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spondylolisthesis treatment

Posted On : Sep-30-2011 | seen (381) times | Article Word Count : 521 |

For decades, spine surgeons have used large incisions to treat spinal conditions. Large and invasive incisions necessitate patients be hospitalized and includes extensive rehabilitation and a lengthy and painful recuperation. Since the early 1970s, the arthroscope has been utilized to operate on knees and shoulders.
For decades, spine surgeons have used large incisions to treat spinal conditions. Large and invasive incisions necessitate patients be hospitalized and includes extensive rehabilitation and a lengthy and painful recuperation. Since the early 1970s, the arthroscope has been utilized to operate on knees and shoulders.
Patient Benefits
This type of minimally invasive surgery is performed on an outpatient basis using a local anesthetic. Since general anesthesia is not used, surgical risks are less. Endoscopic surgery and use of endoscopic tubes minimizes muscle and other soft tissue damage. Patient benefits include less bleeding during surgery, reduced postoperative discomfort, fewer and smaller incisions, minimal scar tissue formation, and a speedier recovery. In addition, patients can avoid hospitalization and spinal fusion.
Endoscopic Spine Procedures: A foraminotomy is a medical procedure that relieves the pressure of compressed nerves in the intervertebral foramen. The intervertebral foramen is the natural opening or the hollow passage in the vertebra that allows for nerve roots to exit from the spinal cord or the spinal canal to various targeted areas of our body. Causes of nerve root compression may be bone, disc or scar tissue in the foramen causing a pinched nerve. This procedure is done by enlarging the hollow passage at the exit point of the nerve roots.
A foraminotomy can be performed either as a conservative or a minimally invasive procedure. If performed as an endoscopic surgery, a small incision allows the surgeon to have access to the bone at the back of the neck. A small hole is then made in the vertebra and with a series of tubes that gradually increase in size. Once the last tube is inserted, the opening is then large enough to allow the surgeon to use the arthroscope and other instruments to remove the material causing the compression. It is important to note that muscles are not torn or cut during this procedure. In so doing, the healing time is much faster than that of conservative surgery.
Laminotomy and laminectomy are spinal decompression procedures. In other words, they aim to alleviate pressure on the spinal nerves and/or spinal cord. These surgeries relieve spinal nerve compression either by the complete or partial removal of the lamina (laminectomy), or by making a larger opening in the lamina (laminotomy).Patients can have laminectomies performed at several levels and still remain structurally stable. You should also know that the spinal cord and nerves are well protected by the bridge of bone on each side, as well as the overlying muscle and fascia, so the spinal cord is not as exposed as you might think.

Below are some spinal conditions that may be treated with a laminotomy and/or laminectomy (this is not an all-inclusive list):




• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated disc
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylosis (also known as spinal osteoarthritis)
Laser spine treatments are apt for spinal problems. The laser beam is very effective on the tissues and if used on the affected region of the body , it helps to kill the tissues that cause pain in the spine.

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spondylolisthesis treatment

Keywords : spondylolisthesis treatment, spinal stenosis,

Category : Health and Fitness : Medicine

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