Discectomy and Fusion: Must-Have Facts

Do you suffer from chronic pain resulting from a herniated disc? Thankfully, you can witness full recovery with minimally invasive methods from an expert. Should you be contemplating undergoing a discectomy and fusion in Atlanta, you are in good hands at Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center. Contact your nearest office or book online to find out the benefits of this innovative treatment and experience lasting relief from ongoing pain and other mobility complications.

Why Would I Need A Discectomy and Fusion?

Discectomy and fusion surgery aims to reduce pressure on the spinal root nerves that cause back and neck pain. Pain can also travel down into your arms and legs if the nerve is compressed. You may also lose your coordination and some of your mobility. Your medical team at Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center suggests a discectomy and fusion to remove bone spurs (overgrowth of bone) that pressure spinal nerves.

This procedure can also be used to treat a herniated disc that is causing nerve compression. When a spinal disc herniates, the gel-like center of the disc swells and can press on adjacent spinal nerves.

What Happens During A Discectomy and Fusion?

Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center’s specialists can employ minimally invasive procedures to perform surgery without causing unneeded harm to your body. This form of surgery only involves minor incisions to access your spine and remove bone spurs or disc debris.

Discectomy surgery can be done in various ways, depending on your unique needs and the location of the nerve compression. To attain the greatest results, they can make the incisions anteriorly, laterally, or posteriorly.

A spinal fusion may be performed in addition to a discectomy by your Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center provider. A bone transplant is implanted using a portion of bone from another part of your body. This new bone ultimately merges with your vertebrae to form one solid piece of bone. They may also place a metal plate between your vertebrae to stabilize and support your spine as you recover.

Your team addresses the vertebrae in your cervical spine during a cervical fusion (neck). The goal of a lumbar fusion is to stabilize your lumbar (lower back) spine. If you are not a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure, the surgical team is also experienced in classic open discectomy and spinal fusion techniques.

How Long Will It Take to Recover from A Discectomy and Fusion Surgery?

You should be able to go home the day after your discectomy and spinal fusion. Your surgeon partners with you to regulate your pain and promote spine recovery. In the days following surgery, you can commence low-impact, mild exercises and gradually increase your activity. It would be best to avoid vigorous exercise until your surgeon confirms that you are recovering well and has cleared you. Because everyone heals differently, it may take several weeks or months to recover from surgery and resume your regular lifestyle fully.

To discover whether you are a candidate for discectomy and fusion surgery, schedule an assessment by calling the Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center office nearest you. You can schedule an appointment using the online booking system.