Microsurgery of the spinal column

When dealing with pathologies of the spinal column, it is important to differentiate between mechanical-degenerative pathologies and those which present with pain and limited vertebral function.
The mechanical-degenerative pathology, ‘back pain’, includes many pathological conditions: spondylosis, inter-apophyseal arthrosis, herniated discs, degenerative spondylolisthesis or isthmic-lysis spondylolisthesis, stenosis of the spinal column, degenerative segmental micro-instability and progressive degenerative scoliosis.

These are the most common pathologies of the spinal column. However, it is essential to point out that a causal link between one or more of these disorders and a particular patient’s clinical condition must not be taken for granted. There must always be a clear correlation between the clinical condition and the results of diagnostic imaging.

All spinal column pathologies require diagnostic-therapeutic consideration, including a future projection, in order to guarantee the best quality of life possible for the patient.

Christina Capuano Microchirurgia colonna vertebrale Como

Surgical team:

Dr. Christian Capuano – Dr. Francesco Carnini

Types of operations

Minimally invasive surgery

For pathologies requiring surgery, it is indispensable to also propose minimally invasive surgery such as spinal endoscopy, percutaneous surgery, nucleolysis, etc., and is equally important to suggest spinal surgery without anaesthesia, which reduces anaesthetic stress and post-operative recovery time for young people and especially for the elderly.

Surgery with spinal anaesthesia

Discectomy with microsurgery or endoscopy, osteo-ligament/spinal decompression, foraminotomy.
Two hours after the surgical procedure the patient is able to move without the use of a CAMP support brace or belt.

Surgery under general anaesthesia with minimally invasive technique

Arthrodesis + osteosynthesis by:

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion PLIF
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion TLIF
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion XLIF
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion ALIF with percutaneous posterior approach
Oblique Interbody Fusion OLIF

Other surgical procedures using the percutaneous technique:

Vertebroplasty
Kyphoplasty

Prevention

When generalised back pain is present, prevention is extremely important. The patient is expected to be an active participant throughout the clinical exam process and in the choice of adequate therapy, depending upon the many factors contributing to the origin of back pain. All treatments are performed in the exclusive interest of the patient, who must be kept informed during all phases of therapy.