SPINE
SURGERIES & PROCEDURES
Back pain is very common. Most back pain is relieved by non-surgical procedures, but in some cases, surgery is necessary. We are committed to working with you and your comfort to find the best treatment possible for your spine pain, injury, or other spinal defects. If surgery is the right path for you, Flagstaff Neurosurgery specializes in several types of procedures and surgeries to relieve your pain and suffering, with the most efficient, current, and minimally invasive steps. Your spine will be in good hands.
- Most common surgeries and procedures
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion (ACDF)
- Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
- Lumbar Laminectomy
- Lumbar Microdiscectomy
- Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion (ACDF)
Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion (ACDF) is a common surgical option to treat a herniated or diseased disc that causes neck and arm pain.
The surgeon makes an incision on the front of the neck. The diseased or damaged disc is removed. The disc space is prepared for a bone graft. A bone graft is placed between the vertebrae and then a small titanium plate is placed over the area to hold the graft in place. The incision is then closed with dissolvable sutures.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is generally used to treat back or leg pain caused by degenerative disc disease. This procedure is done jointly with the neurosurgeon and a general surgeon.
The procedure is performed through an incision through the abdomen. The damaged disc is removed and bone graft is placed in the empty disc space. This realigns the vertebral bones, lifting the pressure from pinched nerve roots. The bone graft will grow through and around the implants, forming a bone bridge that connects the vertebral bodies above and below, which is called a fusion. The incision(s) are closed with sutures or surgical staples.
Lumbar Laminectomy
This procedure relieves pressure on the nerve roots in the spinal canal. It is most commonly performed on people with lumbar stenosis.
The surgeon creates an incision to access the spine. The surgeon then removes the spinous process from the vertebra that need treatment. Next they remove the lamina. Removing the lamina opens up the spinal canal. This creates more space for the nerves, relieving pressure and decompressing the nerve. The surgeon may also need to treat the foramina. These are openings on each side of the vertebrae where the nerve roots exit the spine. When the procedure is complete, the incision is closed with sutures or surgical staples.
Lumbar Microdiscectomy
This minimally-invasive procedure relieves pressure on nerve roots caused by a herniated disc.
The surgeon creates a small incision in your back. The muscles and tissues are pushed aside to allow access to your spine. The spinal nerves are gently moved aside, and the surgeon clears away the herniated portion of the vertebral disc. This relieves the painful pressure on the nerves. The rest of the disc is left in place, where it will continue to cushion the vertebrae. The incision is closed with sutures or surgical staples.
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
PLIF is generally used to treat back or leg pain caused by degenerative disc disease.
The surgeon will stabilize the spine by fusing vertebrae together with bone graft material.
The procedure is performed through a three to six inch incision in the back. The damaged disc is partially removed. Bone graft will be placed in the empty disc space, realigning the vertebral bones. This also lifts pressure from the pinched nerve roots. Then they implant a series of screws and rods to the back of the spine for additional support. The bone graft will grow through and around the implants, forming a bone bridge that connects the vertebral bodies above and below, which is called a fusion. The incision(s) are closed with sutures or surgical staples.
