Back Surgery

At Sierra Spine Institute, back surgery has entered a new minimally-invasive era, and most procedures are on an outpatient basis. Board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeon Tyler Smith, MD, and the experienced team offer the most advanced minimally invasive spine surgery procedures in their state-of-the-art practice in Roseville, California. Patients always feel better walking out of the office than they did walking in because the team demystifies the back surgery process and empowers patients to make the right choices for their lives. To learn more, call the office or book your consultation with the caring team online today.

When do I need to consider back surgery?

Sierra Spine Institute strongly supports patient education and empowerment. The team provides detailed information about all your treatment options, from nonsurgical measures like physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to back surgery. 

They generally encourage patients to try nonsurgical methods before opting for back surgery. However, there are some situations in which nonsurgical approaches aren’t successful or don’t provide the permanent results you need. 

So, if you’re suffering and seeking a long-term method of back pain relief, back surgery could be the best way to resolve the underlying issue and get you back to your life. 

What is fusion back surgery?

Fusion surgery involves removing a damaged disc and replacing it with a metal spacer, which is typically packed with bone graft material. Then, the spacer is secured using a plate or screws. The vertebrae grow together in time, eliminating movement and pain in that area.

Fusion approaches include the front of the body (anterior lumbar interbody fusion), the back of the body (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and posterior lumbar fusion), or the side of the body (lateral lumbar interbody fusion). Dr Smith has a particular interest in lateral lumbar interbody fusion, having developed innovative approaches and techniques in this field.

Lumbar fusion typically treats nerve compression due to progressive disc degeneration, slipped vertebrae, and spinal disorders like scoliosis or kyphosis. 

Another type of fusion, sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion, involves the same fusion process, but it treats the sacroiliac joints that join the pelvis and lower part of the spine. The procedure stabilizes these important joints and eases pain.

What kind of back surgery removes bone spurs?

Lumbar laminectomy removes the back part of a vertebra that covers your spinal canal. This widens the space and eases the pressure bone spurs or other growths cause on your spinal cord or nerve roots.

Does microdiscectomy back surgery remove the whole disc?

Microdiscectomy involves removing part of a herniated disc. Removing the herniated portion of the disc relieves the pressure on the nearby nerve root and eases pain. 

What kind of back surgery treats vertebral fractures?

Kyphoplasty treats vertebral fractures, which commonly occur due to osteoporosis or spinal trauma. It involves positioning a deflated balloon in the middle of the fracture, filling it with air until it’s at the normal height, and injecting an acrylic cement. The procedure restores normal vertebra function and eases pain. 

To learn more about back surgery options, call Sierra Spine Institute or click the online scheduler now.