Spine Surgery

Back pain is a common reason people consult their doctor, and in many cases, conservative treatment, including physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, can bring relief.

However, spinal deformity, spinal infections, trauma, spine tumors and some degenerative spine conditions, such as stenosis and herniated disks, may require surgical treatment. For the best outcome, it makes sense to consult a spine surgery team with plenty of experience.

The spine surgeon may opt for an open (traditional) spine surgery procedure, which involves an incision along the backbone. The surgeon moves muscle and soft tissue aside to gain access to the bones of the spine and the spinal cord.

Anatomy

A joint forms where the ends of two or more bones meet. There are different types of joints within the body. For example, the knee is considered a “hinge” joint, because of its ability to bend and straighten like a hinged door. The hip and shoulder are “ball-and-socket” joints, in which the rounded end of one bone fits into a cup-shaped area of another bone.