Surgical Spine Procedures
Surgical Spine Procedures
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is an alternative to Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) for the fusion of two or more spinal vertebrae. During this surgery, Dr. Tumialán works through a small abdominal incision to access the anterior aspect of the spine. To accomplish this exposure, the abdominal viscera are mobilized and safely retracted for the procedure. Depending on the configuration of the spine, the angles of the vertebral bodies and the exact nature of the pathology at hand, an ALIF may be preferable to a TLIF. However, in the vast majority of cases, either an ALIF or a TLIF may be viable options. This is a topic that Dr. Tumialán will discuss with his patients in great depth as he strive to tailor each surgical procedure to the maximum benefit of his patients.
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Lumbar artificial discs replace spinal discs that are herniated or degenerated. After removing a disc, a lumbar artificial disc may be placed to relieve pressure and restore shock absorption between the vertebrae. This is a type of intervertebral arthroplasty, or replacement of a portion of the spine with an artificial element. Candidates for artificial discs have some degeneration from a previous discectomy and are struggling with back and leg pain. This operation is performed through incisions in the abdomen.
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A cervical artificial disc, like a lumbar artificial disc, replaces a degenerated or herniated spinal disc, but in the cervical (upper) spine. Damaged cervical discs can limit mobility and place pressure on nearby nerves, resulting in pain, weakness, and other symptoms. Cervical artificial discs function much like the plate and rod system used to fuse two vertebrae together in an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Disc replacement is preferable to achieve vertebrae fusion in younger patients.
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Lumbar spinal fusion is used to correct problems in the anatomy of the back by removing a damaged disc and inserting a bone graft as part of fusing two vertebrae together. Whereas a traditional lumbar spinal fusion accesses the surgical area via an incision in the abdomen, back, or both, a direct lateral interbody fusion utilizes a much less invasive method by making one small incision in the side of the body. This provides far less discomfort and recovery time for the patient, and the ease of not having to dodge organs and blood vessels to access the surgical area for the doctor.
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There are several discs in the human spine, between each vertebrae, that provide shock absorption and and cushion. Over time and due to a large number of factors, the discs can become worn and are prone to injury. Dr. Tumialán can perform highly advanced spinal surgery to reduce lower back pain and leg pain, weakness, and numbness.
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