Spinal Decompression

What is a Spinal Decompression procedure?

A Spinal Decompression Procedure is an specialist back operation that is carried out in order to make more space for the special spine nerve fibres and their blood supply that provide feeling to the legs.

Why is a Spinal Decompression procedure performed?

A Spinal Decompression Procedure is usually performed as a result of a degenerative ageing process of the spine. This ageing process causes the disc of cartilage, which normally bonds and cushion two Vertebrae together, to collapse. This collapse lessens the available space that normally exists between two vertebrae and as this shrinking process becomes more severe, trap the spinal nerves and their blood supply that supply the leg. This debilitating condition causes severe pain and loss of mobility.

If this condition is left untreated for a significant length of time then the resulting nerve damage can become permanent and irreversible 

How is a Spinal Decompression procedure carried out?

A Spinal Decompression Procedure can be performed under General Anaesthetic (you will be asleep) or Spinal/Epidural Anaesthetic (you will be awake, but sedated). The procedure usually takes around one to two hours to complete, dependant on the complexity and severity of the condition.

A decompression operation is performed with a patient positioned on their front throughout the procedure, whereby an incision is made over the affected area of the spine in order for the surgeon to expose and examine the deteriorating disc space. The aim of the surgeon is to then create an environment in which any compressed nerves can recover. This objective is achieved by the surgeon clearing away as much unnecessary bone, deteriorated disc and damaged ligament as necessary to make optimum space between the problematic Vertebrae for the nerves to thrive. Following on the wound is closed with stitches (sutures) and covered with an absorbent dressing.        

What is the recovery like?

Once a patient is fully recovered from the effects of anaesthetic they are normally quickly encouraged to be as active and mobile as possible to avoid complications such as Deep Vein Thrombosis or joint stiffness from developing. It is normal for patients to be encouraged to take a few steps with the support and guidance of a physiotherapist the day after surgery. Following a progressive improvement of mobility and pain control patients are normally discharged home around 5-7 days following surgery. By the time the required level of recovery is achieved for discharge, patients are normally wearing a simple wound dressing, eating and drinking normally, walking confidently and unaided and taking only mild analgesia (pain killers).

Over the next 6 weeks patients will be expected to work on improving their own mobility through dedicated and progressive physiotherapy and by increasing their daily activity and walking distances.

Your Consultant Surgeon will assess your mobility, spine flexibility and pain control after 6 weeks and then again after three months to evaluate how successful your decompression operation has been. Patients who are in employment should not resume work until after their first consultation and dependant on the physical nature of their job may be advised to take longer off work.

Patients should expect a continuous and full physical recovery to take between 6 - 12 months to achieve.

Are there any risks associated with Spinal Decompression surgery?

Although Spinal Decompression surgery is regularly performed without any complications, it is very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking this type of specialist complex surgery.
 
All surgery, no mater how expertly or carefully it is performed, carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation to discuss your condition in relation to these risks cannot be over emphasised.

How do I find out if I am a suitable candidate for Spinal Decompression surgery?

Surgical Advisor will be delighted to help you find a leading expert in Spinal surgery to consult with. Your surgeon will carry out a thorough evaluation of your condition and provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the most appropriate surgical solution.
 
Our Expert Consultant Orthopaedic and Neuro Surgeons are most carefully selected and recommended because they understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating complex spinal surgery and because of their specialist spinal surgery expertise. Throughout your consultation you will therefore be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any recommended treatment.

To ensure that patients are comfortable with any recommendations or advice given in their consultation, all patients are asked to go away after a consultation and think through all the information they have received. If for whatever reason you are still not sure about the best course of action and wish to have further dialogue with your surgeon, you will not be expected to pay for a second consultation appointment.

How do I make a consultation appointment?

For further advice on how to make an appointment to consult with an expert spinal surgeon: 

Please call Surgical Advisor on: 0870 41 41 41 2
Or email us by clicking on: advice@surgicaladvisor.com