Procedures
Below is a description of the different types of procedures that we provide.
In addition, Dr. Stevens also handles workplace related injuries and performs Independent Medical Evaluations.
Microdiscectomy
This procedure is performed in the thoracic (chest spine) or lumbar spine (lower back). A variation of this surgery can be performed in the cervical spine (neck) to remove a herniated disc fragment which is compressing the spinal cord or spinal nerves. Your surgeon accesses these areas from a posterior (back) approach to the spine. These are typically performed as outpatient procedures for the lumbar spine.
Laminectomy or Laminotomy
Performed by removing the posterior (back) of the vertebrae. This is done to treat spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal.
Cementation
Cementation involves placing bone cement into the body of the vertebrae to treat compression fractures. This helps control pain, prevents future fractures, and stabilizes the fractured bone. These are usually done as outpatient procedures. Your doctor may call this procedure vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty©.
Cervical Fusion / Thoracic Fusion / Lumbar Fusion
This involves surgery for removal of the disc or vertebral body, placement of a graft in area of the removal as well as placement of anchoring screws across the vertebrae being fused. These procedures can be performed anteriorly (front of bone), posteriorly (back of bone) and side of the vertebrae. They can be used to treat various conditions which include, however, are not limited to degenerative disc disease, spinal instability from degenerative disease or fractures, scoliosis, infections and tumors. Hospitalizations from surgeries such as these can be a few days to a week. Your doctor will work with therapists and ancillary hospital staff to decide if inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation services are needed following surgery.
More information can be found on the following websites.
Disc Replacement
Typically performed in the neck (cervical spine) or low back (lumbar spine. Dr. Stevens received additional training in the placement of these artificial discs also called disc arthoplasty. They are used to treat disc herniations or degenerative disc disease. The disc is accessed using a front of neck or abdominal incision. Your surgeon will remove the disc and replace it with a prosthetic device. This procedure differs from a fusion in that it preserves the natural spinal mobility. Your hospitalization will be 1-3 days typically and the longer stays are reserved for the lumbar operations.
More information can be found on the following websites.
Carpal Tunnel Release
This involves an incision in the wrist region to open a ligament compressing the median nerve. Your surgeon will typically have you wear a brace or splint for a few days. Some physical therapy may be needed. This is customarily an outpatient procedure.