Surgical Procedures

Most of our routine surgical procedures will typically take one to two hours to complete. Patients are suitable for discharge home within 24 - 48 hours. Recovery time takes approximately six weeks. As with all surgical procedures, there are risks which will need to be considered prior to proceeding with your surgery. These will be discussed with you at length at your pre-surgery consultation.

Some of out most common surgical therapies are listed below

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF)

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion(ACDF) is a surgical procedure to remove a damaged or herniated disc in the neck. A common cause of cervical (neck) pain is a rupture or herniation of one or more of the cervical discs. This happens when the soft nucleus, or centre, of the disc squeezes out, and as a result causes pressure on the nerve root(s) and/or the spinal cord causing pain in the neck, shoulders, arms and sometimes the hands.

An ACDF is performed by making an incision in the throat region to reach the front of the spine. The damaged or worn disc is removed, and a special graft called a cage is inserted, to fuse the bones above and below the disc space. A titanium plate is then secured over the bones (vertebrae) to secure it. After 3 to 6 months, the bone graft should join the two vertebrae and form one solid piece of bone. The aim of this surgery is to remove pressure on the spinal nerves in the neck region.

Posterior Lumbar Discectomy/Decompression (Microdiscectomy/PLD)

Lumbar Discectomy/Decompression surgery is performed to remove a damaged or herniated disc in the lower spine. This allows the nerve root more space and provides it with a better healing environment. Depending on your particular case, the surgery may be performed through a minimally invasive technique, known as a 'microdiscectomy'. Typically, a microdiscectomy/microdecompression is performed for pain from a herniated disc in the lumbar region. The surgery is best suited for treating leg pain (sciatica) caused by the herniated disc.

Some patients may require a more 'open' technique, requiring a larger skin incision and removal of a small portion of bone (laminectomy) to take the pressure off or 'decompress' the spinal nerve root(s). A lumbar decompression is typically performed for pain from spinal stenosis which may be caused by osteoarthritis/bony overgrowth due to 'wear and tear', (rather than a herniated disc). This portion of bony overgrowth is removed, also to allow more room for the nerve root(s) to pass freely though the spinal canal, thus reducing pain, weakness and/or altered sensation.

The technique which will best suit your needs will be discussed with you at your pre-surgical consultation.

Posterior Lumbar Fusion (PLF)

A Posterior Lumbar Fusion is performed from the back of your spine. During the procedure, metal screws and rods and sometimes a piece of metal called a 'cage' are inserted to permanently fuse segments in the lower part of the spine. These metal elements initially act as a scaffold until bony union of the vertebrae occurs. This usually takes between 9-12 months.

A posterior lumbar fusion may be required for a number of reasons. Damage to or degeneration (wear and tear) of the spinal structures can lead to narrowing of the spinal canals and/or instability of spinal structures, resulting in chronic back pain, limited bowel/bladder sensation or severe pain, limited movement and/or loss of sensation in your lower limbs.

A posterior lumbar fusion is performed to relieve back pain and/or leg pain by fusing your spine at the level where the pain is coming from. It is not a procedure to improve chronic back pain where the cause has not been established.

Other Procedures/Surgical Approaches

There are many other different surgical procedures and surgical approaches which may be utilised to maximise your benefit from your surgery. Each procedure will be tailored to your individual needs. If an alternative surgery/approach is recommended than the information provided here, more information will be provided to you at your pre-surgical consultation.