few days after the surgery.