Minimally Invasive Techniques: Thoracic Discectomy/Interbody Fusion

Thoracic Discectomy/Interbody Fusion in McKinney TX is a surgery procedure, which involves joining the vertebrae of the thoracic spine. The purpose of performing this McKinney Spine Surgery is to eliminate movement between the vertebrae. 

The thoracic spine is the central part of your spine, which consists of twelve vertebrae. The surgeon performs the procedure by placing a bone graft in between the vertebrae that are causing the pain. As a result, the bone grows and fuses the vertebrae into a solid bone.

Thoracic Discectomy/Interbody Fusion in McKinney TX

Our surgeons at the Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas recommend spinal fusion in a specific condition, which causes persistent back pain. We perform the surgery after all conservative treatment options have been failed. Our surgeons indicate the operation in the following conditions. 

• Vertebral injury or fracture
• Spinal instability caused by infections
• Spinal tumors and spondylolisthesis
• Kyphosis or abnormal spinal curvature
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease 

Our surgeons perform a spinal fusion by approaching the spine and placing the graft between the vertebrae. We can use either an anterior approach or posterior approach depending on your specific condition. 

Thoracic Discectomy/Interbody Fusion involves making an incision from the back. So, it means the surgery process follows the posterior approach to reach the spine and fuse the two vertebrae into a solid bone. 

During the surgery that involves the posterior approach, the surgeon makes a few small incisions in your back while you lie on your stomach. It is essential to know that the surgeon makes incisions in the middle of your back. 

McKinney Spine Surgery – Bone Grafting 

Typically, our surgeons at the Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas fill small pieces of bone grafts into the vertebral space. The purpose of using bone graft material is to promote the fusion of the two vertebrae into a single bone. A bone graft is a useful material used to stimulate the process of healing and enhance the production of bone. 

In some cases, surgeons take a bone graft from the patient’s hip bone. In general, this is known as an autograft. However, some surgeons also get the material from the donor, and this is known as the allograft. 

Most often, surgeons use artificial bone graft materials, such as bone morphogenetic proteins, demineralized bone matrices, and ceramics. The immobilization of the vertebrae enhances the fusion of the two vertebrae due to the bone graft. Sometimes, we use internal fixation with plates, rods, and screws to hold your spine still and make it stable. 

McKinney Spine Surgery – Procedure 

During the surgery procedure, our surgeon will place the patient face down or prone on the operating table and give him general anesthesia. Then, our surgeon will use fluoroscopy to identify the exact area to make a small incision. 

The surgeon will carefully dissect and retract your soft tissues and muscles of your spine. Next, the surgeon will carry out the procedure of laminectomy in the area of concern. It allows the surgeon to reach the disc without disturbing the spinal cord.

So, this way, we achieve the safe and secure resection of the herniated disc. Then, our surgeon connects screws with rods and place the bone graft to promote fusion. By inserting the bone graft, our surgeons prevent the severity of spinal cord function as well as improve back strength and mobility. However, to achieve this, patients must undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation. 

Recovery Period

When it comes to Thoracic Discectomy/Interbody Fusion in McKinney TX, the recovery period varies among patients, and it also depends on the surgery procedure. You may stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after the procedure. Our staff will give you pain medications and will teach you the right way of postures and mobilization while you sit, stand, and walk. 

A minimally invasive surgery has many benefits, such as less blood loss, small incisions, no damage to soft tissues and muscles, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. You can resume your normal activities daily after 3-4 weeks of the rest period. 

During the process of healing, the bone graft will fuse the vertebrae, and they will grow into a single bone. You must follow our surgeon guidelines and instructions to maintain a healthy lifestyle. McKinney Spine Surgery aims to achieve better outcomes. 

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Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas is on the mission to improve patient outcomes by performing minimally invasive procedures. We have qualified and professional surgeons with many years of experience. The minimally invasive surgery, such as Thoracic Discectomy/Interbody Fusion in McKinney TX, has a 98% success rate. Contact us today!