Spine Procedures

Fractures are more common in children due to their activities as well as their bone properties. Fractures in children are unique since children are still growing and their bones have not reached maturity. Children are more prone to certain type of injuries due to their activity and open growth plates. Growth plates are areas of the bone that allow for growth of each bone to its adult size. Presence of growth plates requires specialized care of pediatric fractures by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon to make sure that any treatment does not jeopardize future growth.

Pediatric Orthopedics is a specialty that deals with musculoskeletal conditions in growing children. We provide the full extent of services to help diagnose and treat children with musculoskeletal ailments. Children are not small adults and the conditions that involve the bones and joints in growing children are very different from similar conditions in adults. Treatment of these conditions requires careful diagnosis and planning.

Bracing is a nonsurgical, remedial therapy that uses a medical device called a ‘brace’ to provide support to unstable or misaligned joints or body parts.

Spinal fusion is the surgical technique of combining two or more vertebrae. A fusion of the vertebrae involves the insertion of secondary bone tissue obtained either from an autograft (tissues from your own body) or allograft (tissues from another person) to enhance the bone healing process.

Spondylolisthesis is a condition characterized by the displacement of one vertebra over the other. Excessive displacement may compress the surrounding spinal nerves and cause pain.

Surgery for scoliosis is recommended when the spinal curvature is severe and is either worsening or is a cause of severe pain or difficulty in breathing. The surgery is aimed at rectifying the spinal curvature, stabilizing the spine and preventing it from worsening. The rectification of the curved spine involves the removal of one or more intervertebral discs (disectomy), vertebrae, or spinous processes from the curved segment of the spine.

The spine or backbone provides stability to the upper part of the body. It helps to hold your body upright. It consists of several irregularly-shaped bones called vertebrae appearing in a straight line. The spine has two gentle curves when seen from the side and appears to be straight when viewed from the front.

Lower back pain can be disabling; however, most cases heal with time (2-12 weeks) and with conservative therapy. However, surgery is suggested when symptoms persist and begin to affect your daily activities.

A spinal fracture refers to a break in any of the bones that make up the spine. It can occur due to trauma such as a traffic accident, fall from a significant height or weakening of the bones due to osteoporosis or a tumor. The thoracic or lumbar spine (upper and lower back) are the most common locations for spinal fractures.

The duration of hospitalization depends on the treatment rendered. The period of your rest or inactivity depends on a few factors such as the type of surgical procedure and the approach used to access your hip, the size of the incision and presence of any complications. Return to work or normal activity depends on the type of work or activity you plan to perform.