Our back and spine are very sensitive places, so it’s no wonder they can be thrown into a funk after a car accident. If you suffer a major back injury during a car accident, oftentimes the best course of action is to undergo a surgical procedure. Today, we take a look at four of the more common types of back surgeries after a car accident.
Spinal Fusion
A spinal fusion is a minimally invasive operation where two or more spinal vertebra are fused together. These areas are fused together using a bone graft or spinal hardware. This procedure is typically performed when a passenger is suffering from a herniated or degenerated disc or a spinal fracture after a car accident. Not only does spinal fusion typically lead to better pain management, but it also increases stability to the spine.
Vertebroplasty
A vertebroplasty is a surgical procedure that helps stabilize the spine in the event of a spinal fracture, which can occur in high speed car accidents. Another minimally invasive procedure, a vertebroplasty involves creating a small hole in the person’s back through which specially formulated bone cement is injected. The acrylic bone cement fills the cracks and spaces in the bone and acts as a type of internal cast.
Laminectomy
A laminectomy operation is a surgical procedure that relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerves by removing the lamina – the back portion of the vertebra that covers your spinal canal. The pressure can develop after a car accident, but it is also common in people who have developed arthritis in their spine.
Diskectomy
A diskectomy is a surgical operation designed to remove a portion of a herniated disk in your spine. Herniated disks can be very pain, as they can irritate or compress nearby nerves. Aside from pain, this compression can cause numbness or weakness in your neck, arms and legs. Using a minimally invasive incision and a small camera, your surgeon can take care of your inherited disk without trouble.