A microdiscectomy is performed to remove a herniated disc fragment that is causing pressure on a nerve root.  The surgery involves a small incision in the back and removal of a small amount of bone (laminae) and ligamentum flavum to allow mobilisation of the nerves to extract the disc fragment.  You can expect improvement of the leg pain.  I advise all my patients to “take it easy” for the next 6 weeks with walking being the main form of exercise and activity.  No heavy lifting for 3 months, to help reduce the risk of re-herniation.

Decompression surgery is performed to alleviate pressure on nerve roots for the treatment of neurogenic claudication.  The surgery involves an incision in the back and removal of some bone (laminae) and ligamentum flavum to create more space for the nerves.  You can expect improvement of pain in their legs when they walk.  After the surgery you are up an walking with the physiotherapist the next day.  

Lumbar fusion surgery is a major surgical procedure to alleviate pain caused by compression of the nerves and instability of the vertebral segments.  I tailor my approach to each patient and their individual circumstance.  There are multiple ways to perform this surgery, including approaching the spine from the front, side, and the back.  When discussing fusion surgery together in the office we will plan the best approach to maximise success and recovery from the surgery.  

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion or Replacement is a specialised procedure to clear away herniated disc material and maybe some bony overgrowth compressing on nerves and/or the spinal cord causing pain and disability.  The decision to do a fusion or a disc replacement is dependent on multiple factors that I tailor to each patient individually.  I use a microscope through a small incision in the neck to carefully remove the unwanted materials and insert a cage or replacement device.  

In situations where the spinal cord is being compressed across multiple levels, I will perform a decompression from the back of the neck.  I create more space for the spinal cord by carefully removing some bone called the lamina.  Often associated with this I may need to do a fusion or a laminoplasty.  We will discuss the best options during the consultation.  

Scoliosis correction is a major surgery that can be performed in a variety of ways.  The traditional methods through an incision and placement of rods and screws in the back is still the suitable for many patients.  There are circumstances where you or your child may benefit from a surgery that is approached from the front/side.  Furthermore, there are now relatively new techniques, called vertebral tethering, that involve using a different material for the correction that allow for growth modulation and preservation of flexibility.  If you or your child are in the operative category, we will discuss all the available options and tailor our approach to find the best solution.  

The Incision – Keep this clean and dry for 2 weeks.  
 

Showering – we apply a water-proof dressing, and you can shower after 3 days. If the dressing gets soaked underneath change it with the spares provided Blood thinners – these can usually be recommenced within 36h of the surgery.  Be sure to ask me before and after the surgery. 
 

Driving – depending on the surgery this can be between 2-6 weeks.  Surgery that involves the neck with a fusion often takes longer as you need to be safe to turn your head  Physio and Exercise – for most of my surgery I want all my patients moving early.  This is simply in the form of walking.  There are some specific exercises that the physiotherapist will demonstrate to you before you go home.  In certain situations, we may even engage a physiotherapy program prior and after surgery to increase strength and mobility.