Joint and Spine Surgery

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• Knee Replacement

  Knee replacement surgery is really a cartilage replacement. The knee itself is not replaced, only the cartilage on the ends of the bones. Knee replacement implants include a metal alloy on the bottom of the thighbone and polyethylene (plastic) on the top of the tibia and underneath the kneecap. The implant is designed to create a new, smoothly functioning joint that prevents painful bone-on-bone contact. Your surgeon may elect to replace all or part of your knee, depending on your condition and the extent to which your knee is affected. You and your physician will discuss the specifics of your case to create a unique plan of care. Are you a candidate for knee replacement surgery?

• Hip Replacement

  Hip replacement surgery removes the arthritic ball of the upper femur (thighbone), as well as the damaged cartilage from the hip socket. The ball is replaced by a metal or ceramic ball that is solidly fixed to a stem inserted into the femur. The socket is replaced with a metal cup, which is fixed to the acetabulum, or socket. The implants are designed to create a new, smoothly functioning joint that prevents painful bone-on-bone contact.You and your physician will discuss the specifics of your case to create a unique plan of care. Are you a candidate for hip replacement surgery?

• Neck Surgery – Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

  A cervical discectomy and fusion is a surgical procedure performed on the cervical (neck) region of the spine to help relieve pressure on nerves, and perhaps even the spinal cord itself. Over time, wear and tear, arthritis or an injury can damage the structures of the cervical spine resulting in pressure and irritation to nerves and nerve roots. This pressure can cause severe pain, discomfort, and numbness not only to the neck, but down the arms as well. During the operation, a small incision is made, usually in the front of the neck, and the surgeon removes the bony material or disc that is causing the problem. In most cases, the surgeon then fuses or joins together the affected vertebrae using bone graft or bone graft and a metal plate.

• Back Surgery – Disc Replacement

  Disc replacement is the surgical procedure in which a worn or damaged intervertebral disc is replaced by an artificial disc designed to allow continued motion of that part of the spine. The artificial disc is made of two metal components, with or without a plastic spacer in between. The metal plates are attached to the vertebrae that sit above and below the damaged disc. Your spine surgeon, often in conjunction with a vascular surgeon, performs the surgery through an incision made into your abdomen. Lumbar disc replacement is an operation which may be effective in relieving lower back pain due to a worn or damaged intervertebral disc.

• Back Surgery – Kyphoplasty

  Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for people suffering with compression fractures of the spine. The procedure involves the insertion of a balloon into the collapsed vertebra followed by a special material. The material hardens and stabilizes the vertebra, preventing further movement, and may reduce the pain caused by bone rubbing against bone. Patients can resume their activities almost immediately. Previously, the only treatment available to most people with this problem was weeks of bed rest and pain medications.

• Back Surgery – Lumbar Fusion

  The lumbar area of the spine is better known as the lower back. A lumbar fusion is an operation to stabilize the lower back by creating bony bridges between at least two vertebrae and eliminating motion between them. It can be done by fusing the vertebral bodies in front (anterior) or by fusing the facet joints and lamina in the back (posterior). Bone or bone substitutes can be placed on and between the lamina and the facet joints. Metal screws and rods or plates may be attached to the bones to secure the fixation while the bony bridge heals.

• Back Surgery – Lumbar Laminectomy

  The lumbar area of the spine is better known as the lower back. The lamina is a part of each vertebra. A lumbar laminectomy is the surgical removal of the lamina or part of the lamina on one or more of the vertebrae in the lower back. This is usually done to relieve pressure on nerves that may become inflamed from pressure caused by a narrowed spinal canal, bone spurs, or a herniated disc. Once the lamina is removed, the surgeon can then access the spinal canal and remove the source of irritation or pressure.