Spondylolisthesis - the slippage or displacement of a vertebra
Disc herniation - where a tear in the outer ring of an intervertebral disc allows the central portion to bulge out
Spinal stenosis - the narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramen resulting in pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots
Spinal deformity - a curvature of the spine such as side-to-side curvature (scoliosis) and front-to-back curvature (kyphosis)
Pathologic fracture - a bone fracture caused by disease (such as osteoporosis) resulting in weakness of the bone structure
Surgical procedures that may be considered for treating spine conditions include:
Fusion - the joining of vertebrae to stop movement between the fused vertebrae and prevent back pain caused by stretching nearby nerves, ligaments, and muscles
Discectomy - the removal of abnormal disc material that presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord
Laminectomy - the removal or trimming of a portion of the vertebral bone to widen the spinal canal and create more space for the spinal nerves and thecal sac
Foraminotomy - a minimally invasive procedure where an incision is made in the back and a small hole is cut into the vertebra to remove impinging bone or disc material
EXPERT advice
Specialist opinions may sometimes be required for ACC, insurance, employment and medico-legal purposes.
Phillip can offer an independent, impartial opinion on a range of orthopaedic and spinal matters.
For more information, please phone 09 523 8050 or email contact@phillipinsull.co.nz