With so many spine procedures available, it is difficult to know which type of spine surgery is best for lumbar spinal stenosis. This is why it’s important for patients to choose an experienced surgeon who can help them understand their options. Here, NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, with multiple locations in New Jersey, explores the differences between dynamic stabilization surgery and lumbar laminectomy, so patients can feel confident about their treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Lumbar stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar spine, or lower back.
- Lumbar stenosis has many potential causes, including thickened ligaments, spinal disc problems, osteoarthritis, bone spurs, and spine deformities.
- Laminectomy removes the back portion of a vertebra to widen the spinal canal. It is best for localized forms of stenosis.
- Dynamic stabilization surgery uses implanted hardware to stabilize the spine without reducing flexibility. It is best for treating minor spine instability.
What Is Lumbar Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. It can create pressure on the spinal cord, limiting its ability to send information. This impingement causes intense pain and neurological symptoms that will not get better unless the stenosis is treated by a spine surgeon.
The spinal cord is a thick bundle of nerves that carries vital information between the brain and the rest of the body. It runs through a tunnel formed by the vertebrae. This tunnel is called the spinal canal and is responsible for protecting and supporting the spinal cord.
To treat stenosis effectively, spine doctors must first identify the cause. There are several conditions that may be responsible for stenosis, including:
- Bone spurs
- Thickened ligaments after a back sprain
- Slipped discs
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
- Spine deformities
- Spondylolisthesis
The surgeon must also locate the stenosis. Spinal stenosis can occur anywhere, but it is most common in the lumbar spine, or the lower back. This is known as lumbar stenosis. It can also be local to a specific area, or it may impact a longer segment or even multiple segments of the spine.
What Is a Laminectomy?
Laminectomy is a surgical procedure to reduce nerve impingement caused by stenosis. The procedure involves removing the lamina, or the back portion of a vertebra, to create additional space around the spinal cord. This effectively eliminates compression at the site of the operation.
Lumbar laminectomy has several benefits. If the stenosis is limited to a small area of the spine, then this procedure can usually treat the condition itself. It may also be performed as a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for a smaller incision and faster recovery. If the patient’s stenosis is widespread, however, then a single laminectomy will not be sufficient. Treating multiple vertebrae in this manner will destabilize the spine, requiring lumbar spinal fusion to restore its integrity.
What Is Dynamic Stabilization Surgery?
Dynamic stabilization surgery (DSS) is a recent alternative to spinal fusion that aims to reduce abnormal movement between vertebrae, but without compromising overall spine mobility. To accomplish this goal, surgeons implant a dynamic stabilization system at the problem area. The system uses hinged screws and rotating heads to preserve flexibility.
For decades, lumbar spinal fusion was considered the gold standard for spine stabilizing. This procedure uses bone grafts and hardware to fuse two vertebrae together. It effectively immobilizes that section of the spine, eliminating nerve impingement at the cost of reduced flexibility.
DSS is an option for some patients whose stenosis is caused by spinal instability, deformities, or a widespread degenerative condition. Patients enjoy reduced pain while maintaining their freedom of movement. It is also as effective as fusion with comparable rates of reoperation.
Which Procedure Is Right for Me?
Ultimately, the best choice of procedure depends on the patient’s health and the cause for their stenosis. In summary:
- Laminectomy: This procedure performs well for localized stenosis, such as a thickened ligament or slipped disc, with only minor instability.
- Dynamic stabilization surgery: This option is superior for general but minor instability caused by spondylolisthesis or degenerative conditions.
- Spinal fusion: For severe instability or deformity, a spinal fusion may be preferred to ensure that the spine is fully stabilized.
A complete medical history, physical examination, and medical imaging are the first steps of treatment planning. This testing phase helps the spine surgeon form a full understanding of the patient’s condition, including its type, location, and severity. NU-Spine also uses all available evidence, including scientific studies, to make the best decision for each patient.
Find Back Pain Relief Near You in New Jersey
When seeking medical treatment for back pain, trust a surgeon with experience to make the right call. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, which provides cutting-edge spinal treatments like laminectomy and dynamic stabilization surgery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our several locations near you in New Jersey.