Spinal Stenosis Surgery
Most people with spinal stenosis don’t need surgery. However, if your symptoms are severe and you haven’t gotten better with nonsurgical treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery. There are two main types of surgeries for spinal stenosis: (9)
Decompression surgery
If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from spinal stenosis, you may be wondering if decompression surgery is the right choice for you. Decompression surgery is a procedure that is used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It involves removing part of the bone or disc that is causing the narrowing of the spinal canal.
This surgery is usually recommended for people who have severe symptoms that are not relieved by other treatments. It may also be recommended for people who are at risk for serious problems caused by compression of the spinal cord or nerves. Decompression surgeries are of several types, including;
Laminotomy
Laminotomy surgery is a procedure used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. The lamina is the bone that forms the roof of the spinal canal. When this bone becomes thickened or fused, it can put pressure on the spinal cord. This can cause pain, numbness, and other problems. Laminotomy surgery removes a piece of the lamina to relieve the pressure.
A recent study has shown that the surgery is highly effective in relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients. The study looked at data from more than 1,600 patients who underwent laminotomy surgery for spinal stenosis. The results showed that 95% of patients reported significant improvement in symptoms after the surgery. In addition, 93% of patients said they were satisfied with the results of the surgery.
This data confirms that laminotomy surgery is an effective treatment for spinal stenosis and can provide significant relief from symptoms.
Laminectomy
Laminectomy is the most common type of surgery for spinal stenosis. Compared to laminotomy, this procedure involves removal of complete lamina. The surgery involves removing the lamina, or the back part of the vertebra, to open up the spinal canal (to create more space for the nerves) and relieve pressure on the nerves. This surgery is usually successful in relieving symptoms of spinal stenosis, but there is a risk of complications, including nerve damage and infection.
There is no one definitive answer to whether or not laminectomy surgery is effective for spinal stenosis. Some studies suggest that the surgery can provide relief for some people, while other studies are not as conclusive. One thing that does seem to be agreed upon is that laminectomy surgery is a major procedure and should only be considered after other, less invasive treatments have been unsuccessful.
Foraminotomy
Foraminotomy surgery is an effective procedure for treating spinal stenosis. The surgery involves making a small incision in the back and removing part of the bone that is compressing or blocking the passageway for the nerves. The goal of the surgery is to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves by removing bone and tissue from around them. This relieves pressure on the nerves and can improve symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling. It can also improve mobility.
Studies have shown that foraminotomy surgery is effective in relieving symptoms in most patients. However, there are some risks associated with the surgery, including damage to the spinal cord or nerves.
Indirect decompression
One treatment option for spinal stenosis is indirect decompression, which can be performed using surgery or a medical device. Instead of removing the bones, this surgery involves creating space between the two vertebrae. Indirect decompression can help to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. While the benefits of indirect decompression are clear, there are some risks associated with the procedure. Patients should discuss the pros and cons of this treatment option with their doctor to decide if it is right for them.
Stabilization surgery
This is a more complex surgery that may be used if other treatments or decompression haven’t worked. The purpose of stabilization surgery for spinal stenosis is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Also known as spinal fusion surgery, this procedure may be done through an open incision or with minimally invasive techniques. As its name indicates, the procedure involves fusion of two or more vertebrae. It actually creates an environment where the spinal bones will fuse together with time. It may take several months or even a year to do so. A bone graft or a biological substance is used in this procedure that will stimulate the growth and fusion of bones. To increase the stability of the bones, your surgeon will use K-wires, screws, plates, or rods. The long term stability and symptomatic relief is provided by the fusion of bone that will stop movement and pressure on the spine.
Spinal fusion surgery has been here for more than 2 decades now. Most of the time, it is done along with the decompression surgery. This procedure is not necessary for everyone who has spinal stenosis. The procedure is especially helpful for those who have herniation of one or more vertebral discs. Slipping of the vertebral discs makes the spine unstable and causes punching of the spinal nerves – leading to classic symptoms of spinal stenosis. The need for spinal fusion surgery also depends on the number of vertebrae that need stabilisation. Sometimes, you may need this surgery along with laminotomy or laminectomy because they can also cause destabilisation of the spine.
Surgery cost
Spinal stenosis surgery is one of the most common surgeries done on the spine. The surgery is done to remove bone spurs and other debris that are causing the spinal canal to narrow. The cost of spinal stenosis surgery can vary depending on the surgeon you choose. It may also vary depending on the severity of the condition, the type of surgery required, and the hospital or surgical center where the procedure is performed. The average cost of the surgery is around $10,000. However, the cost can range from $5,000 to $15,000. For a minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery, the average cost in the United States is about $11,000, according to Healthcare Bluebook. A more complex surgery such as a lumbar spinal fusion can cost up to $50,000.
Many health insurance plans cover at least a portion of the costs for spinal stenosis surgery. Patients should check with their insurance company to find out what procedures are covered and how much of the costs will be reimbursed. Some hospitals and surgical centers also offer payment plans to help patients finance their surgery. If you are experiencing symptoms from spinal stenosis, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Surgery may be necessary to improve your quality of life.