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OrthoNorCal, Orthopedic Specialists, Los Gatos, Capitola, Morgan Hill, Watsonville // Specialties //Spine//Spine Procedures

  • Non-Surgical Treatment for Disc Disease

    The spinal column consists of vertebral bones stacked one on top of the other, surrounding and protecting the spinal cord.

  • Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

    The sacroiliac (SI) joint is a significant cause of lower back pain. Clinical publications have identified the SI joint as a pain generator in 15-30% of chronic lower back pain patients.1-4 In addition, the SI joint is a pain generator in up to 4 3% of patients with continued or new onset lower back pain af ter a lumbar fusion.5

  • Epidural Spinal Injection

    Epidural spinal injection is a non-surgical treatment option utilized for relieving back pain. Spine degenerative conditions such as herniated disc, spinal stenosis and many others may induce back pain due to the compression of the associated spinal nerves.

  • Lumbar Laminectomy

    Lumbar laminectomy, also known as decompression laminectomy, is a spinal surgery performed to relieve excess pressure on the spinal nerve(s) in the lumbar (lower back) region.

  • Lumbar Foraminotomy

    A lumbar foraminotomy is a surgical procedure that decompresses the spinal nerves by removing bone and other tissues that obstruct the neural foramen.

  • Foraminoplasty

    Neural foramina are small canals at every level of the spine through which nerves leave the spinal cord and go to the limbs and other parts of the body. Narrowing of this canal is called foramina stenosis.

  • Lumbar Fusion

    Spinal fusion, also called arthrodesis, is a surgical technique used to join two or more vertebrae (bones) within the spine. Lumbar fusion is the procedure of fusing the vertebrae in the lumbar portion of the spine (lower back).

  • Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement

    Lumbar artificial disc replacement is a surgical procedure employed to remove and replace a damaged or worn out disc in the lumbar or lower part of your spine that has become painful and debilitating with an artificial or synthetic disc.

  • Lumbar Decompression

    Lumbar decompression is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure over the compressed nerves in the lower spine (lumbar region).

  • Lumbar Sympathetic Block

    A lumbar sympathetic block is an injection of a local anesthetic and steroid that is injected into or around the sympathetic nerves to block the transmission of pain impulses from the legs or lower back, thereby relieving pain.

  • Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

    Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a type of spinal fusion procedure in which bone graft is placed between the affected vertebrae in the lower back (lumbar) region through an incision on the patient’s back.

  • Posterior Lumbar Fusion

    Spinal fusion, also called arthrodesis, is a surgical technique used to join two or more vertebrae (bones) within the spine. Lumbar fusion is the fusion the vertebrae in the lumbar portion of the spine (lower back).

  • Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

    Spinal fusion is a surgical technique that joins two or more vertebrae in the spine to minimize the pain caused by the movement of these vertebrae.

  • Lumbar Endoscopic Discectomy

    Lumbar endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat a herniated or ruptured disc and relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

  • Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty

    Osteoporosis is a “silent” disease characterized by the weakening of bones. This makes the patients more susceptible to fractures, typically in the hip and spine.

  • Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion

    Posterolateral lumbar fusion is a surgical technique that involves correcting spinal problems from the back of the spine by placing bone graft between segments in the back and leaving the disc space intact.

  • Lower Back (Lumbar) Surgery

    Low back pain usually does not require surgery. However, surgery may be beneficial for persistent pain, spinal instability, weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, and impaired bowel or bladder function.

  • Lumbar Corpectomy and Fusion

    Lumbar corpectomy and fusion is a surgical technique performed to remove the vertebral bone or disc material between the vertebrae to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves (decompression) in the lumbar (lower back) region.

  • Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion

    The back is made up of a number of small bones called vertebrae. Cushioning discs present between the vertebrae act as shock absorbers.

  • Lumbar Facetectomy and Foraminotomy

    Facetectomy and foraminotomy are the most common spinal surgical procedures recommended for chronic pain due to spinal nerve compression.

  • Lumbar Interbody Fusion

    Lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) surgery is a surgical technique that involves the removal of a damaged intervertebral disc and the insertion of a bone graft into the disc space created between the two adjoining vertebrae.

  • Posterior Cervical Microforaminotomy/Discectomy

    Posterior cervical microforaminotomy/discectomy is an operative procedure that relieves pressure or compression on the nerve roots at the cervical spine.

  • Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression

    Minimally invasive lumbar decompression or mild® is a procedure developed by Vertos Medical to treat lumbar spinal stenosis by relieving pressure on the spinal nerves.

  • Posterior Scoliosis Surgery

    The spine is the backbone of the body. It naturally curves a little. This allows us to walk, move, and balance ourselves properly. But some people have a spine that curves too much to one side.

  • Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

    Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a surgery performed to correct spinal problems in the lower back. The surgery can be implemented either as an open surgery or minimally invasive technique.

  • Minimally Invasive TLIF

    Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a minimally invasive fusion of the vertebrae of the lumbar region (lower back). It is designed to provide stability to the spine and treat back and leg pain.

  • Spinal Fusion

    Spinal fusion is the surgical technique of combining two or more vertebrae. A fusion of the vertebrae involves the insertion of secondary bone tissue obtained either from an autograft (tissues from your own body) or allograft (tissues from another person) to enhance the bone healing process.

  • Revision Spinal Surgery

    Revision spine surgery is surgery performed in certain patients to correct the problems of earlier spine surgery.

  • Spinal Decompression

    Spinal decompression is a treatment to relieve pressure on one or many “pinched nerves” in the spinal column. It can be achieved either surgically or by non-surgical methods.

  • Sacroiliac Joint Injections

    Sacroiliac joints (SI joint) are joints in the lower back region, located where the sacrum and ilium bones conjoin. Despite the fact that these joints are small and have limited motion, they have an important role in connecting your spine to the pelvic bone and thus the lower part of your body.

  • Vertebroplasty

    Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed to reduce or eliminate pain caused by a vertebral compression fracture. It stabilizes the fracture and prevents further collapse of the vertebra, averting deformity.

  • Scoliosis Correction with Spinal Monitoring

    Scoliosis is a condition characterized by the abnormal curvature of the spine. The abnormality can be surgically corrected by fusing the affected parts of the spine so that they grow into a solid bone and do not twist.

  • Laminectomy

    Laminectomy refers to the removal or cutting of the lamina (roof) of the vertebral bones to provide space for the nerves to exit from the spine.

  • Kyphoplasty

    Balloon kyphoplasty is a spine surgery that relieves back pain caused by a vertebral compression fracture. The aim of balloon kyphoplasty is to relieve pain, stabilize the fracture and restore the vertebral body height.

  • Scoliosis

    Scoliosis is a condition characterized by the abnormal curvature of the spine that causes a deviation to one side. It causes a physical deformity, making the spine look like the letter “C” or “S” instead of the letter “I”.

  • Spinal Cord Stimulator

    A spinal cord stimulator is a device that sends electrical impulses to the areas of the spinal cord causing pain and interferes with the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

  • Scoliosis Treatment

    Scoliosis is the abnormal curvature of the spine giving the spine an “S” or “C” shape. Scoliosis can occur at any age and is more common in girls than boys.

  • Spine Deformity Surgery

    The spine or backbone provides stability to the upper part of the body. It helps to hold your body upright. It consists of several irregularly-shaped bones called vertebrae appearing in a straight line.

  • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

    Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is the latest technology available to perform spinal surgeries through small, less than one-inch-long incisions.

  • Lumbar Microdiscectomy

    Microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure employed to relieve the pressure over the spinal cord and/or nerve roots, caused by a ruptured (herniated) intervertebral disc.

  • Endoscopic Spine Surgery

    Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive spine surgery that uses specialized video cameras and instruments to remove the herniated disc through very small incisions.

  • Removal of Facet Joint Cyst

    Facet joint cysts, also called synovial cysts, are benign, fluid-filled sacs that develop due to degeneration of the facet joints of the spine.

  • Lower Back Pain Surgery

    Lower back pain can be disabling; however, most cases heal with time (2-12 weeks) and with conservative therapy. However, surgery is suggested when symptoms persist and begin to affect your daily activities.

  • Neck Surgery

    Neck surgery is a surgical procedure employed for the treatment of neck pain when conservative measures such as physical rehabilitation, medications, and rest have failed to provide any relief to your neck pain.

  • Lumbar Spinal Fusion

    The surgical technique of combining two or more vertebrae is known as spinal fusion. Back pain due to abnormal motion of the vertebrae is treated by this procedure.

  • Thoracic Discectomy

    The human spine provides support to the body allowing you to stand upright, bend, and twist. The spine can be broadly divided into the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.

  • Thoracic Facetectomy

    The spinal cord passes through the vertebral column, which forms a bony protective cover. At the thoracic region (upper back), the spinal canal is especially narrow when compared to the neck and lower back regions, making it more susceptible to compression.

  • Thoracic Laminectomy

    The vertebral column supports the back and protects the spinal cord that runs through it. The nerves that branch out from the spinal cord are also protected and pass through special passages created by each vertebral bone.

  • Thoracic Spine Decompression

    Thoracic spine decompression is a procedure to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves in the middle portion of the back. Spine decompression surgery is indicated in treating spinal stenosis.

  • Posterior Cervical Decompression

    Posterior cervical decompression is a surgical procedure performed through the back of the neck to relieve pressure over compressed nerves in the cervical spine region caused by inflamed spinal tissue or nerves, by removing portions of the cervical vertebrae.

  • Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy

    Posterior cervical foraminotomy is a surgical procedure performed through the back of the neck to relieve symptoms of a pinched or compressed spinal nerve by enlarging the neural foramen, an opening for the nerve roots to exit the spine and travel through the body, and creating more space for the spinal nerve to pass through.

  • Posterior Thoracic Fusion

    Posterior thoracic fusion is a spinal fusion procedure performed through an incision on the back (posterior) of the patient in which two or more vertebrae of the thoracic spine (mid back) are joined together, eliminating any movement between them.

  • Thoracic Corpectomy

    Thoracic corpectomy is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure on a nerve at the thoracic region (upper and middle back) by removing the source of the compression.

  • Facet Injections

    A minimally invasive treatment called facet injection offers symptomatic relief from back pain caused by inflammation of the facet joints; however, this is not a permanent solution for the condition.

  • Surgery for Scoliosis

    Surgery for scoliosis is recommended when the spinal curvature is severe and is either worsening or is a cause of severe pain or difficulty in breathing.

  • Medial Branch Block Injections

    A medial branch block is an injection of a local anesthetic administered near the medial branch nerves to temporarily block the pain signal carried from the facet joints of the spine to the brain.

  • Spine Osteotomy

    Spine osteotomy is a surgical procedure in which a section of the spinal bone is cut and removed to allow for correction of spinal malalignment.

  • Robotic Spine Surgery

    Robotic spine surgery is a procedure where your surgeon is assisted by a robotic system to perform surgery to the spine. Precision is very important when performing spine surgery.

  • Lumbar Spinal Bracing

    Lumbar braces are external devices used to restrict the movement of the lumbar spine and provide support and stability to the lower back region, to relieve back pain and promote healing after surgery or injury.

  • Spinal Infection Debridement

    The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae which surround and protect the spinal cord. These are separated by intervertebral discs which provide cushioning between the vertebral bones.

  • Spinal Infection Decompression

    The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae which surround and protect the spinal cord. These are separated by intervertebral discs which provide cushioning between the vertebral bones.

  • Cervical Arthroplasty

    Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to restore joint function by replacing a damaged joint with an artificial joint called a prosthesis.

  • Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection

    The epidural space of the spine is the area between the vertebral bones and the protective dura sac that surrounds the spinal cord and nerves.

  • Complex Spine Surgery

    Complex spine surgery is a procedure that involves six or more vertebrae of the spinal column, requiring six or more hours of surgery to correct a spinal deformity.

  • Cervical Facet Blocks

    A facet block is a procedure in which a combination of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid is injected into a facet joint. A cervical facet block prevents the transmission of pain signals from the neck.

  • Spine Injections

    Spine injection is a non-surgical treatment modality recommended for the treatment of chronic back pain. Injection of certain medicinal agents relieves the pain by blocking the nerve signals between specific areas of the body and the brain.

  • Cervical/Lumbar Traction

    Excessive pressure on the spine from injury or stress may cause discs present between the vertebrae to herniate. Nerves exiting and entering the spine may become compressed by these herniated discs.

  • Disc Decompression

    Acute or chronic injury can cause a spinal disc to herniate or rupture. The damaged disc may compress against the spinal cord or the nerves that branch out through the vertebral bones, leading to pain, loss of sensation and/or motor function in the part of the body supplied by the nerve.

  • Cervical Laminoplasty

    A cervical laminoplasty is an operative procedure that involves reshaping/repositioning the bone at the neck region (cervical spine) to relieve excess pressure on the spinal nerves.

  • Cervical Foraminotomy

    Cervical foraminotomy is a surgical procedure performed to relieve the symptoms of a pinched or compressed spinal nerve by enlarging the neural foramen, an opening for the nerve roots to exit the spine and travel through the body.

  • Radiofrequency Ablation

    Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also called rhizotomy or neurotomy, is a novel non-surgical technique of treating pain. This technique employs radiofrequency waves to produce heat and the heat produced damages the nerves transmitting pain signals to the brain.

  • Outpatient Spine Surgery

    Outpatient spine surgery is an operative procedure that does not require an overnight stay at the hospital. It is also called ambulatory or same-day surgery.

  • Cervical Spine Fusion

    Cervical spine fusion is a surgery performed to fuse weak cervical vertebrae with adjacent vertebrae to provide stability and prevent injury to the spinal cord.

  • Radiofrequency Ablation for Lumbar Spondylosis

    Radiofrequency ablation for lumbar spondylosis is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to treat lower back pain secondary to lumbar spondylosis.

  • Posterior Cervical Fusion

    Posterior cervical fusion (PCF), a surgical procedure performed through the back of the neck, involves joining or fusing two or more damaged cervical vertebrae.

  • Posterior Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion

    Posterior cervical fusion (PCF), a surgical procedure performed through the back of the neck, involves joining or fusing two or more damaged cervical vertebrae.

  • Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion

    Cervical laminectomy is a surgical procedure in which the spinal canal is made larger by removing the spinous process and the lamina in the cervical region of the spine.

  • Image-Guided Spine Surgery

    Imaging techniques such as computed tomography and fluoroscopy may be integrated into the system to facilitate pre-operative planning of the surgery, where a series of images taken before the surgery are displayed on a screen, with which your surgeon matches his/her moves intraoperatively.

  • Intracept - Basivertebral Nerve Ablation

    Intracept is a minimally invasive procedure developed by Relievant to treat chronic low back pain by targeting the basivertebral nerve.

  • Minimally Invasive Discectomy and Decompression

    The spinal cord passes through the vertebral column, which forms a bony protective cover. However, many conditions can cause parts of the vertebrae to compress the spinal cord or the nerves that branch out through them, leading to pain, loss of sensation and/or motor function in the part of the body supplied by the compressed nerve.

  • Lumbar Facet Block

    A facet block is a procedure in which a combination of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid is injected into a facet joint. A lumbar facet block prevents the transmission of pain signals from the lower back.

  • Lumbar Medial Branch Block

    A medial branch block is a procedure in which a mixture of a local anesthetic with or without a corticosteroid is injected near the medial branch nerves supplying a facet joint.

  • Discography

    Discography or a discogram is a procedure to evaluate back pain. It helps identify a painful spinal disc.

  • Adult Scoliosis Correction

    Adult scoliosis is the abnormal curvature of the spine giving the spine an “S” or “C” shape in a skeletally mature person. Larger curves cause discomfort while smaller curves usually do not cause any problems.

  • Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion

    An anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion is an operative procedure to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves by removing the vertebral bone and intervertebral disc material (decompression) in the cervical spine or neck.

  • Anterior and Posterior Scoliosis Surgery

    The spine is the backbone of the body. It naturally curves a little. This allows us to walk, move and balance ourselves properly. But some people have a spine that curves too much to one side.

  • Anterior Lumbar Corpectomy and Fusion

    Anterior Lumbar Corpectomy and Fusion is a surgical technique performed to remove the vertebral bone or disc material between the vertebrae to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves (decompression) in the lumbar (lower back) region.

  • Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement

    Artificial cervical disc replacement is a spine surgery to replace a degenerated (deteriorated) disc in the neck with an artificial disc. The artificial disc, like the natural healthy disc, is used to replace the degenerated disc.

  • Cervical Corpectomy and Strut Graft

    A cervical corpectomy and strut graft is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving the compression on the spinal cord by removing the degenerated vertebrae and replacing them with a bone graft.

  • Cervical Bracing

    Cervical braces are external devices used to provide support and restrict movement of the cervical spine in a variety of cervical conditions ranging from muscle spasm to severe spine instability or post-surgery.

  • Minimally Invasive Cervical Discectomy

    A cervical discectomy or decompressive spinal procedure is an operative procedure that relieves pressure on the spinal nerves and/or spinal cord by partially or completely removing the intervertebral disc that is herniated and/or bony material (bone spur).

  • Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion

    Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is an operative procedure to relieve compression or pressure on nerve roots and/or the spinal cord due to a herniated disc or bone spur in the neck.

  • Lumbar Epidurals

    Lumbar epidurals are injections to treat and relieve low back pain. A lumbar epidural involves injecting a local anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory steroid into the epidural space of the lower spine (lower back) to reduce inflammation causing the pain.

  • Thoracic Vertebroplasty

    Osteoporosis is a “silent” disease characterized by weakening of bones, making them more susceptible to fractures (vertebral compression fractures), typically in the hip and spine.

  • Surgical Treatment for Spine Conditions

    Surgical treatment is the last resort for chronic backache when other therapies do not relieve the pain. Some surgical procedures can be performed as an out-patient procedure while others may require hospital admission.

  • Cervical Disc Replacement

    The cervical spine is located in the neck region and consists of seven bones arranged one on top of the other. Cushioning tissue called vertebral discs located between the vertebrae act as shock absorbers, allowing easy movement of the neck.

  • Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion

    Cervical laminectomy is a surgical procedure in which the spinal canal is made larger by removing the spinous process and the lamina in the cervical region of the spine.

  • Spinal Nerve Blocks

    A spinal nerve block is the injection of an anesthetic and steroid medication around the spinal nerve root to diagnose or treat pain.

  • Cervical Microdiscectomy

    Your spine consists of 24 bones called vertebrae that are arranged one above the other and separated by intervertebral discs which act as shock absorbers during activity.

  • Minimally Invasive Lumbar Surgery

    Spinal surgery can be performed by two different approaches; one is the conventional open surgical approach and the other is the advanced minimally invasive approach.

  • Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery

    The goal of scoliosis surgery is to both reduce the abnormal curve in the spine and to prevent it from progressing further and getting worse. To achieve this, a spinal fusion is performed to fuse the vertebrae, in the curve to be corrected.

  • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery for Spondylolisthesis

    Spondylolisthesis is a condition of the spine characterized by the forward displacement of a vertebra over an underlying vertebra. A significant displacement can cause a compression of the spinal nerves resulting in pain.

  • Multilevel Posterior Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion

    Posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion is an operative procedure to relieve pressure or compression on the nerve structures due to herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or spondylosis.

  • Neuromodulation

    Pain is an unpleasant sensation caused by illness or injury. Pain can have a negative impact on a person's quality of life. Chronic pain is the pain that is constant and persists for long periods of time.

  • Physical therapy for the Spine

    Physical therapy is one of the foremost necessary treatment modes of recovery for back pain. A referral to physiotherapy sometimes is created by your spine surgeon.

  • Thoracic Facet Joint Injection

    Facet joints are small joints present between the vertebral bones including the vertebral bones of the thorax (upper back). The bones in these joints are covered by cartilage and a capsule filled with synovial fluid surrounds the joint reducing friction.

  • Lumbar Discectomy

    A lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat a herniated or ruptured disc and relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

  • Cervical Epidurals

    A cervical epidural is an injection of medication into the epidural space in the lower section of the cervical region to provide relief from pain or inflammation affecting the neck and upper back.

  • Computer Navigated Thoracic Spine Surgery

    The spine is a complex 3- dimensional structure that is interspersed with a complex lattice of delicate blood vessels and nerves. Trauma to these structures during surgery is a big concern in spinal surgery.

  • Costo-vertebral Joint Injection

    Costo-vertebral joint injection, also known as a costovertebral block, is performed to alleviate upper back pain caused by damage or injury to the costovertebral joint.

  • Percutaneous Vertebroplasty

    Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to treat fractures of the spinal vertebral bones. During this procedure, your doctor inserts a needle through your skin into the fractured vertebra and injects bone cement.

  • Dorsal Column Stimulator

    The dorsal column stimulator (DCS) or spinal column stimulator is a device that relieves chronic pain associated with spinal nerves through electrical stimulation.

  • Microdiscectomy

    The spine is made up of small bony segments called vertebrae. These vertebrae are categorized into cervical or neck vertebrae, thoracic or upper back vertebrae, lumbar or lower back vertebrae and the sacrum within the pelvis.

  • Metastatic Tumours

    A tumor (lump or mass) in your spine is an abnormal growth of tissue within or around your spinal column or spinal cord.

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