Lumbar decompression surgery is a type of surgery used to treat compressed nerves in the lower (lumbar) spine.Compression of the nerve roots and narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal can be caused by the intervertebral disc, ligaments and overgrowth of bone (osteophytes). Compression of the nerve roots can lead to pain in the legs (calves) on walking, numbness and weakness in the legs on walking and occasionally bowel and bladder complaints.
The surgery aims to improve symptoms such as persistent pain and numbness in the legs caused by pressure on the nerves in the spine.
Lumbar decompression surgery is often used to treat :
- spinal stenosis –
- a slipped disc and sciatica –
- spinal injuries –
- metastatic spinal cord compression –
- No disturbance to your routine.
- Safe, Economical and result oriented therapy.
narrowing of a section of the spinal column, which puts pressure on the nerves inside
where a damaged spinal disc presses down on an underlying nerve
such as a fracture or the swelling of tissue
where cancer in one part of the body, such as the lungs, spreads into the spine and presses on the spinal cord or nerves
Lumbar spinal fusion
Arthritis and degeneration (wear and tear) of the spine leads to a loss of normal spinal alignment and instability (abnormal movement) both of which may cause back pain and compression of the nerves.
A lumbar spinal fusion involves inserting screws into the vertebrae which are then connected by rods and the placement of bone graft around the vertebrae. The aim of the surgery is to prevent movement between the involved vertebrae and realign the spinal column so as to reduce the pain. The screws are rods are made of either titanium or stainless steel and are well tolerated by the body.
Depending on the symptoms, xray's and scans, the surgeon will decide whether you need a spinal decompression, a spinal fusion or a combination of the two.
What happens during lumbar decompression surgery :
If lumbar decompression surgery is recommended, you'll usually have at least one of the following procedures:
- Laminectomy –
- Discectomy –
- Spinal fusion –
where a section of bone is removed from one of your vertebrae (spinal bones) to relieve pressure on the affected nerve
where a section of a damaged disc is removed to relieve pressure on a nerve
where two or more vertebrae are joined together with a section of bone to stabilise and strengthen the spine
In many cases, a combination of these techniques may be used.
Lumbar decompression is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you'll be unconscious during the procedure and won't feel any pain as it's carried out. The whole operation usually takes at least an hour, but may take much longer, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
