The Difference Between Spinal Decompression and Spinal Fusion Surgeries

spine x-ray

The spine surgery experts at Southern Oregon Orthopedics specialize in using the most innovative, minimally invasive techniques to treat pain and return patients to work and the activities of daily living as soon as possible.

Two types of surgeries our orthopedic spine specialists perform are spinal fusion and spinal decompression surgeries.

Spinal Decompression Surgery

There are different types of spinal decompression surgeries. One is a laminectomy. This surgery creates space in the spine by removing a part of the vertebrae bone. It is performed to relieve pressure on the spinal canal that could be caused by bone spurs, arthritis, degenerative disk disease or spinal stenosis.

Another decompression surgery is a diskectomy. This surgery creates space in the spine by removing a damaged part of a disc. The disc is accessed after a laminectomy has been performed. A damaged disk is called a disk protrusion, or herniated, slipped, ruptured or bulging disk. Diskectomy can relieve pain and weakness associated with sciatica, as well.

Spinal Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion or stabilization surgery is performed to improve stability, correct a deformity or reduce pain. A spinal fusion permanently connects two or more vertebrae in your spine, eliminating motion between them. Spinal fusion mimics the normal healing process of broken bones.

Spinal fusion may be used to treat spondylolisthesis, degenerative disk disease, scoliosis, spinal fracture or spinal trauma. It may be performed to stabilize the spine after a decompression surgery, such as a laminectomy or diskectomy.

Orthopedic Spine Surgeons at Southern Oregon Orthopedics

Our orthopedic spine experts use technologies and techniques that are less invasive and more effective. Minimally invasive spine surgery involves smaller incisions and less damage to healthy tissue, which leads to a faster, easier, and less painful recovery for you. Presurgical and postsurgical rehabilitation programs also help improve your recovery.

For advanced expertise in spine surgery, call Southern Oregon Orthopedics or request an appointment online today. Our orthopedic spine experts see patients at our Grants Pass, Roseberg and Medford, Oregon locations. Call us at (541) 779-6250.

The team at Southern Oregon Orthopedics performs many types of spine surgery, including:

  • Spinal fusion
  • Spinal decompression
  • Minimally invasive spine surgery
  • Motion preservation surgery
  • Bone grafts and biologics