Surgical Services Surgical Management of Spinal Pathology
Minimally Invasive Techniques Reconstructive Surgery Advanced Research Programs In cases where non-operative approaches fail to provide relief, patients may be referred to a member of our surgical team. Our surgeons are experienced in a full range of procedures to treat spinal problems, from minimally invasive endoscopic surgeries to more complex spinal reconstruction.
Florida Spine Institute performs multiple minimally invasive surgical techniques for patients.
The Selective Endoscopic Discectomy procedure is redefining what we call minimally invasive spine surgery. This technique utilizes an endoscope to treat herniated, protruded, extruded, or degenerative discs that are a contributing factor to leg and back pain. The endoscope allows the surgeon to use a "keyhole" incision (thru 7mm canula versus 20-25 mm tradition approach) to access the herniated disc. Muscle and tissue are dilated rather than being cut when accessing the disc. Surgery time without complications can range between 60–90 minutes under local anesthesia.
For treatment of compression fractures we perform a kyphoplasty. The procedure includes inserting an orthopaedic balloon that is guided into the fracture within the vertebra and inflated. Once the fracture is reduced, the balloon is then deflated leaving a void for the bone cement to be inserted.
Another type of minimally invasive surgery is a microdiscectomy. During this surgery a small portion of bone over the nerve root and at times disc material from under the root is removed to relieve impingement on the nerve. This procedure helps leg pain by relieving the impingement on the nerve. Although, the nerve root may take weeks or even months to fully heal, patients typically feel some relief soon after surgery.
At times it is necessary for patients to undergo reconstuctive spinal surgery due to their conditions. At Florida Spine Institute, we perform spinal fusions, laminectomy discectomy, anterior lumbar or cervical interbody fusions, and scoliosis correction surgeries. Many of the procedures performed are outlined in the videos below.
Florida Spine Institute is a research site which participates in clinical trials for both cervical and lumbar spine devices. Our physicians and staff are trained and certified to participate in these trials. Presently, Dr Scott A. Webb and Dr Gordon N. Holen participate in three trials which are open for enrollment.
We have two ongoing trials for the lumbar spine. One of which is for treatment of degenerative disc disease by replacing the patients disc with an artificial disc. The other study is for treatment of degenerative spinal stenosis which replaces the facets with artificial joints.
Likewise, the cervical spine trial is also for the treatment of degenerative disc disease. Patients who have an arthritic condition of their neck which causes pain and/or weakness from nerve compression may qualify for this study.
