Minimally invasive procedures for spine surgery in Fort Worth, TX

Atlas Spine Institute treats spine pain conservatively, but in some cases, surgery may be the only way to relieve pain and help patients regain a comfortable lifestyle.

Spinal stenosis diagnosis

Many patients with spinal stenosis may not experience any symptoms, while others may feel pain in the neck, arms or back. The types of stenosis can vary based on the location of the condition. The most common are:

Cervical stenosis

Cervical spinal stenosis is caused by a narrowing of the neck’s spinal canal, which can squeeze and compress nerve roots or the canal itself. This can change how the spinal cord functions. It has nerves that allow us to feel, move and control the bowel and bladder.

Symptoms of cervical stenosis include:

  • Pain in numbness in the hands and/or arms
  • Weakness in the arms and/or difficulty using hands

The most common causes of cervical stenosis include:

  • Arthritic changes in the neck
  • Bone spurs pushing on the nerves and spinal cord
  • Large disc herniations

Lumbar spinal stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when nerves in the lower back are compressed, leading to leg pain and other symptoms, including:

  • A cramping sensation in the back, buttocks or legs when walking or standing
  • Decreased walking or a tired, heavy feeling in the legs

Causes of lumbar spinal stenosis include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Gradual wear and tear on joints
  • Narrowing of the spinal canal
  • Spine injuries
  • Spinal tumors
  • Bone diseases
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Treatments for spinal stenosis

Options for pain relief include medications, physical therapy or spinal cortisone injections. If patients do not see improvement from these non-invasive measures, surgery is an option.

Types of spinal stenosis surgery

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion

This procedure is done from the front of the abdomen. Disc material causing nerve compression is removed and a bone spacer, filled with bone graft, is placed at the disc site. The vertebrae above and below are put under compression to aid fusion.

Cervical laminectomy

Surgeons remove portions of the bony pieces and gray matter, or lamina, that protrude from the spine to decrease pressure on the spinal cord. Relieving this pressure often relieves pain.

Decompression and posterolateral fusion

This fusion involves the insertion of screws and rods to increase spinal stability.

Lumbar decompression

This procedure involves the removal of all or some of the lamina, or gray matter, that can place pressure on the spinal cord.

Posterior transforaminal interbody fusion

Similar to anterior lumbar interbody fusion, this procedure is done from the back of a patient.