Surgical Solutions.
At Spine Team Texas, we understand that the prospect of undergoing back or neck surgery can be daunting. That's why we're dedicated to exhausting all non-surgical treatment options first, offering surgery only as a last resort. If surgery is required, our focus is on minimally invasive surgical techniques. These types of surgical procedures may potentially decrease recovery time and minimize scarring. Here you'll find a small sampling of the most common types of surgeries performed at Spine Team Texas.
Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical Discectomy
Injection Therapy
Kyphoplasty
Minimally Invasive Surgeries
Oral Medicine
Physical Therapy
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Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement
As part of a new medical treatment under clinical investigation, people with cervical disc disease or injury are being treated with cervical artificial disc replacement where a damaged natural disc is replaced with an artificial implant.
Spine Team Texas was the first center in the world to participate in this clinical trial to evaluate whether the cervical artificial disc will alleviate pain and symptoms, restore mobility and improve function for patients with degenerative disc disease or traumatic injury to the cervical area of the spine. Recently, the FDA approved the first artificial cervical disc in the U.S., a study which Spine Team Texas physicians were also involved in.
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Cervical Discectomy
One of the most common surgical procedures to treat neck pain, a cervical discectomy involves the removal of a damaged or ruptured disc located in the cervical vertebrae. Once the offending disc has been removed, the surgeon may use a bone graft to restore the now empty space between the vertebrae to promote stability. Not only does this procedure provide relief from pain and pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, but the bone graft will help fuse the vertebrae together, offering long-term support.
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Injection Therapy
Spine Team Texas uses fluoroscopic guidance to perform all injection therapy treatments. In addition, all patients are given the option to undergo sedation if allowable. As steroid injections may only be performed three times a year, this type of procedure is typically recommended in conjunction with a broader treatment plan such as physical therapy.
Epidural Steroid Injection: This injection delivers a steroid medication, a strong anti-inflammatory, directly to the epidural space outside of the nerve, to reduce inflammation and thereby reduce the symptoms of pain. This type of injection is most effective to relieve arm and leg pain.
Facet Joint Injection: Typically for pain in the back of the neck or back, facet joint injections deliver steroid medication directly to the joint to relive inflammation and reduce pain. Depending on individual results from this procedure, a patient may be a candidate for a treatment option called Radio-Frequency Ablation, using a needle to 'burn' the nerves which supply sensation to the joint.
Sacroiliac Joint Injection: This type of injection is very similar to the facet joint injection but is performed on the sacroiliac, the joint between the pelvis and sacrum.
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Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is traditionally performed on more senior patients who have suffered from compression fractures typically associated with osteoporosis. Two small incisions are made and a probe is placed into the fractured vertebrae. A balloon is then inserted on each side and inflated to create a space, which is then filled with cement to bind the fracture.
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Minimally Invasive Laminectomy
A laminectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for treating spinal stenosis, a condition in which the spinal canal narrows placing pressure on nerves. The goal of this procedure is to create more room for nerves by removing overgrown bone and/or thickened ligaments through a small, thumbnail incision.
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Minimally Invasive Lumbar Microdiscectomy
When a herniated or ruptured disc in the lower back is placing pressure on nerve roots, a common surgical solution is a lumbar microdiscectomy. During this minimally invasive procedure a surgeon will remove the herniated portion of the disc in question through a small incision in the back, reliving pressure by allowing nerves to return to their normal position.
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Minimally Invasive Anterior Cervical Discectomy
During this procedure the cervical spine is reached through a thumbnail size incision in the front of the neck (anterior means front). Similar to a lumbar discectomy, the goal of this surgery is to relieve pressure on the nerve roots or on the spinal cord by removing a ruptured disc and reduces pain.
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Minimally Invasive Anterior Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
This procedure allows for the removal of the degenerative disc by going through an incision in the patients lower abdomen. A bone graft or other device is then placed into the disc space. Finally, a protein that promotes fusion is inserted inside the device.
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Minimally Invasive Direct Lateral Body Interbody Fusion (DLIF)
This procedure allows for the removal of the degenerative disc by going through an incision in the patients side, avoiding nerves and muscles. A bone graft or other device is then placed into the disc space. Finally, a protein that promotes fusion is inserted inside the device.
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Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
This procedure allows for the removal of the degenerative disc by going through an incision in the patients back. A bone graft or other device is then placed into the disc space. Finally, a protein that promotes fusion is inserted inside the device.
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Minimally Invasive Lumbar Interbody Fusion
A lumbar interbody fusion is typically used to treat an instability associated with spondylolysis or degenerative disc disease. Once the effected disc is removed through a small incision. Spacers are then placed between the vertebrae and injected with BMP, a natural substance which the body uses to create bone. This allows the body to literally grow a new disc, avoiding the necessity to harvest bone from another source. In addition, screws and rods are often placed using minimally invasive techniques, to stabilize the area and assist the fusion process.
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Oral Medicine
Anti-inflammatory: These types of medications help reduce inflammation and therefore promote some support in the healing process when taken in conjunction with an overall treatment plan such as physical therapy.
Nerve Pain Agents: These types of medication are more unique then traditional pain agents as they more directly target nerve pain, such as the burning or tingling a patient might be feeling in their arm or leg. These medications actually help to stabilize the membrane of the nerve, reducing pain.
Narcotics: Used for extreme causes of pain only, these types of pain medications may be used for short-term purposes until other treatment options can take effect.
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Physical Therapy
Because Spine Team Texas focuses on non-surgical and minimally invasive surgical techniques, we provide a team of spine-focused physical therapists trained in McKenzie techniques for spine therapy. Experts in physical therapy, exercise for rehabilitation, and musculoskeletal diagnostics, our physical therapists blend hands-on care with personalized movements and exercises that strengthen the back and improve flexibility.
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