Michael R. Wheeler, MD

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion or ACDF is a surgical procedure used to take the pressure off affected nerves by removing the herniated or degenerated disc of the cervical spine. During this procedure, an incision is made in the front of the neck to remove the disc. Depending on the number of problematic discs, one or more discs may be removed. Once the disc(s) is removed, a cage filled with bone graft is inserted into the space to fuse the bones above and below. A small metal plate is usually placed to hold everything in position.

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a surgical procedure to relieve pain in the lower back and legs. The procedure involves fusing adjacent vertebrae in the lower back. This helps to stabilize the spine and relieves pressure on the nerves.

Cervical disc replacement is a surgical procedure used to take the pressure off affected nerves by removing the herniated or degenerated disc of the cervical spine and replacing the diseased disc with a new artificial disc.

During this procedure, an incision is made in the front of the neck to remove the diseased disc. Depending on the number of problematic discs, one or more discs may be removed. Once the disc(s) is removed, an artificial disc is placed in the space between the vertebrae. This is a motion-preserving procedure and is an alternative to a fusion.

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is a surgical procedure to relieve pain in the lower back and legs. The procedure involves fusing adjacent vertebrae in the lower back. This helps to stabilize the spine and relieves pressure off the nerves.

Lumbar laminectomy is a surgical procedure performed after conservative treatments including medication, injections, or physical therapy have failed. During a lumbar laminectomy, the pressure is taken off the compressed nerves – also known as a “decompression” procedure. A laminectomy may be necessary at only one level, or sometimes at multiple levels, depending on the patient’s symptoms and imaging.

A microdiscectomy relieves the pressure on a spinal nerve root by removing the portion of the disc putting pressure on the nerve, ultimately causing the pain. Minimally invasive microdiscectomy uses a very small incision with a microscope to remove the disc, rather than the traditional ‘open’ surgical technique that requires a larger incision.

Once the patient is asleep, a 3D scan of the spine is performed. The images are then registered into the navigation system. The tools and implants used during surgery have special trackers on them that allow visualization in real time where the implants are in relation to the spine. This ensures safe and proper placement of the hardware into the spine.

Physical therapy is a crucial form of treatment that aims to rehabilitate patients by using a combination of exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles, relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and increase flexibility. The key to a healthy back is a strong core, which is one of the main goals of PT.

Posterior cervical decompression and fusion allows for direct decompression of the spinal cord and nerves that are being compressed by diseased disc, bone, or ligament. By removing the pressure off the cord and/or nerves, the symptoms the patient is experiencing should improve.