A lumbar laminectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove bone spurs caused by osteoarthritis. It is commonly used to treat compression of the nerves which can cause symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling and even weakness in the legs and feet. The surgery is usually well tolerated and patients can expect to be walking within a day or two of the procedure.
A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve caused by a herniated disc. It involves using a microscope to remove a small portion of the damaged disc with the aim to reduce pain, numbness and weakness in the legs and feet. The indications for a microdiscectomy include radiculopathy, sciatica and leg pain caused by disc herniation that does not respond to conservative treatments.
A lumbar foraminotomy is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure on compressed nerves. The foramen is the space or opening between the vertebrae which the nerve roots exit and travel to different parts of the legs. By making this opening wider by either removing bone spurs caused by osteoarthritis or a compressive disc bulge, this allows the nerve to exit freely and aims to relieve pain, numbness and weakness in the legs.
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a surgical procedure performed to stabilise and fuse two adjacent vertebrae in the lumbar spine. It involves removing the disc between the vertebrae and inserting bone graft, implants, screws and rods to promote fusion. PLIF is indicated for conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis and recurrent disc herniation that cause instability, pain and spinal nerve compression.
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a surgical procedure used to treat spinal conditions by accessing the spine through an incision at the front of the abdomen. Indications for an ALIF include degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis and recurrent disc herniation. A vascular surgeon may be involved to gain access to the spine, as they have expertise in navigating the critical structures in the abdominal region safely to ensure positive patient outcomes.
