A surgery done to relieve the symptoms caused by pressure and compression on the spinal cord is known as spinal decompression surgery.

TREATMENT TECHNIQUES

• Laminectomy: A small part of the bony arches of the spinal canal is known as the lamina. In this process, the entire lamina is removed.
• Disectomy: This process involves removing a portion of a disk to relieve pressure on the nearby nerve roots.
• Foraminectomy: This procedure is performed to expand the openings for the nerve roots to exit the spinal cord by removing some bone and other tissue. In this process, a large amount of tissue and bones are removed.
• Osteophyte removal: This process involves removing bony growths called bone spurs or osteoporosis.
• Corpectomy: It is a surgery to remove the vertebral body as well as the disc.

LEADS OF SPINAL DECOMPRESSION

• Leg pain.
• Unimproved with physical therapy.
• Weakness or numbness in your leg or foot.
• Difficulty walking or standing that affects the quality of life.

DIAGNOSE

Before the procedure starts, some tests are required:

• CT scan.
• Magnetic resonance imaging.
• Myelogram.

Recent Advances in Spinal Decompression

Minimally invasive spinal surgery:

• Rhizotomy: Cutting of nerve roots as they enter the spinal cord. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made along the lower spine, exposing the sensory nerve roots.
• Kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty: In vertebroplasty, bone cement is injected into fractured vertebrae to stabilize the spine.

Cervical disc replacements

1. Disectomy or decompression: In this process, the herniated disc is removed in conventional dissection.
2. Interbody fusion: Combined fusion technique.
3. Pedicle screw instrumentation: Placement within the thoracic and lumbar spines for the treatment of spinal deformities.

FUTURE BIOMATERIALS FOR SPINAL IMPLANTS

• Bone graft.
• Bone marrow proteins.
• Plastic and polymers.
• Disc regeneration or replacement.
• Titanium.