Spinal surgery

Spinal Surgery

Spinal surgery (/ˈspaɪnəl ˈsɜːrdʒəri/), also known as spinal operation, is a type of surgery that is performed on the spinal column or its components, including the vertebrae, discs, or spinal cord.

Etymology

The term "spinal surgery" is derived from the Latin word "spina" meaning "thorn" or "backbone", and the Greek word "cheirourgia" meaning "hand work", referring to a procedure or operation.

Types of Spinal Surgery

There are several types of spinal surgery, including:

• Discectomy: This is a procedure to remove a portion of the disc that rests between each vertebrae. A herniated disc is the most common reason for spine surgery. In this type of surgery, the herniated disc is removed and relieve the pressure on the nerves.
• Laminectomy: This is a procedure that involves removing the bone overlying the spinal canal. It enlarges the spinal canal and is performed to relieve nerve pressure caused by spinal stenosis.
• Fusion: Spinal fusion permanently connects two or more bones in your spine. It can relieve pain by adding stability to a spinal fracture. It is occasionally used to eliminate painful motion between vertebrae that can result from a degenerated or injured disc.
• Artificial Discs: Artificial disc replacement is a treatment for some types of low back pain. The procedure involves replacing a painful disc that is causing pain with an artificial disc that provides pain relief without the complications associated with fusion surgery.

Risks and Complications

Like all surgeries, spinal surgery carries the risk of complications. These can include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and anesthesia complications. In some cases, the surgery may not alleviate the symptoms, and additional surgery may be required.

Related Terms

• Orthopedic surgery: This is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system.
• Neurosurgery: This is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders which affect any portion of the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular system.

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