TREATMENTS
POSTERIOR SPINAL FUSION
Posterior lumbar fusion is the surgical repair of two or several lumbar spine bones at the sides of the vertebrae.
Posterior Spinal Fusion
Dr Makan places a bone graft at the sides of the bone instead of between the disc spaces.
Minimally Invasive Fusion
Minimally invasive spinal fusion is a procedure that joins spinal bones together, enhancing stability and relieving pain. Another significant benefit is that less invasive fusion surgery is done through a much smaller incision than open surgery.
Dr Makan pushes apart muscles at the back to view the spine and welds ends of the vertebrae using a graft. He does not trim any muscles, which is why recovery will be much faster than traditional surgery.
Midline Cortical Screws and TLIF
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a surgical technique initiated to perform a spinal fusion. TLIF treats disc disease, spondylolisthesis and pain in the lower back and legs.
TLIF is an effective way of accessing the damaged disc on one side and extracting the facet joint. Also, Dr Makan is careful not to retract too much of the nerve roots and dura, which lowers the risk of nerve damage and scarring.
Dr Makan begins by making an incision across the back over the affected site. Next, he removes the facet joints to reach the spinal disc and dissects the degenerative disc, leaving its wall behind. The disc's wall will later help preserve the bone graft material. Next, he carefully inserts an interbody spacer into the disc area, which will help space out the vertebrae and reduce pressure on the nerve roots. Afterwards, he fills the area with the bone to assist in the fusion of the vertebrae. Finally, he inserts rods and screws to reinforce the vertebrae requiring fusion and coats the sides of the spine with bone graft material. The bone material will grow over the rods and screws and aid in spinal fusion. At last, Dr Makan seals the incision, and surgery is complete.
Percutaneous Pedicle Screws and DLIF
Percutaneous pedicle fixation is surgery done to implant screws and metal rods to stabilise the spine at the time of spinal fusion. Fixation and fusion are combined to treat pain and secure the spine in a fixed position. Direct Lateral Interbody Fusion (DLIF) treats degenerative disc disease and relieves leg and back pain.
Dr Makan creates tiny incisions in the back on either side of the spinal column. Next, he places in screws using x-ray images from the fluoroscopy to locate the affected region. Afterwards, he inserts rods into the slots of the screw heads and locks them into position.
Open Surgery Using Pedicle Screw Fixation
Pedicle screw fixation works with spinal fusion to stabilise and reinforce the spine in its usual position. Medical devices hold the vertebrae together, ensuring the graft remains in place.
FAQ
Minimally invasive surgery is done to treat conditions such as:
- Damage to the spinal discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Scoliosis (curvature of the spine from the side)
You will be eligible for TLIF should you suffer from the following:
- Degenerative spinal discs
- Leg and back pain
- Spinal stenosis
- Impingement
- Pain persists even after decompression surgery
Percutaneous pedicle fixation is a surgical technique implemented during spinal fusion surgery.
Percutaneous pedicle fixation resolves pain due to a spinal infection, a tumour and a congenital disability that affects the shape (curvature) of the spine.