Stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal or the foramen, the opening through which nerve roots pass. Stenosis can develop in any area of the spine.
Degenerative changes in the spine, a collapsed disc, bone spurs, or cysts can cause the spinal canal to narrow. This narrowing places pressure on the nerve roots and/or spinal cord, often resulting in pain.
Cervical
Lumbar
Cervical
Lumbar
Non Operative Treatment
Medications, physical therapy or spinal cortisone injections are indicated for pain relief. Surgery can be considered for those who do not improve.
Cervical Laminectomy
Spinous process and lamina are removed to decrease pressure on spinal cord. Instrumentation can be used to ensure stability.
Lumbar Decompression
This procedure involves removing all or portions of the lamina, removing bone spurs and/or enlarging foramen to relieve pressure or compression on the nerve roots or spinal cord. This pressure often is the cause of the pain.
Decompression & Posterolateral Fusion
Often times, in addition to a decompression, your surgeon will
perform an instrumented posterolateral fusion by inserting a
series of screws and rods coupled with the placement of a bone
graft. This fusion provides increased spinal stability.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
The surgical approach is from the front of the abdomen. Once
the exposure is made, surgical instruments are used to remove the
disc material causing the nerve compression. Once this material
is removed, an interbody cage or bone spacer is placed at the disc
site filled with bone graft. The vertebral bodies above and below
are frequently put under compression to aid in the subsequent
spinal fusion.
Posterior Transforaminal Interbody Fusion
The same procedure as the ALIF but the approach and exposure
are performed from the back. Just as in an ALIF, the disc material
is removed and an interbody device is inserted. Compression
through the use of pedicle screws is frequently achieved to aid
in fusion.
For more information on Stenosis, visit UnderstandSpineSurgery.com.