Lumbar Spine Surgery at Atlas Spine Institute

At Atlas Spine Institute, our philosophy is to prioritize nonoperative care whenever possible. We believe that many lumbar spine conditions can be successfully managed with physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications. However, when surgery is indicated, we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your anatomy, symptoms, and goals—always with a focus on minimally invasive techniques and optimal recovery.

Below are the surgical options we offer for lumbar spine conditions:

Lumbar Microdiscectomy

This minimally invasive procedure is designed to relieve leg pain caused by a herniated disc pressing on a nerve root. It involves:

  • A small incision in the lower back
  • Removal of the herniated disc material compressing the nerve

Goal: Alleviate sciatica and restore nerve function with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.

Lumbar Laminectomy

This motion-preserving procedure creates more space within the spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. It involves:

  • Removal of bone and ligament tissue from the back of the spine
  • Preservation of spinal motion and flexibility

Goal: Improve walking ability and reduce leg pain, numbness, or weakness caused by spinal stenosis.

Lumbar Non-Instrumented Fusion

This fusion technique is typically performed alongside a laminectomy or microdiscectomy. It involves:

  • Allowing the spine to fuse naturally over time
  • No hardware (such as screws or rods) is used

Goal: Stabilize the spine with a less invasive approach, ideal for select patients with minimal instability.

Lumbar Posterior Spinal Instrumented Fusion

This procedure provides structural support to the spine using surgical hardware. It includes:

  • Placement of screws, rods, and cages to stabilize the affected area
  • Fusion of vertebrae to prevent abnormal movement

Goal: Correct spinal instability and relieve nerve compression while restoring alignment.

Lumbar Lateral Interbody Fusion

This approach accesses the spine from the side of the body, allowing for:

  • Removal of the damaged disc
  • Placement of a spacer or cage to promote fusion between vertebrae

Goal: Minimize muscle disruption and support spinal stability with a lateral approach.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)

This technique accesses the spine from the front of the body, typically through the abdomen. It involves:

  • Removal of the damaged disc
  • Placement of a spacer or cage to restore disc height and promote fusion

Goal: Achieve strong spinal support while avoiding disruption to back muscles.

What to Expect

Every patient at Atlas Spine Institute receives a comprehensive evaluation and a customized care plan. Whether you're dealing with disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or instability, our team is here to guide you through your options and help you make informed decisions.