What is Corpectomy?

Backaches are often treated with nosurgical back pain treatments. However, if the injury to the spine is severe, performing a surgery becomes inevitable. One of such surgical procedures is Corpectomy.

The term Corpectomy is derived from the Latin words Corpus which means body and ectomy which means to remove. The main causes of neck pain and cervical pain could be attributed to the degeneration of spinal discs. Sometimes, the pressure of these degenerating discs becomes so great that the spine itself is being compressed which leads to a very serious condition known as spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis occurs when the space inside the backbone becomes too small causing the spine to become too narrow. Generally, spinal stenosis isn’t something to be overly alarmed about but it could be serious if left untreated, leaving behind a wake of irreversible spinal damage. 

Another symptom of Spinal stenosis could be a pinched nerve. Due to the compression of nerves in the spinal cord, the delicate nerves which lie inside of the spine could be compromised by being trapped in between which could lead to other bigger problems like Sciatica.

Permanent damage may include symptoms like

1. Numbness 
2. Weakness
3. Imbalance
4. Loss of bladder and bowel control
5. Paralysis 
6. Permanent physical disability

A simple X-ray or MRI scan can explain the severity of the condition much better. Usually, less invasive methods of treatment are implemented at first which include medication, lifestyle changes, or physiotherapy but if none of these are helping then surgery is recommended. This surgery is known as Corpectomy. 

A corpectomy is more serious than a discectomy and involves the deteriorated disc fragments in the spine causing unwanted compression to be removed via cutting. A bone graft is then inserted into the space to allow for the separated bones to be fused to turn them into one long bone. 

Precautions:

Prior to having a Corpectomy, there are some precautions a patient has to take in order to reap the maximum benefits from the procedure. 

The use of tobacco must be avoided as nicotine hinders bone growth. If you take any sort of blood thinners or blood pressure medications, or herbal supplements, do not forget to consult your doctor about it who will then provide you with a detailed overview of what to take and what not to take. 

There are a few things to expect after a Corpectomy. Aftercare could be done at home. Anti-inflammatory medication must be avoided unless instructed by your doctor as it could promote bleeding and hinder the fusion of the spine. Constipation is expected and fluid intake, as well as dietary fibre, should be consumed which would promote healthy bowel movements resulting in more easy and painless recovery. 

Following a corpectomy, there are a number of activities that the patient can do in order to help him return to his or her normal life. These activities include physiotherapy, a walking regimen, and avoidance of sitting for extended periods of time. 

If you suffer from spinal issues and are searching for a spine surgeon in Los Angeles, contact South California Brain and Spine and surgery run by Dr. Moksha Ranasinghe who has years of experience under her belt.