Spine
Aligned Orthopedic Partners provides a central location for patients in the Tysons, McLean and Arlington, Virginia region with treatment for orthopedic spine conditions and surgical procedures. Our fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeons provide a combined total of 40+ years of experience. We provide trusted, quality patient care along with cutting-edge techniques and state-of-the-art technology to find and treat arthritis and other causes of pain including issues in bones, joints, and muscles.
Spine Conditions & Treatments:
Treating Back Pain with Spinal Decompression
Living with ongoing back pain can be debilitating, but many people don’t seek treatment because they don’t understand their options. At Aligned Ortho, we specialize in treating low back pain, neck pain, and pain that extends to the arms and legs through spinal decompression surgery. We invite you to meet with one of our spinal specialists to learn more about this treatment and explore other ways to manage your pain.
What Are The Available Treatments for Spinal Decompression?
- Spinal decompression encompasses various surgical procedures aimed at alleviating pain caused by the compression of the spinal cord and adjacent nerves.
- Your orthopedic surgeon will assist you in identifying the most suitable treatment option for your unique circumstances.
What Are The Treatment Options?
- Laminectomy: Involves removing the lamina and thickened ligaments to relieve pressure caused by bony overgrowth in the spinal canal, a common symptom of spinal arthritis.
- Laminotomy: Similar to a laminectomy, but only a small section of the lamina is removed, preserving spinal stability. In some cases, an endoscope can be used for a smaller incision and faster recovery.
- Foraminotomy: Alleviates pressure on compressed nerves by enlarging the space around a bone in the spinal column. This involves removing the bone around the neural foramen, where the nerve root exits the spine. Recommended for conditions causing nerve compression, such as a ruptured disc.
- Laminoplasty: Cervical laminoplasty widens the spinal canal to relieve neck region spinal cord pressure caused by factors like arthritis or tumors.
- Discectomy: Surgically removes a damaged disc portion, relieving nerve compression from ruptured disc pressure on surrounding bones.
Schedule An Appointment: Relieve Your Neck And Back Pain
Lower back pain can affect mobility and may require invasive procedures. Contact Aligned Orthopedic Partners for compassionate care, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, surgery scheduling, or physical therapy options. Aligned Orthopedic Partners provides exceptional care for injuries, addressing questions about the spine, arthritis, and other conditions.
What is Spinal Fusion?
- Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting issues with the vertebrae in the spine.
- It involves combining two or more small spinal bones to create a single, solid bone, thereby relieving pain during movement and restoring spine stability.
Spinal Fusion Surgery Overview:
- Over 350,000 spinal fusion surgeries are performed annually in the United States, primarily focusing on lumbar spinal fusion for the lower spine.
- Bone grafting is utilized by inserting small bone fragments between the vertebrae, which gradually fuse together.
- Metal rods and screws are employed to immobilize the fused bones, enhancing stability.
- External bracing or casting may be necessary for complete immobilization during the recovery period.
Patient Care and Comfort:
Our specialists are committed to addressing patient concerns and ensuring comfort throughout the surgical process.
Benefits of Spinal Fusion Surgery
- Full spinal fusion eliminates motion between fused vertebral segments, relieving painful symptoms for many patients.
- Limited spinal flexibility due to fusion often results in pain relief.
- Spinal fusion surgery can halt the progression of spinal deformities like scoliosis.
- Spinal fusions involving small segments do not significantly limit motion.
Back Issues And Symptoms That Spinal Fusion Treats
When patients visit Aligned Orthopedic Partners for back pain, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including medical history review, physical examination, and necessary tests. We discuss various treatment options, starting with conservative approaches like medication or physical therapy. If symptoms persist, spinal fusion surgery may be considered.
Spinal fusion is an effective treatment for various symptoms and conditions, including:
- Pain in the back, thigh, buttock, or legs
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
- Injuries to the spinal vertebrae
- Slipped or herniated discs
- Scoliosis or kyphosis
- Spinal instability caused by infections or tumors
What to Expect from Spinal Fusion Surgery:
- Preparing for Surgery:
- Discontinue certain medications that could impact the procedure’s outcome.
- Admitted to the hospital and prepared for surgery on the day of the procedure.
- Anesthesia Options:
- Most patients receive general anesthesia, inducing sleep throughout the surgery.
- Alternatively, spinal anesthesia may be used, numbing the lower body while keeping the patient awake.
- The Three Surgical Techniques Your Physician May Utilize:
- Anterior approach (frontal)
- Posterior approach (rear)
- Lateral approach (side)
- Duration and Procedure:
- Surgery typically lasts one to three hours, depending on the spine’s condition.
- The Surgeon will remove bone or ligaments compressing nerve roots and displaced disc material, relieving nerve pressure.
- Fusion performed concurrently, especially if spinal instability is present.
Risk Factors
The risks associated with spinal fusion surgery are minimal, but it is important to acknowledge that all surgeries carry potential risks.
Potential complications of spinal fusion surgery may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Difficulty with urination
- Decreased intestinal function
- Heart attack or stroke
- Formation of blood clots
- Recurrent disc herniations
- Nerve damage
It is worth noting that some patients may still experience persistent pain in the lower back even after the surgery. However, maintaining good physical condition can help minimize this discomfort.
Recovery After Spinal Fusion Surgery
- Initial Days:
- Expect pain, managed with prescribed medication.
- Instructions provided for proper movement and alignment of the fused spine.
- Discharge and Assistance:
- Assistance from family or friends may be needed for daily tasks.
- Arrange transportation as driving immediately post-surgery is not recommended.
- Home Recovery:
- Follow doctor’s instructions for wound care, nutrition, and hydration.
- Engage in low-impact workouts when able.
- Be vigilant for signs of blood clots and infection.
- Follow-Up:
- Regular appointments with your Aligned Orthopedic Partners physician to monitor progress.
Doctors Who Specialize:
All Specializations:
PAIN HOLDING YOU BACK?
