How Safe Is Spine Surgery?

By Author: Sana Afrin
Total Articles: 8
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There are also some circumstances that warranty for a spine surgery. For instance in case of a nerve damage, degenerative disk disease; that is, the development of pain in a disk due to normal wear and tear, spondylosis; which is the general wear and tear that causes the cartilage to breakdown, and serious injuries to the spine like fractured vertebrae.

When back surgery is the only way to treat spinal issues, how safe is it? This is one question that lingers on the minds of many patients with spine problems. Based on The Burton Report released in July of 2004, it was stated categorically that "The world of spinal medicine, unfortunately, is producing patients with failed back surgery syndrome at an alarming rate" (Vol. 12, No. 7, pp.79).Some of the reported problems faced by patients after their spine surgeries include central stenosis (including fusion over growth), lateral spine stenosis and persistent disc herniation.

Naturally, the spine’s position is delicate increasing the risk for mistakes. Minor spine surgeries are usually successful but the more complicated procedures run higher chances of risk. With ...
... the advent of technology, better equipment have been devised to reduce these risks.

Minimally invasive spine surgery or “keyhole” surgery is more often performed to allow for a faster and easier recovery period. During this procedure, the surgeon inserts a thin telescope-like instrument known as endoscope into a much smaller incision. The endoscope is then connected to a camera that is smaller dime which provides a close up view of the spine. This view is then projected onto a TV screen for a clear and sharp view of your spine.

Typically, the incisions made are sutured up quickly to facilitate a faster recovery. Minimally invasive spine surgery is often recommended for patients diagnosed with herniated disks, scoliosis or where a patient requires a spinal fusion caused by degenerative disks.

Many patients are often attracted to the benefits of minimally invasive approach oblivious of other aspects of the surgical plan that should be understood in entirety. Even with minimally invasive spine surgery, there are potential risks. While countless websites produce links to persuasive testimonials of how successful their procedures were, there’s often little mention of long-term follow ups, no relief, risks or fatal results or rates of recurrent symptoms.
Patients should keep in mind that minimally invasive spine surgery is still spine surgery. They should therefore make informed decisions based on the chances of success, rationale behind the proposed back surgery, the risks and the expected rehab course.

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