Surgical Treatments for Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury of any kind is a medical emergency and should be addressed immediately. Many times, the quicker treatment is started, the more successful it will be. In fact, recent research at the Houston Medical Center has produced promising results for spinal cord injuries that are treated shortly after the injury. However, surgical treatment may still be required to rectify certain injuries or conditions even when treatment is administered shortly after the injury.

Spinal Cord Injury Surgical Procedures

Common surgical procedures include discectomy, laminectomy, laminotomy and spinal fusion. A discectomy is performed to remove a herniated disc that is impinging on the spinal cord or the nerves surrounding the spinal cord. A laminectomy is a surgical procedure also used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord by widening the spinal canal.

A laminotomy is a partial removal of the lamina and is also used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. A spinal fusion is often done where a severe spinal cord injury has left a portion of the spine unstable. In these situations a fusion is done to mobilize and eliminate any motion in the affect portion of the spine. However, the surgery will likely limit the range of motion and flexibility.

For all surgical decisions, consult your doctor.

Spinal Cord Lawsuits

If your spinal cord injury is the result of another person’s negligence, we can help. Contact the spinal cord injury attorneys at Bryan K. Harris PC today for a free case evaluation.