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TREATMENT - SURGICAL
A needle is inserted into the space inside your spine, but outside the dura (covering of the spinal cord and nerves). When Dr. Davis does this you will be sedated and an x-ray machine will be used to be sure of correct needle placement. A solution of steroid is injected (Cortisone). It may take two weeks to know if it is beneficial. These can be repeated at 3 month intervals. 
top Indications: Surgical treatment of ruptured discs in the lower back that have failed to respond to nonsurgical treatment. Procedure: A small incision (l inch) is made at the level of the disc. The tissues are separated to expose the spine. The ligament is removed over the painful nerve. The nerve is pulled aside and the ruptured piece removed. The entire disc is not removed. Hospital stay: Outpatient Time lost from work: 10 days for light jobs 3 weeks for heavier jobs top Indication: Treatment of ruptured discs, spurs and spinal stenosis in the cervical spine (neck). Procedure: A small incision is made on the front of the neck ( along the wrinkles). The tissues are separated to expose the front of the spine. The disc and spurs (if any) are removed. A cadaver bone graft is inserted into the disc space. A plate is then applied. Hospital stay: Overnight Time lost from work: 2 weeks for light jobs 6 weeks for heavier jobs .jpg)
top Indications: Treatment of ruptured discs and spurs in the cervical spine (neck). FDA approved for patients under 60 years of age for only a single disc. Advantages: Allows movement; reduces the likelihood of disease in other discs. Procedure: A small incision is made on the front of the neck (along the wrinkle). The tissues are separated to expose the front of the spine. The disc and spurs, if any, are removed. The disc prosthesis is inserted and fixed to the bone. Hospital stay: Overnight Time lost from work: 2 weeks for light jobs 6 weeks for heavier jobs 
top INDICATIONS: When spinal stenosis is aggravated by standing (extension) and relieved by sitting, (flexion) an implant can be used to hold that single level in flexion. This relieves the pain and allows extension (standing upright) at other levels. It can be done under local anesthesia so it is especially useful in the elderly. PROCEDURE: A 2 inch incision is made in the center of the back. The muscles are stripped off. An implant is placed between the spinous processes of the affected level. HOSPITAL STAY: Outpatient TIME LOST FROM WORK: 1 week. For further information: www.kyphon.com 
top INDICATIONS: Degenerative disc disease at the lowest two discs (L4/5 and L5/S1) spondylolisthesis at L5/S1. PROCEDURE: A general/vascular surgeon makes an incision on the front of the abdomen. The sac containing the organs (peritoneum) is pulled aside thereby exposing the front of the spine. The large blood vessels to the legs are gently pulled aside. The disc is removed. A spacer containing bone graft is inserted and held in place either with screws or a plate and screws. For spondylolisthesis it is often necessary to provide additional fixation from the backside (posterior). HOSPITAL STAY: 1-3 days. TIME LOST FROM WORK: 4 weeks for light work 3 months for heavier work 
top Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion thru and Extreme Lateral Approach INDICATIONS: For anterior fusion of all levels of the lumbar spine except L5/S1and lower levels of the thoracic spine. PROCEDURE: Thru a small incision (1 inch) a tube is inserted down to the disc. Thru this tube the disc is removed and replaced with a plastic insert containing bone graft. A plate can also be applied, if desired, thru the same tube. HOSPITAL STAY: Overnight TIME LOST FROM WORK: 10 days for light work. 2 months for heavier work For additional information: 
top INDICATIONS: This technique is useful for fusing the spine, both front and back, thru one or two incisions on the back. It is useful especially when an anterior approach cannot be done. PROCEDURE: An incision is made over the disc, but somewhat off center. The tissues are pulled aside to expose the facet joint. The joint is removed. The disc is entered and removed. A plastic spacer containing bone graft is inserted into the disc space. Additional fixation with pedicle screws is necessary. HOSPITAL STAY: 2-3 days TIME LOST FROM WORK: 2 weeks for light work 2-3 months for heavy work 
top INDICATIONS: For posterior fusion for spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, or for supplemental fixation with other procedures. PROCEDURE: 1. When posterior decompression is done for spinal stenosis, posterolateral fusion requires wide dissection of the spinal muscles. Screws are placed into the pedicles (vertebrae) and attached together with rods. Bone graft is then placed along the sides of the vertebrae. 2. When posterolateral fusion is done for supplement fixation, it can be done thru the skin laterally by a minimally invasive technique. 
top INDICATIONS: When spinal stenosis is severe, it may require direct surgical decompression. PROCEDURE: An incision is made in the center of the back. The muscles are stripped from the bone. The lamina (bone) is removed along with thickened ligaments and bone spurs. This takes pressure off the nerves. 
top INDICATIONS: Painful vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer. PROCEDURE: Patient is sedated. Using x-ray control 2 tunnels are drilled into the fractured vertebra. A catheter with a balloon tip is inserted on each side. The balloons are inflated and the fracture is reduced. Then the balloons are removed and the defects are filled with bone cement. Relief is immediate. HOSPITAL STAY: Outpatient TIME LOST FROM WORK: 1 day For further information: 
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