Complex Spine Surgery Specialist

What is complex spine surgery?

Complex spine surgery refers to procedures that treat complicated spinal conditions. In general terms, complex spine surgery may refer to:

Revision spine surgery

Revision spine surgery follows another spine surgery. If your first procedure wasn’t successful, if you’re experiencing infection, disc re-herniation, hardware failure, new spinal instability, or other issues after surgery, revision spine surgery can help.

Surgery for a spinal abnormality 

Spinal abnormalities can be complicated, particularly in adults. Complex spine surgery can stabilize your spine and compensate for the abnormality.

Multi-segment surgery 

For spine surgery of more than three segments of your spine, you may need complex spine surgery — the more segments involved, the more complicated the procedure.

Complex spine surgery requires specialized approaches, tailored for the unique issues you’re facing. It can involve specific procedures such as disc removal and fusion, partial disc removal, artificial disc replacement, surgical decompression, or other types of corrections. Sometimes, complex spine surgery combines several different procedures. 

When might I need complex spine surgery?

While the general categories for complex spine surgery include revision procedures, abnormality correction, and multi-segment surgery, there are many different issues that can fit into each of those categories. Some of the many specific reasons that you might need complex spine surgery include: 

• Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Adult spinal abnormalities like scoliosis
• Spinal tumors
• Osteoporotic compression fractures
• Spinal fractures

Regardless of the reason that you might need complex spine surgery, Total Spine Institute uses the most up-to-date approaches to produce excellent results. 

What approaches does complex spine surgery utilize?

There are an extensive array of cutting-edge approaches to complex spine surgery. Total Spine Institute has access to the latest technology, and the talented surgeons use minimally invasive endoscopic and robotic techniques whenever possible. That allows for many same-day and outpatient procedures. 

In minimally invasive complex spine surgery, the surgeons use tiny button-sized incisions and specialized surgical instruments to artfully manipulate tissue, perform repairs, remove tissue, and stabilize your spine safely. 

The Total Spine Institute surgeons can use innovative solutions for spine repair during complex spine surgery, including the Vertiflex™ Procedure Superion™ Indirect Decompression System, the Coflex® Interlaminar Stabilization® device, and the newest artificial lumbar and cervical discs.

How can I prepare for complex spine surgery?

Prior to your scheduled surgery, you receive a complete instruction sheet to help you prepare. Complex spine surgery requires anesthesia and sedation in most cases, with the specifics varying by the procedure. So, you normally need to fast starting the night before complex spine surgery. 

Also, be sure to schedule a friend or family member to drive you home from your same-day procedure or if your surgery requires a hospital stay. Your Total Spine Institute surgeon gives you specific rules regarding your return to driving and other normal activities. 

Total Spine Institute offers quick appointments, same-day procedures, same-day injections, and comprehensive spine care, including complex spine surgery. Book your appointment online or call the nearest office today.