What is a Discectomy?
It is a procedure where a herniated disc fragment is removed to take pressure off the Spinal Cord or nerve roots. • What is a Fusion? It is a procedure where two or more vertebrae are united to create a stable, less painful segment. • What is a Vertebroplasty? It is a procedure where a weak fractured vertebra resulting from osteoporosis is injected with a strengthening material to restore strength and relieve pain. • Why do we have to use Spinal Instrumentation (Rods and Screws) when we perform Spinal Fusions? Fusions are more predictable and have significantly better outcomes when instrumented because of the immediate stability provided by these devices. • What is Cage? A cage is a metal, carbon or bone supportive device designed to fit in the disc space and is usually filled with bone to achieve a fusion between 2 vertebrae. • Why do I have to use a brace after a Fusion? A brace is necessary to protect the screws from pulling out during the healing period. The brace is usually needed
