RECENT ADVANCES AND NEWER PROCEDURES IN SPINE SURGERY

Percutaeous Vertebroplasty

This procedure involves injection of bone cement into the body via trochars introduced percutaneously. This is often done under local anaesthesia with sedation. Main indications are severe and persistent pain from osteoporotic fractures and spinal metastases. Patient usually experiences almost instant pain relief.

Endoscopic Lumbar Disectomy

This is a minimally invasive procedure suitable for some patients with disc prolapse. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia and sedation. Patient may be discharged the same or next day.

Artificial Disc Replacement

This is increasingly done when a disc is removed in the cervical spine. The artificial disc helps to preserve motion and may have less long term problems than a fusion. In the lumbar spine some patients with persistent disabling back pain may benefit from an artificial disc replacement.