Spine Surgery: Types, Recovery Time & Cost

Spine Surgery: Types, Recovery Time & Cost

Having spine-related issues can be serious, as it can lead to chronic back pain and neck pain. It is crucial to have medical attention on time to reduce the severe discomfort caused by spinal issues. Spine surgery is one of the best medical procedures that can help with the treatment of spinal-related issues and relieve the pain and damage caused by this condition. This surgical procedure is performed to correct problems caused in the spine that don’t respond to non-surgical treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or injections.

Understanding Spine Surgery

Spine surgery is an effective medical procedure that can address various conditions that affect the spine, including herniated discs, spinal deformities, and spinal stenosis. This procedure can also be used in the treatment of tumors, infections, and spinal trauma. The purpose of this surgical treatment is to restore the functioning of the spine and reduce pain, resulting in improved quality of life for patients.

Conditions Treated by Spine Surgery

Spine surgery is an effective surgical procedure that can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions that affect the spinal column, such as trauma, tumors, and degenerative diseases. Different conditions treated by spine surgery include:

• Herniated discs occur when the center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the outer layer, which irritates and compresses nearby nerves. This condition can lead to weakness, pain, and discomfort in the back and neck. Many factors can lead to this condition, including age-related degeneration, genetics, and injury.
• Spinal stenosis is a condition caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal that leads to pain and weakness. This condition can lead to pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. The most common stenosis symptoms are back or neck pain, numbness, and weakness. Causes of stenosis include age-related wear and tear and osteoarthritis. Spine surgery can help relieve the pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
• Degenerative disc disease occurs due to aging and wear and tear that can result in back and neck pain, which can radiate to the arms and legs. The treatment focuses on managing pain with conservative methods, but in some cases, surgery is a necessary option.
• Spinal fractures can occur due to trauma or osteoporosis, which can result in mild back pain and severe issues such as paralysis. Spinal fractures or breaks in the vertebrae can lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness.  The common symptom of this condition is back pain that is localized to the fracture site and can worsen the movement.
• Abnormal spine curvatures cause scoliosis or kyphosis. This condition can have different causes, including congenital disabilities, idiopathic conditions, and neuromuscular conditions.
• Spinal tumors or infections can grow in or around the spinal cord, which can be cancerous or non-cancerous. These tumors can be primary and secondary. The tumor primarily originates in the spine and can spread elsewhere in the body. The treatment for this condition may include surgery or other strategies.

Different Types of Spine Surgery

Spine Surgery holds various procedures to address different spinal conditions, from decompression to stabilization. These types of spine surgery are considered best to relieve the severe pain and discomfort that is caused due to spinal issues. Common types of spine surgery include laminectomy, spine fusion, artificial disc replacement, discectomy, vertebroplasty, and kyphoplasty. These different surgeries are performed using minimally invasive or open surgical techniques. Brief details for the different types of spine surgery:

Laminectomy

A laminectomy is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon removes vertebral bone (lamina) to reduce the pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. This procedure is used to treat different conditions, such as herniated discs, the spinal cord, and bone spurs.  These conditions can lead to pain, discomfort, and weakness. In such cases, laminectomy surgery is an effective way that is performed to reduce pain by enlarging the spinal canal and reducing nerve pressure. With this surgery, the surgeon helps patients by reducing pain and improving mobility.

Types of Laminectomy:

Laminectomy, a surgical procedure, has types that are performed in different conditions. These types are lumbar laminectomy, cervical laminectomy, and laminotomy.

• Lumbar Laminectomy is a surgical procedure performed on the lumbar spine (lower back).
• Cervical Laminectomy is a type of laminectomy that is performed on the cervical spine (neck).
• Laminotomy is a procedure that involves the removal of a smaller portion of the lamina.

Spine Fusion

Spine Fusion surgery is a procedure in which two or more vertebrae in the spine are joined permanently to prevent movement between them. This surgery is used to stabilize the spine and reduce pain caused due to the conditions. In this surgery, the bone graft material is placed between the vertebrae, which allows the vertebrae to fuse into a single solid one. When conservative treatments, such as medications and physical therapy, don’t offer effective results for the conditions, then spine fusion surgery is considered.

Artificial disc replacement

Artificial disc replacement is a surgery in which the damaged or degenerated intervertebral disc is replaced with an artificial one. It is an alternative to spinal fusion and offers relief from pain and faster recovery.

Types of Artificial Disc Replacement:

There are two types of artificial disc replacement surgery: lumbar and cervical disc replacement.

• Lumbar Disc Replacement is a common surgery in which the damaged disc is replaced in the lower back.
• Cervical Disc Replacement: This surgical procedure replaces the damaged disc in the neck area.

Discectomy

This surgical procedure removes a portion of an intervertebral disc, often a herniated disc, to reduce the pressure on spinal nerves or cords. The surgical procedure helps in the reduction of the pain, numbness, or weakness caused by a herniated disc.

Types of Discectomy:

There are different types of discectomy available for the treatment of spine-related issues, including;

• Open Discectomy
• Minimally Invasive Discectomy (Microdiscectomy)
• Endoscopic Discectomy:

What is the recovery time after the spine surgery?

Recovery time from spine surgery is a slow process that can take weeks to months, and full recovery can take 6 months or a year. The recovery time depends upon the type of surgery and the individual’s overall health. It may take more time to return to work or regular activities.

General time phase for recovery

Recovery Time by Type of Spine Surgery

What are the factors that can affect recovery time?

Several factors can contribute to affecting the recovery time after spine surgery. These factors are:

• If you do not follow the post-surgery instructions, your recovery times after surgery can be affected.
• Smoking after surgery can lead to slow healing.
• Weight or chronic conditions such as diabetes can contribute to slow healing after the surgery.
• Surgeries like discectomy have a faster recovery time in comparison to other surgical procedures, such as spinal fusion.
• Health is also important in affecting recovery after surgery, as healthier and younger individuals have faster recovery times than the unhealthier ones.

Here are some tips for faster recovery after surgery:

• Follow the instructions for post-surgery carefully for faster recovery times.
• Don’t start walking faster; start with gentle walking.
• Avoid lifting heavy substances.
• Eat a balanced protein, calcium, and vitamin diet for faster recovery.

What is the average cost of Spine Surgery?

The average cost of spine surgeries without insurance:

• Spinal Fusion: $80,000 to $150,000+.
• Laminectomy: $50,000 to $90,000.
• Microdiscectomy: $20,000 to $50,000.
• Artificial Disc Replacement: $30,000, ranging from $20,000 to $70,000.
• Discseel Procedure: $15,000 to $20,000.

The average cost of spine surgeries with insurance:

• The insurance plan influences out-of-pocket costs.
• Factors like deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance will determine your actual expenses.
• Reviewing your policy details or contacting your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage is important.

Frequently Asked Questions for Spine Surgery:

Question. When is the discectomy considered?

Answer. A discectomy is a surgical procedure that is considered when conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and medication, fail to offer effective results for the discomfort, pain, and weakness caused by a herniated disc.

Question. Which surgeon should I consider for my spine surgery?

Answer. For your spine surgery, you should consider a highly skilled surgeon with experience performing spine surgeries with accuracy. Dr. Evan Trapana, based in Miami, is considered one of the best spine surgeons with experience performing 2000+ spine surgeries. You can consider Dr. Evan Trapana for spine surgery, who can offer the possible outcomes.

Question. What are the risk factors of discectomy?

Answer. There can be the chances of risk factors of discectomy, including:

• During surgery, there can be a risk of nerve damage.
• The infection can occur at the surgical site.
• There can be discomfort and post-operative pain in this surgical procedure.
• Chances of dural tear.

Question. What are the factors that can influence the cost of spine surgery?

Answer. Some factors that can influence the cost of spine surgery are the type of surgeon, surgeon’s fees, hospital fees, post-operative care, and facility fees.