Get Your Personalised Treatment Plan in Just 24 Hours.

Share your details to receive a personalised treatment plan, estimated costs, hospital recommendations, and expert guidance, “completely free.”

Your information is protected with HIPAA-compliant security standards. We only share your details with hospitals after your consent.

A surgical technique called spinal decompression and fixation is used to support the spine and relieve pressure on the spinal nerves. Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, fractures, and spondylolisthesis are among the disorders for which it is commonly performed. To stabilise the spine and stop additional movement and pain, a piece of the bone or disc material is removed, compressing the nerves (decompression). This is followed by the use of screws, rods, plates, or bone grafts (fixation).

From the cervical region of the neck to the lumbar region of the lower back, spinal decompression can be carried out anywhere on the spine.

A surgical incision is made in the posterior region of the back to perform the treatment. The bone that forms the rear of the spinal canal and serves as a roof over the spinal cord is called the lamina. Bone spurs can be removed and more space for nerves is created by removing the lamina and other soft tissues. Depending on the degree of stenosis, one vertebra (single-level) or more (multi-level) may be affected.

Surgery known as spinal decompression and fixation is done to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves brought on by traumatic injuries, spinal stenosis, ruptured discs, or spondylolisthesis. By eliminating the cause of compression and strengthening the spinal structure with implants such as screws, rods, or cages, the operation seeks to lessen pain, restore mobility, and stable the spine. When conservative measures like medicine or physical therapy don't work, it's frequently advised.

If you have chronic neck or back discomfort, tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, or trouble walking, you should see a neurosurgeon or orthopaedic spine surgeon. With Medigence's assistance, you can consult with board-certified spine doctors for a precise diagnosis and individualised treatment planning.

A thorough medical evaluation, including imaging tests like MRIS, CT scans, or X-rays, is performed before spinal decompression and fixation. Tell your doctor about medical issues, prescription medications, or dietary supplements. Fasting and making arrangements for home help and transportation following surgery will be part of the pre-operative instructions.

Imaging and Planning: The surgeon can use precise imaging to identify the afflicted area and design the decompression and fixation technique.
Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is used during the procedure.
Decompression: The surgeon removes the soft tissue or bone compressing the spinal cord or nerves.
Fixation: To support the spine and encourage vertebral fusion, titanium screws, rods, plates, or cages are utilised.
Closure of the Wound: A sterile dressing is applied, and the incision is sealed with staples or sutures.
Post-operative Imaging: X-rays or CT scans may be performed to verify the hardware's positioning.

A hospital stay is necessary for pain management, wound care, and mobility support during the initial stages of recovery. Early physical treatment starts to improve flexibility and strength. Patients are encouraged to refrain from bending, twisting, and lifting during the healing phase. Depending on the nature of the surgery, recovery might take a few weeks to many months.

Infection at the surgery site
Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
Hardware failure or malfunction
Spinal fluid leak
Nerve damage that results in weakness or numbness
Recurrent or chronic pain
Pseudoarthrosis, or nonunion or partial bone fusion

Chronic pain, numbness, and weakness brought on by nerve compression can be considerably lessened with spinal decompression and fixation. It enhances mobility and quality of life by stabilising unstable spinal segments. After recovering, it enables many patients to resume regular activities and stops further brain damage.

With the majority of patients reporting substantial pain alleviation and functional improvement, spinal decompression and fixation surgery have a high success rate. Eighty per cent to 90% of cases are successful, particularly when carried out by skilled surgeons. Participating in therapy and adhering to post-operative instructions promote long-term success.