As one of the first in the region to perform cervical disc replacement, Nebraska Spine Hospital has become a leading pioneer for its extensive experience in this minimally invasive surgery. But what does this surgery entail?Â
Prior to surgery at Nebraska Spine Hospital, each patient will have a detailed phone call with one of our nurse navigators. During this call, our nurse navigators will cover a lot of information pertaining to your medical history and upcoming surgery, including how to handle your medications before surgery. In addition, you will also receive a call from our pharmacy to verify your current medications.
Do you have an upcoming spine surgery scheduled? Or has your doctor implied that you may be in need of surgery in the next several years? We’ve compiled a few tips to help our patients prepare for spine surgery. These tips will help prepare you for the best outcome – a life without back pain.
Here at Nebraska Spine Hospital, we like to ensure that our patients are informed and prepared before coming in for their spine surgery. One of the ways we do that is with a pre-surgery phone call from one of our nurse navigators. These phone calls are scheduled in advance and generally last 45-60 minutes. We recommend that patients have a piece of paper available to take notes during this call.
Since many of our patients have never undergone spine surgery, we try to always communicate what to expect before spine surgery. Keep reading to discover what happens before your spine surgery at Nebraska Spine Hospital.
Please note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the following information may not be up-to-date.
ALIF stands for anterior lumbar interbody fusion. The ALIF procedure is one of several different methods of spinal fusion. During spinal fusion surgery, a surgeon fuses two or more vertebrae together using a bone graft. The bone tissue of these vertebrae will continue to grow and permanently lock together. Spinal fusion limits the movement of the spine,
Spine fusion surgery is when a surgeon fuses two or more vertebrae together using a bone graft. The bone tissue will continue to grow and permanently lock the vertebrae together. A spine fusion limits movement of the spine, which may help to relieve back pain. And while the spine may not be as flexible as it was prior to the surgery,
The incision for a bone graft can vary but is generally 1½ – 2 inches long.
The alternatives to using a bone graft from the patient’s hip are to use local bone,
We’ve often found that recovery from spine surgery is the last thing on our patients’ minds, especially any preparations that will have to be made at home. Because of that, we try to bring it to their attention during pre-operative visits by asking questions. We’ll ask about the setup of their home. Is it a one-story or two-story home?
Cervical spine surgery is most often performed to treat spinal instability and/or spinal cord impingement and is reserved for patients whose symptoms are beyond treatment by physical therapy and medication.
The cervical spine is comprised of the seven vertebrae in your neck and their accompanying discs. The spinal discs provide cushion between the vertebrae,