Spine Surgery

Are you experiencing persistent back pain or discomfort that interferes with your daily life? Spine surgery offers advanced solutions to address a range of spinal conditions, from herniated discs to spinal deformities, providing relief and restoring mobility. This article discusses the conditions and treatments available and what to expect before and after spine surgery.

Discover how our comprehensive spine care services at Precision Orthopaedic Specialities can help you reclaim your quality of life. Schedule a consultation with our experienced team of spine specialists today and take the first step toward a pain-free future. You can find us in Chardon & Middlefield, Ohio.

Addressing Pain and Restoring Function

Spine surgery addresses a range of conditions affecting the spinal column, spinal nerves, and surrounding structures. From debilitating neck pain caused by a herniated disc to radiating leg pain stemming from compressed spinal nerves, spine surgery is tailored to alleviate symptoms and restore function.

Procedures such as lumbar interbody fusion aim to stabilize the spine and relieve discomfort, particularly in spine surgery patients suffering from conditions like spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease. Additionally, orthopaedic surgery techniques have evolved to address issues such as bone spurs and spinal deformities, offering innovative solutions for improved patient outcomes.

Whether it’s through traditional open approaches or minimally invasive techniques, spine surgery plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of individuals grappling with spinal issues, providing relief and restoring mobility.

A doctor having a consultation with a patient before they undergo spine surgery in Chardon, Ohio.

Types of Spine Surgery

Spine surgery can be performed using open surgery or through minimally invasive techniques.

Open Surgery

During open surgery, your surgeon will make an incision around 5 to 6 inches long. They will then move the muscles to one side to access the spine. Open surgery allows your surgeon to remove diseased or damaged bone or intervertebral disks. The open surgical technique also allows easy access to attach hardware such as screws or plates if they are needed.

A downside to open surgery is that the muscles and soft tissues can be damaged when they are retracted. This can lead to another type of back pain that is different from what you had before surgery. The damage to muscles and soft tissues can also lead to longer recovery times.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive spine procedures are performed using small incisions. The surgeon uses special instruments to access the spine through these incisions. This results in less damage to the muscles and soft tissues. Recovery time is faster and there is less blood loss.

Candidates for Spine Surgery

You may be a candidate for spine surgery if you have tried non-surgical treatments and you continue to experience disabling pain. 

Conditions We Treat

At Precision Orthopaedic Specialities, we treat several conditions that affect the spine. Some of the conditions we treat include the following:

What to Expect Before Spine Surgery

Preparing for spine surgery involves several important steps to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the process. If a hospital stay is required, you will typically be admitted on the day of your surgery. Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted to the preoperative preparation area, where you’ll meet with a doctor from the anesthesia department.

During this preoperative interview, the anesthesiologist will carefully review your medical history and any relevant physical examination reports. Together, you and the anesthesiologist will discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used during your surgery. This discussion may have already taken place during an outpatient visit up to 7 days before your scheduled surgery.

The two most common types of anesthesia used for low back surgery are general anesthesia, where you are asleep for the entire operation, and spinal anesthesia, where you may be awake but have no feeling from the waist down. It’s crucial to inform the anesthesiologist about any past or current health issues you may have, as well as any previous surgeries you’ve undergone.

Additionally, be sure to mention if you or any family members have experienced problems with anesthesia in the past.

Surgical Procedures Offered

At Precision Orthopaedic Specialities, we offer innovative treatment options, including minimally invasive surgical procedures, advanced pain management techniques, and comprehensive therapy programs to help you manage and bounce back from debilitating pain. These include:

Recovery and Outlook

Your recovery time will depend on the surgical procedure and whether you had open or minimally invasive surgery. Recovery will also depend on your health before surgery.

Following spine surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. Those who had open surgery may need to stay for 3 – 5 days. Those who had minimally invasive procedures may be able to go home on the same days.

You should expect some discomfort after surgery regardless of whether it was open or minimally invasive spine surgery. There are many options to manage your pain, including NSAIDs, local anesthetics, or opioids.

You may require physical therapy to help regain strength in your back. A physical therapist can give you specific exercises to help you return to work or physical activity.

Spinal fusion procedures, such as lumbar interbody fusion, may take several months for the bone to fully fuse. While the bone is fusing, you will need to keep your spine in proper alignment. You may be given a back brace to help you keep your back straight.

Why Choose Precision Orthopaedic Specialities for Spine Surgery?

At Precision Orthopaedic Specialities, our team includes Dr. George Kellis, a board-certified orthopaedic spine surgeon with over 30 years of experience, and certified physical therapy professionals dedicated to helping you return quickly to your normal activities. We are dedicated to staying at the forefront of medical advancements, offering the latest minimally invasive techniques to our patients.

We offer innovative treatment options, including minimally invasive surgical procedures, advanced pain management techniques, and comprehensive therapy programs to help you manage and bounce back from debilitating pain.

However, expertise is only part of the equation. At Precision Orthopaedic Specialities, we pride ourselves on providing compassionate care to every patient who walks through our doors. From our friendly office assistants to our skilled surgeons, our entire team is committed to ensuring that you feel comfortable and supported throughout your treatment journey.

Schedule Your Appointment

Are you ready to take control of your spine health and live life to the fullest? Schedule a consultation with our skilled team of spine specialists today. Let us guide you on the path to relief and recovery. Your journey to a pain-free future starts here with Precision Orthopaedic Specialities in Northeast OH.