CHRISTUS Health
At CHRISTUS Health, we provide expert, comprehensive care for patients with spinal issues requiring lumbar procedures.
Our board-certified surgeons are highly experienced in performing a wide range of lumbar surgeries to help alleviate pain, restore mobility, and improve quality of life.
Whether you're suffering from chronic back pain, spinal instability, or degenerative conditions, our team offers advanced surgical techniques and personalized care plans to address your specific needs.
Here’s an overview of the lumbar spine procedures we offer:
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves removing a damaged or degenerative disc from the spine and replacing it with a spacer, which helps restore proper alignment and stability.
This procedure is approached from the front (anterior) of the spine and is often used to treat conditions like disc herniation or degenerative disc disease.
ALIF is particularly beneficial for patients needing a more stable spinal fusion and can reduce back pain while improving mobility.
Lumbar Corpectomy and Fusion is a more extensive procedure typically used for patients with severe spinal conditions, such as spinal tumors, fractures, or infections.
During this surgery, a portion of the vertebrae (corpectomy) is removed, along with any damaged discs, and replaced with a bone graft or implant.
Fusion is then performed to stabilize the spine and promote healing. This procedure aims to relieve pain caused by spinal compression and restore spinal stability.
Lumbar Decompression is designed to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves caused by conditions like spinal stenosis or herniated discs.
This procedure involves removing small portions of bone, ligament, or disc material that are pressing on the nerves.
Decompression surgeries can include procedures such as a laminectomy, foraminotomy, or discectomy, and they are highly effective in reducing leg pain (sciatica) and restoring nerve function.
Lumbar Fusion Procedures involve joining two or more vertebrae together to eliminate movement between them, which can help reduce pain caused by degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or spinal instability.
There are several approaches to lumbar fusion, including anterior, posterior, and lateral, each of which is tailored to the specific needs of the patient.
By stabilizing the spine, lumbar fusion can provide significant relief from chronic pain and improve overall function.
A Lumbar Laminectomy is performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves by removing the lamina, a part of the vertebra that covers the spinal canal.
This procedure is commonly recommended for patients with spinal stenosis, a condition where the spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerves.
By enlarging the spinal canal, lumbar laminectomy helps reduce symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs, allowing patients to regain mobility.
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion is a minimally invasive procedure where the spine is accessed from the side (lateral).
This approach reduces the risk of injury to major back muscles and structures, allowing for quicker recovery and less post-operative pain.
LLIF is commonly used for patients with conditions like degenerative disc disease or scoliosis, and it can help realign the spine, restore disc height, and stabilize the affected vertebrae.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion is another type of spinal fusion procedure where the damaged disc is removed and replaced with a spacer.
This approach is done from the back of the spine and is designed to treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis.
TLIF provides spinal stability, reduces pain, and helps prevent further degeneration of the spine.
Knowing if the pain is muscular or spinal will help your doctor identify the issue so the best treatment can be provided.
