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Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:33:01 GMT

Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are both minimally invasive surgical procedures that treat osteoporotic fractures. Osteoporosis is a disease affecting more than 28 million Americans. The disease gradually weakens bones and causes them to become brittle, sometimes to the point of breaking. Severe osteoporosis can cause compression fractures in the spine, resulting in the collapse of the spine, as well as severe pain, spine deformity and loss of height. If left untreated, this condition can cause other serious health problems, including chronic or severe pain, limited function and reduced mobility, decreased lung capacity and/or difficulty sleeping. Kyphoplasty If Dr. Siddiqi determines that you are a candidate for kyphoplasty, he will perform the procedure under either local or general anesthesia. He will need to make two small incisions. First, he will insert a special balloon called the KyphX Inflatable Bone Tamp, and gently inflate it inside the fractured vertebrae. The...

Prestige Cervical Disc System Technique

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:32:56 GMT

The surgical benefits of an anterior approach to the cervical spine in the management of the intractable symptoms and physical findings associated with cervical degenerative disc disease are well known. Usually, the symptomatic functional spinal unit (FSU) is mobile and mechanically stable. Anterior cervical disc fusion, though providing symptomatic relief, has the disadvantage of converting the operated segment to a non-functional spinal unit. Cervical disc arthroplasty is intended to preserve the motion segment, reduce return to work time, and reduce reoperations due to pseudoarthrosis. PRESTIGE® Cervical Disc (front view) PRESTIGE® Cervical Disc (side view) PRESTIGE® Cervical Disc (top view) PRESTIGE® Cervical Disc c-ray (forward bending) PRESTIGE® Cervical Disc c-ray...

Disc Replacement

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:32:53 GMT

Although fusion surgery may be effective in eliminating pain symptoms, patients may experience limited flexibility in that particular area of the spine due to immobilization of the vertebrae between the disc. The CHARITÉ™ artificial disc is designed in such a way that it allows your spine to move similar to a normal disc level, giving you room to bend more freely. Another benefit offered by disc replacement with the CHARITÉ™ artificial disc is that, unlike spinal fusion, it does not need a bone graft for the procedure.

If you are seeking an alternative to spinal fusion, then disc replacement with the CHARITÉ™ artificial disc may be your solution. This procedure is recommended for patients with a diseased disc between L4 and L5 or L5 and S1. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) results from a worn or injured disc and causes back pain. Dr. Siddiqi can confirm your disc related low back pain by history, x-rays, or other diagnostic imaging. Patients receiving the CHARITÉ™ Artificial Disc should have failed at least six months of conservative treatment such as pain medication, back brace, and therapy measures.

Are you interested in finding out if you are a candidate for the CHARITÉ™ Artificial Disc?

» Contact Dr. Siddiqi Today!

Lumbar Microdiscectomy

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:32:47 GMT

The lumbar spine is the third part of the spine, after the cervical and thoracic portions. The vertebrae that comprise the lumbar spine are the largest and strongest of the three regions because they support the majority of the body's weight. There are five pairs of lumbar nerves that control the movement and sensory functions of the lower extremities. A lumbar microdiscectomy may be needed when certain conditions are present, including: • Leg pain that limits your routine activities • Weakness in your leg(s) or feet • Numbness in your extremities • Impaired bowel and/or bladder function If Dr. Siddiqi determines that you are a candidate for lumbar microdiscectomy, the operation will only require a very small incision, meaning that your recovery time will generally be much shorter than that associated with traditional lumbar surgery. This procedure can be performed as outpatient/day surgery in many cases so patients may return home following surgery if...

XLIF Surgical Procedure

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:32:15 GMT

eXtream Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF)

In an XLIF procedure, the spine is approached from the side of the body. You would be positioned on the surgical table on your side and two small incisions would be made: one directly over the side of your waist (through which most of the procedure is performed), and the other slightly behind the first, toward your back muscles (through which the surgeon's finger safely guides the approach).

Additional information on XLIF

Do you need more information about an XLIF® Procedure? Please contact the Texas Spine Center for more details.

Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:31:46 GMT

Dr. Siddiqi performs anterior cervical discectomy on patients to surgically remove a herniated disc that is causing nerve pinching. An anterior cervical fusion usually is completed as part of cervical discectomy to open the disc space and prevent collapse of that space (kyphosis). The cervical spine is the first portion of the spine that begins at the base of the skull. During surgery, Dr. Siddiqi reaches the cervical spine by making a small incision in the front of your neck. Once the incision has been made, he separates the soft tissues of the neck. The trachea and esophagus are moved to the middle, and the carotid artery and jugular vein are moved toward the side. Both are protected with metal retractors. After this happens, Dr. Siddiqi can remove the intervertebral disc and bone spurs to relieve pressure on the nerve or spinal cord. He will use an operating microscope to aid him in the removal process, as well as special instruments and a drill to remove the bone spurs. The...

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:31:20 GMT

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)surgery also is used to remove a portion of bone and disc from the spine to replace it with an implant that is inserted into the disc space. During ALIF, the disc space is fused by approaching the spine through the abdomen instead of through the lower back, as in the TLIF procedure.The goal of the procedure is to obtain a solid fusion between two vertebra, and if this is not achieved, further surgery may be required. During ALIF surgery, Dr. Siddiqi will make a three-to-five inch incision on the left side of your abdomen and retract the abdominal muscles to the side. In some cases, he may be able to use an endoscope, which involves making several one-inch incisions to reach the abdominal muscles. In many cases, ALIF is combined with a posterior approach, such as TLIF, but if little instability exists in the disc space, an ALIF alone can be sufficient. Dr. Siddiqi will perform a diagnostic evaluation to determine if spinal fusion surgery is...

Microendoscopic Discectomy

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:30:48 GMT

In selected cases, Dr. Siddiqi may use a combination of microsurgical and endoscopic techniques with the METRX tubular system to perform disc surgery in a minimally invasive fashion.

This alternative procedure relieves herniated disc back pain. Those suffering from sciatica pain also benefit from this procedure. This minimally invasive procedure has shorter recovery times and is less painful than traditional open surgery.

The severity of your back pain and other lifestyle factors will determine whether you are a candidate for this procedure.

Interested in finding out if Microendoscopic Discectomy is the right option for you?

» Contact Dr. Siddiqi online Today!

Microscopic Discectomy

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:30:32 GMT

Microscopic discectomy uses microsurgical techniques and the METRx™ system to decompress the nerve root. Enhanced illumination and visualization, limited tissue disruption, and quicker recovery times are all benefits offered by the microscopic discectomy surgery procedure.

The METRx™ system is used by Dr. SIddiqi to remove herniated or "slipped" discs in the lumbar spine. This minimally invasive technique greatly reduces the amount of pain felt by patients after the operation.

Through the use of this new technology, Dr. Siddiqi is able to provide patients with the same benefits of less invasive surgery. The METRx™ system also reduces post-operative pain, shortens recovery times, and makes rehabilitation much easier

For the first time, laminotomy, foraminotomy, medial facetectomy, nerve root retraction and discectomy can be performed microscopically. As a result, patients get the reliability of conventional open surgery combined with the advantages of a minimally invasive technique.

Interested in learning more about Microscopic Discectomy?

» Contact Dr. Siddiqi Today!

Endoscopic Discectomy

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:30:19 GMT

Endoscopic discectomy is an outpatient surgical procedure used to remove herniated disc material that is causing uncomfortable pain and pressure in the back. Endoscopic discectomy is an alternative to open lumbar disc surgery and does not involve bone removal or large incisions to the skin. Instead, the procedure involves the use of X-ray imaging and magnified video to help Dr. Siddiqi insert an endoscopic probe through the skin of your back, between the vertebrae and into the herniated disc space.

Once the endoscope has been inserted, Dr. Siddiqi sends tiny surgical attachments through the hollow center of the probe which he then will use to remove portions of the herniated disc. If needed, the surgical tools also can help push a bulging disk back into place or remove disc fragments and small bone spurs.

A local anesthetic is used prior to the start of the procedure, which lasts about an hour. The amount of pain that patients experience is minimal, and there are no stitches required upon completion of the procedure.

The risk of complications from scarring, blood loss, infection and anesthesia that may occur with open disc surgery are reduced or, in some cases, completely eliminated with this procedure. Dr. Siddiqi will determine if you are a candidate for this procedure based on your condition and previous medical history. We will discuss all risks, benefits and complications with you during your office visit.

» Contact Dr. Siddiqi online Today!