Disorders of the Spinal Column

Spine surgery includes treatment of the spinal column, or the support structures around the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Compression or constriction of the nerves and spinal cord by the bony overgrowth of the spine or herniated disks can cause pain, sensory changes or weakness. Treatment often requires decompression (removal of abnormal bone growth/herniated disks) of the spinal cord and nerves to alleviate symptoms. Spinal column disorders requiring surgery range from degenerative processes to traumatic injury to tumors. In some circumstances the stability of the spine is affected. When needed, spinal fusion with or without instrumentation or "hardware," is used to re-establish spinal stability. Minimally invasive techniques and microsurgical techniques are utilized when appropriate to get the best results for the patient.

Disorders of the Spinal Cord

Spinal cord disorders that require surgery include tumors or structural abnormalities of the spinal cord. Spinal cord tumors range from benign to aggressive and surgery or biopsy might be needed to obtain a diagnosis and aid in treatment. Some tumors can be completely treated with surgery alone, others might require other therapies in conjunction with surgery.

Structural abnormalities of the spinal cord can include dilated, fluid-filled channels in the spinal cord (syrinx, syringomyelia), tethered spinal cords and other developmental problems. Although most of these present in childhood, some become problems as we get older. Surgery in these circumstances helps to alleviate symptoms by altering the structure of the spinal cord.

Disorders of the Spinal Nerves

The problems involving the spinal nerves often come from compression. Degeneration and herniation of the disks in the neck, back and low back can compress spinal nerves as they exit the spinal column. Symptoms can range from numbness to pain to weakness in an arm or leg and difficulty walking. Surgery might include removal of all or part of the disk. If the whole disk is removed, spinal fusion is usually required to maintain stability of the spine. Degeneration of joints in the spine can also cause spinal nerve compression giving very similar symptoms. Finally, tumors of the nerves themselves can cause pain and dysfunction. All of these can be treated surgically if indicated.

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