Patient Information Resources


Spine Institute
Glendale Adventist Medical Center
1500 E. Chevy Chase Drive, Suite 401B
Glendale, CA 91206
Ph: (818) 863-4444






Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic

View Web RX

« Back

I'm thinking about having surgery to replace a bad disc. I know that this kind of spinal surgery can leave me paralyzed. Can't they avoid this with today's modern technology?

Safety is always a key concern whenever spinal surgery is done. Damage to nerves or even the spinal cord is possible. The result can be permanent loss of sensation and/or motor function. Surgeons do everything they can to avoid neurologic problems.

Surgeons doing disc replacements should have a lot of practice with spinal surgery before replacing discs. The anterior approach (from the front) is better than a posterior approach (from the back). Using the anterior approach, the surgeon is less likely to damage the blood vessels, nerves, and spinal cord.

Some surgeons ask for help from a general or vascular surgeon to prevent these kinds of problems. They can also use a special device to monitor for any changes in spinal cord function during the operation. The overall complication rate is very low for this operation.


References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.