Spinal Fusions: Necessary Treatment?
Two decades ago lumbar spinal fusions were relatively rare. Most surgeries of the lumbar spine involved a decompressive laminectomy (removal of bone) without a fusion. But, over that time span, the rate of spinal fusions in the USA has increased at an alarming rate: a fifteen-fold increase between 2002 and 2007 alone. Now, almost half of all lumbar spine surgeries […]
Spinal Fusion for Spinal Stenosis: A Good Idea?
Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal, is a common condition. It is usually associated with degenerative changes of the spine. Degenerative changes of the spine may result in bulging discs, enlarged ligaments and joints, and bony spurs that may cause compression or inflammation of the nerves leaving the lumbar spine to the legs. This results in pain in […]