Minimally Invasive Deformity Correction
What is Spinal Deformity Correction Surgery?
There are numerous types of spinal deformity. Spinal deformity can be hereditary (inherited), or the result of arthritis, trauma, tumors, or previous surgeries. They can even be idiopathic in nature (no identifiable cause). Fortunately, most often, spinal deformities are, at most, cosmetic issues, that do not affect your long-term health or increase your risk of back pain. Sometimes, however, spinal deformities should be treated.
Conditions we treat
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
A scoliosis is an S-shaped curvature to the spine. In kids and teenagers, large curves, if left unaddressed, can progress as they grow into adults, and may eventually affect one's ability to breathe. In worst case scenarios, very severe curves may affect heart function. Fortunately, in most cases, no surgery is needed.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis is a bending forward of the spine. It can sometimes progress and cause a lot of back pain. This occurs most commonly in the mid-back.
Adult Degenerative Scoliosis
Scoliosis can also be the result of arthritis. This type of scoliosis most often occurs in the low back and in older individuals. Similar to other arthritic conditions of the spine, degenerative lumbar scoliosis can lead to back pain, radiculopathy, and/or neurogenic claudication. In some individuals, degenerative scoliosis can be crippling.
Flat-back deformity
Arthritis and even poorly planned surgeries can lead to a flat-back deformity. In this type of deformity, one loses the normal curvature in the low back. As a result of this, you can feel like you’re leaning forward. In fact, with this type of deformity, the body actually has to work harder keep you standing upright. As a result of this, you may experience a significant amount of low back pain.
Cervical deformity
Arthritis or previous surgeries in the cervical spine can also lead to deformities of the cervical spine. A chin-on-chest deformity is an example of a cervical deformity that results in an inability to look forward.
Whether you have scoliosis, kyphosis, a flat-back deformity, or a cervical deformity, the majority of spinal deformities can be corrected with spinal surgery, if necessary.
Treatments we provide
Lumbar microdiscectomy
A lumbar microdiscectomy involves the removal of the disc herniation and any loose disc material. This is typically performed through a minimally invasive approach with use of a microscope.
Lumbar decompression
In the lumbar spine, a decompression (or un-pinching) of nerves can oftentimes be performed without fusion. This typically involves the removal of bone and/or thickened ligament that are pinching the nerves. It is typically performed from a posterior (from the back) approach.
Lumbar fusion
A lumbar fusion is often performed to treat nerve pinching and low back pain that results from arthritis. During the surgery, the nerves are un-pinched, and the arthritic segments are fused together to prevent painful motion. While this is most commonly performed through a posterior (from the back) approach, this may also be performed through an anterior (from the front) approach, or lateral (from the side) approach. In some cases, a combination of approaches is required to best address the problem.
Extremity-related issues
There are numerous causes of thigh, leg, and foot pain that may in fact may seem related to a pinched nerve in the low back but in fact, are not. Arthritis, tendon issues, and/or nerve issues, in the hip, knee, ankle, or foot may easily be confused for lumbar radiculopathy. Vice versa, a pinched nerve in the lower back can cause pain that may be confused for a thigh, leg, or foot problem. Commonly, you can have both a spine and an extremity-related problem. The body is complex! As an orthopedic spine surgeon, Dr. Chung also has extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of all extremity-related issues as well and will ensure that you’re receiving the right treatment for your problem.
A word from Dr. Chung
While most deformity surgery nowadays is performed through a large open approach, in more recent years, minimally invasive techniques have been developed to correct spinal deformity. Minimally invasive techniques makes surgery safer, and recovery less painful and quicker following surgery.
Dr. Andrew Chung has undergone specialized training in minimally invasive spinal deformity corrective techniques under some of the world's leading experts in minimally invasive spine deformity surgery. If you have a spinal deformity that is affecting your quality of life and are considering surgery as an option, let’s sit down and discuss if you might be a candidate for a minimally invasive spinal deformity correction.
