Epidural steroid injection: an injection of a long-lasting steroid "cortisone" and a numbing agent into the epidural space of the spine. The epidural space is the area between the protective covering of the spinal cord and the bony vertebrae. The treatment is helpful in halting pain and reducing inflammation from compressed spinal nerves. more info>
Nerve/Facet block: an injection of a numbing agent into a joint capsule or near a group of nerves that are causing pain to a specific region of the body. Arthritis, injury, and disc degeneration can cause pain in the facet joints, which connect vertebrae to each other and allow motion of the spine.
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Pain control implant: a method of giving medication or electrical stimulation directly to the spinal cord. A small pump or generator, surgically placed under the skin of the abdomen, delivers medication or electrical current through a catheter or lead to the area around the spinal cord (see pain pumps and spinal cord stimulators).
Fusion: This procedure involves joining two separate bones into one to provide stability. The surgeon makes a small incision, then dilates (widens) it gradually with increasingly large tubes. This tunnel gives the surgeon access to the spine and allows for the implantation of fusion devices.
Axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion (AxiaLIF): This procedure is currently the least invasive approach to the lumbrosacral region, an area known as L5-S1, where the fifth vertebra of the lower (lumbar) spinal column meets the first vertebra of the sacrum (tailbone). The surgeon makes a tiny incision near the tailbone and uses long, narrow instruments to fixate the lower spine in patients who suffer from spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal), spondylolisthesis (a slipping forward of the vertebral body in the spine), or degenerative disc disease. The surgery is done without cutting through the abdomen or splitting the spinal muscles.
Endoscopic-assisted surgery: During this procedure, the physician uses a probe, or endoscope, that is fitted with a tiny camera and light. The surgeon inserts the endoscope through a small incision, then watches the images on a monitor while moving the endoscope. Scalpels, scissors, forceps and other instruments are inserted through a tube or another point of entry.
Image-guided surgery: This technique involves creating a 3D image of the patient's spine. Physicians acquire the image by asking the patient to wear tiny markers, called fiducials, during an MRI or CT scan. During surgery, the fiducials and infrared cameras correlate the patient to his or her 3D computer model. This "global positioning system" for the spine helps the neurosurgeon locate the lesion.
Microendoscopic discectomy: This procedure involves the removal of a herniated or degenerative disc. The physician makes a small incision, then dilates (widens) it gradually with increasingly large tubes to gain access to the spine. Through this tunnel the surgeon uses either an endoscope or microscope to remove the disc.
PathFinder® pedicle screw system: PathFinder® is a minimally invasive device used in fusion procedures of the lower back. The device enables the surgeon to operate through two small incisions, potentially reducing surgical pain, blood loss, and soft-tissue injury, while allowing patients to go home sooner.
Percutaneous pedicle screws: Pedicle screws are a form of surgical instrumentation designed to stabilize the spine. Small incisions over the top of each affected vertebra are dilated (widened) using increasingly larger tubes. This tunnel gives the neurosurgeon access to the spine and allows for the precise placement of screws into the pedicle of the vertebra.
Radiosurgery: Spine tumors are treated during this procedure with a single, high dose of precisely aimed radiation beams. Although the procedure is called surgery, no incision is made.
Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty: A hollow needle is used to treat vertebral compression fractures during these procedures. During vertebroplasty, bone cement is injected through the hollow needle into the fractured area. During kyphoplasty, the surgeon first expands the compressed vertebra to its normal height by inserting a tiny balloon into the area and inflating it. The surgeon then fills the space with bone cement.
X-STOP®: A minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine (lower back). Spinal stenosis is a condition involving a narrowing of the spinal canal. It can cause pressure and pinching of the spinal nerves, which can result in chronic pain, numbness, and muscle weakness in the arms or legs. The X-STOP spacer device is a mechanical implant that is inserted between two bones in the back. It prevents the patient from bending backward into a position that pinches the nerve and causes sciatica or lower back pain. The X-STOP spacers are an alternative to lumbar laminectomy and decompression surgery.
Deep brain stimulator (DBS): This procedure involves implanting an electrode in the desired area of the brain. The electrode is connected to a pulse generator/battery implanted under the skin near the collarbone. The generator sends electrical signals to the desired structure in the brain to regulate its activity.
Vagus nerve stimulator (VNS): This procedure involves implanting a wire (lead) around the vagus nerve in the neck. The lead is connected to a generator/battery implanted under the skin near the collarbone. The generator sends electrical signals that travel along the vagus nerve to the brain at regular intervals, helping to prevent seizures.
Endoscopic-assisted surgery: During this procedure, the neurosurgeon inserts a probe, or endoscope, fitted with a tiny camera and light through a small, keyhole craniotomy. The surgeon watches the images on a monitor while moving the endoscope and removes the tumor. Scalpels, scissors, forceps and other instruments are inserted through a tube or another point of entry.
Image-guided surgery: This technique involves creating a 3D image of the patient's brain. Physicians acquire the image by asking the patient to wear tiny markers, called fiducials, during an MRI or CT scan. During surgery, the fiducials and infrared cameras correlate the patient to his or her 3D computer model. This "global positioning system" for the brain helps the neurosurgeon plan the craniotomy and locate the lesion.
Radiosurgery: Tumors are treated during this procedure with a single, high dose of precisely aimed radiation beams. Although the procedure is called surgery, no incision is made.
Endoscopic ventriculostomy: During this procedure the neurosurgeon inserts a probe, or endoscope, fitted with a tiny camera and light into the ventricles of the brain through a small hole in the skull. The surgeon watches the images on a monitor while moving the endoscope. Scalpels, scissors, forceps and other instruments are used to remove a blockage/tumor or place a shunt.
Angioplasty and stenting: During this treatment for atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, a small tube made of wire mesh, called a stent, is placed inside a narrowed artery. Once it is in position, the stent is expanded to keep the artery open.
Coiling, ballooning, or gluing: During this treatment of an aneurysm or AVM (ateriovenous malformation), the neurosurgeon inserts a catheter into an artery in the groin and then guides it through the blood vessels with the help of a monitor. The surgeon then packs the aneurysm or AVM with material (coils, balloons, or glue) to prevent blood from entering.
Keyhole craniotomy: During this procedure the surgeon makes a tiny "keyhole" opening in the skull to treat an aneurysm or AVM (arteriovenous malformation). Endoscopy or image-guided surgery systems are often used during the surgery.
Needle aspiration of hematoma: During this procedure, a stereotactic frame is attached to the patient's head. The surgeon then guides a needle through a small hole in the skull directly into a blood clot. The hollow needle is attached to a syringe, which is used to suction out the contents of the blood clot.
Radiosurgery: An AVM (arteriovenous malformation) is treated during this procedure with a single, high dose of precisely aimed radiation beams. Although the procedure is called surgery, no incision is made.
