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Spinal Decompression – Spinal Fusion
What is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression refers to the release of nerves, which is performed during procedures such as discectomy, foraminotomy, or laminectomy. In all cases, either the disc or bone that compresses the nerves is removed, relieving neurogenic pain or neurological symptoms (weakness or numbness) in the arms or legs.
Simple decompression is not indicated for axial (trunk) pain.
Spinal decompression can be combined with spinal fusion.
What is Spinal Fusion?
Spinal fusion is the joining of two or more vertebrae using bone grafts obtained from the patient’s pelvis (autologous) or from a bone bank (allogeneic).
In recent years, almost all cases are supported by the use of screws, rods, and other materials made from metals like titanium. These hold the vertebrae immobile, acting as an internal brace until the bone grafts integrate and the vertebrae fuse together.
The main indications for spinal fusion include spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, spinal fractures, and spinal metastases. The most common of these is degenerative spondylolisthesis. In this case, spinal fusion eliminates movement between the affected vertebrae to stop local pain and protect the nerves.
Emergency Surgery
Spinal surgery for degenerative diseases is rarely an emergency. Unfortunately, the term paralysis is often used to manipulate patients.
In cases of degenerative diseases, surgery is only considered urgent when there is emerging weakness (paralysis) in the legs or arms. Even then, the degree of urgency depends on the severity of the weakness. Patients with severe weakness should undergo surgery within the next few days.
The situation is different for fractures and metastatic disease, where the timeframe for effective intervention in cases of weakness is much shorter.
On the other hand, pain is a relative indication for surgery. The patient should decide to proceed with surgery, knowing that degeneration is cumulative and will likely worsen over time. Additionally, delayed intervention may affect the final outcome for compressed nerves.
Χειρουργός Σπονδυλικής Στήλης
- Ο Χειρουργός Σπονδυλικής Στήλης/ Σκολίωσης Δρ. Ηλίας Χαρ. Παπαδόπουλος γεννήθηκε και μεγάλωσε στην Αθήνα. Αποφοίτησε με Άριστα από την Ιατρική Σχολή Αθηνών το 1994 και στη συνέχεια ειδικεύτηκε στην ορθοπαιδική, στην Α’ Ορθοπαιδική Κλινική του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών.
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