Spinal Injections
These injections are used to treat spinal conditions with minimal risks to patients. They usually contain a type of steroid along with local anaesthetic to eliminate localised inflammation so that movement and exercise can be facilitated. Combining spinal injections with appropriate physiotherapy is often successful in treating spinal pain and such conditions.
These injections are administered under local anaesthetic under fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance and take less than 10 minutes, enabling patients to usually go home within around 60 minutes following the procedure. Normal work and activities can be resumed the following day, with improvements in symptoms being visible from almost immediately, in some cases, with gradual improvement over several weeks.
Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Lumbar Microdiscectomy is a routine operation which is commonly performed to remove lumbar disc herniation resulting in sciatica. The procedure usually lasts around 1 hour and involves an incision being made to the lower back with a small window through to the ligament and spinal canal. Through this incision the disc herniation can be found and removed, along with any other loose fragments. The surgery is generally very successful, with an 80-90% success rate of relieving leg pain.
Lumbar Decompression
Narrowing of the spinal canal and pinching of nerve roots is caused by degeneration of the spine. Treatment involves operating through the back of the spine to remove any excess tissue to free up the compressed nerves.
This procedure is generally very successful, with a high chance of symptom recovery and improvement in overall quality of life.
Lumbar Instrumented Fusion
Lumbar fusion is a common procedure used to stop movement at one or multiple levels of the spine to treat painful degeneration, deformity, or spinal instability. A Posterior Lumbar Fusion is the most common form of the procedure, and typically involves metal rods and screws being used to fix the spine level into place, with a bone graft placed across the back of the spine to encourage the level to fuse. There are many different forms of this procedure, and your consultant will be able to explain your options and which one they feel would be of most benefit to your condition.
Balloon Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
Balloon Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty, also known as cement augmentation is a modern and safe treatment for painful osteoporotic compression fractures. Performed in patients of all ages, the procedure is used to restore vertebral height, reduce spinal deformity, relieve pain and improve quality of life. Performed under a general anaesthetic, the procedure takes under an hour and uses x-ray to guide needles placed directly into the fractured vertebra.
Cervical Discectomy & Decompression
Cervical Discectomy and Decompression is used to prevent symptoms of spinal cord compression worsening such as urinary symptoms, loss of balance and difficulty with fine tasks. Surgery can be performed either through the front or back of the neck, although front (anterior) is more common. Surgery involves the removal of the compressing disc. The space then is filled with either cervical disc replacement or a cage (more common).
