Reasons
In case of spinal column deformities caused by various reasons:
- scoliosis ,
- consequences of injuries,
- degenerative diseases of the spine,
the normal anatomy of the spinal canal is disrupted.
As a result, the nerve structures located in it – the spinal cord and its roots – suffer, which, in turn, leads to neurological deficits in the form of:
- movement disorders,
- sensitivity,
- pelvic organ functions, etc.
Goal
Various spinal deformities, which often involve multilevel stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal, as well as spinal instability, require special reconstructive decompressive and stabilizing surgeries .
These operations eliminate:
- curvature of the spine,
- its instability,
- the spinal canal expands.
Microdecompression
In most cases, a microdecompression operation is performed , in which only those tissues (bone growths) that directly compress the nerve structures are removed:
- osteophytes,
- yellow bundle,
- intervertebral facet joints and so on.
Implant placement
In some cases, various types of implants ( cages ) are installed between the vertebral bodies (the so-called PLIF technique, with fixation of adjacent vertebrae with titanium screws and beams).
Transpedicular spinal stabilization
During this surgical intervention, screws are inserted into the vertebral bodies through the roots of the brackets using special instruments, which, together with titanium beams, eliminate the pathological deformation of the vertebrae when the system is fully installed.
Certain stages of the operation (inserting screws near the spinal cord) are performed under X-ray control. This minimizes risk and reduces the duration of the operation.
Specially designed minimally invasive systems allow the surgeon to install screws and rods that create a supporting “framework” for the affected parts of the spine through several small (up to 1.5 cm) skin incisions, rather than making a large and deep “half-back” wound for this purpose.
Installation of these systems also does not take place “blindly”, but under dosed X-ray control at any stage of the operation. The undoubted advantages of this technique are its low-traumaticity, cosmetic, reduced blood loss during the operation and reduced its duration. In this case, the patient, as a rule, is lifted to his feet on the day of the operation
