NYPMD
New York Orthopedic Spine: Surgery & Specialists
Chronic spine issues such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and degenerative disc disease can all require surgery. Depending on the severity of the issue, surgery may be recommended to reduce pain, improve mobility, or prevent further damage.
Common spine surgeries include discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, and decompression. After surgery, physical therapy and lifestyle modifications are usually recommended to help promote healing and recovery.
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NEW YORK ORTHOPEDIC & SPINE SPECIALISTS
Dr. Gerling
Dr. Gerling specializes in surgical treatments of spinal disorders. treating patients in New York, NY
Orthopaedic Surgery New York
ORTHOPEDIC SPINE FAQS
What Are Common Conditions Seen by a Spine Doctor
1. Disc herniation
2. Sciatica
3. Spinal stenosis
4. Osteoarthritis of the spine
5. Spondylolisthesis
6. Scoliosis
7. Spinal fractures
8. Cervical radiculopathy
9. Spinal tumors
10. Spinal infections
Do all spinal cord injuries require surgery?
No, not all spinal cord injuries require surgery. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, treatment may include medications, physical therapy, and other non-surgical interventions. Surgery may be necessary if the injury is severe and requires stabilization of the spine.
What Is Anterior Cervical Discectomy?
Anterior Cervical Discectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a herniated or damaged disc from the front of the neck. The spinal cord and nerve roots are typically decompressed by removing the disc, which relieves pressure on the nerves and can help reduce pain and other symptoms.
What Is Cervical Disc Replacement?
Cervical disc replacement is a type of spinal surgery used to treat neck pain that has not responded to more conservative treatments. During the procedure, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc. The goal of the procedure is to reduce pain and improve mobility. It is a viable alternative to spinal fusion, as it preserves motion in the neck.
What Is Endoscopic Anterior Discectomy?
Endoscopic Anterior Discectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery procedure used to remove herniated disc material from the neck. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning that the patient is able to go home the same day. The procedure is done using an endoscope – a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light at the end – to access the herniated disc. The endoscope is inserted through a small incision in the neck, and the herniated disc material is carefully removed. After the procedure, the patient is typically able to return to normal activities within a few days.
What Is Endoscopic Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy?
Endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used to treat nerve root compression in the cervical spine. This procedure involves creating a small incision in the back of the neck and inserting a specialized endoscope to enlarge the foramen (opening) of the cervical spine to create more space for the nerve root. The procedure is most commonly used to treat spinal nerve root compression, which can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and hands.
What Is Endoscopic Posterior Foraminotomy/Discectomy?
Endoscopic Posterior Foraminotomy/Discectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for treating pinched nerves in the spine. It involves using an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with an attached camera, to see and treat parts of the spine that are difficult to reach with traditional surgical techniques. The surgeon uses small instruments to remove bone and tissue around the nerve to relieve pressure on the nerve. This can reduce pain, numbness, and other symptoms associated with a pinched nerve.
What Is Endoscopic Rhizotomy?
Endoscopic rhizotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat chronic pain in the lower back and legs. It is performed using an endoscope, a long, thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end. The endoscope is inserted into the affected area, allowing the surgeon to see the nerves and other structures. The surgeon then uses specialized instruments to cut or ablate the affected nerves. This interrupts the pain signals and can provide relief for the patient.
What Is Endoscopic Discectomy?
Endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat a herniated disc in the spine. During this procedure, a small incision is made in the skin, and a device called an endoscope is inserted. The endoscope is a long, thin tube that has a light and camera at the end. The surgeon then uses the endoscope to view the disc and remove the herniated part. The procedure is typically done under general anesthesia and is considered to be less invasive than traditional open surgery.
What Is A Spinal Cord Stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator is a device that is implanted in the body to deliver electrical stimulation to the spinal cord and nerves in order to relieve pain. It works by directly stimulating the nerves in the spinal cord and sending signals to the brain to reduce pain signals. This can help reduce or even eliminate pain in the areas where the device is placed.
What Is Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy?
Endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat herniated disc in the lower back. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the back, and a long, thin tool called an endoscope is inserted. The endoscope is used to view the affected area and to remove the herniated disc material. The procedure is done under general anesthesia, and recovery times vary depending on the severity of the injury.
What Is Endoscopic Lumbar Foraminotomy?
Endoscopic lumbar foraminotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve roots that can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower extremities. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the lower back, and a tiny camera is inserted into the incision to allow the surgeon to see and remove tissue that is impinging on the nerve roots. The procedure is often performed in conjunction with other surgical techniques to treat spinal conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease.
What Is Hemilaminectomy?
A hemilaminectomy is a type of surgery that involves the removal of one-half of the lamina, or the hard outer layer of the vertebrae, in order to access the spinal canal. This procedure is typically performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or to access the spinal canal to remove a tumor, herniated disc, or other tissues. Hemilaminectomies can be done as an open surgery or through a minimally invasive approach.
What Is Laminectomy?
A laminectomy is a type of spinal surgery that involves the removal of a portion of the vertebrae in order to access the spinal cord and nerves. It is typically performed to treat spinal stenosis, a condition caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal due to the buildup of bone or other tissue. During a laminectomy, a portion of the vertebrae, known as the lamina, is removed in order to create more room for the spinal cord and nerves. This procedure is often used in combination with other spinal surgeries, such as a discectomy or a fusion.
What Is Microdiscectomy?
Microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure that is used to treat disc herniation in the spine. This procedure involves the removal of a portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve root. The surgeon will make a small incision in the lower back and use a microscope to locate and remove the part of the disc that is causing the pressure. The goal of the surgery is to relieve the pressure on the nerve root and alleviate the pain and other symptoms associated with the herniated disc.
What Is Minimally Invasive TLIF?
Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a type of spinal fusion surgery that is performed through a much smaller incision than conventional spinal fusion surgery, reducing the damage to the surrounding muscles and other tissues. The surgery is done by inserting a small tube-like instrument called a tubular retractor, which allows the surgeon to perform the procedure with minimal disruption to the surrounding anatomy. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an interbody device, such as a cage or plate, to fuse the vertebrae together.
What Is Open Lumbar Decompression and Fusion?
Open lumbar decompression and fusion is a surgical procedure used to treat problems such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the lower back in order to access the spine. The surgeon then removes any bone spurs and other material that is causing pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. The spine is then fused together with bone grafts and metal screws. By fusing the vertebrae, it helps to provide stability to the spine and helps reduce pain.
What Is X-LIF Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion?
X-LIF (Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion) is an alternative to traditional spine fusion surgery. It is an advanced, minimally invasive technique used to treat spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and degenerative disc disease. Unlike traditional spine fusion surgeries, which involve cutting through the patient's back, X-LIF is performed through a small incision in the side of the abdomen. During the procedure, a surgeon inserts a specialized instrument into the space between the vertebrae and removes the disc. The space is then filled with a bone graft or artificial disc replacement to promote spine fusion. X-LIF can often be completed in about an hour, and the recovery time is typically shorter than with traditional spine fusion surgery.