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Minimally internal decompression for spinal stenosis in Dhakuria

Minimally Internal Decompression for Spinal Stenosis

Minimally internal decompression for spinal stenosis in Dhakuria

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal is narrowed, causing compression of nerves and the spinal cord that is present inside the spinal canal. Spinal stenosis is usually manifested in older people who are over the age of 50, although young people are also prone to spinal stenosis if they have a spinal injury, scoliosis, or other spinal-related conditions. Spinal stenosis mainly occurs in the lower back region (lumbar spinal stenosis), while those present in the cervical and thoracic regions are called cervical and thoracic spinal stenosis, respectively.

Minimal Internal Decompression procedures are employed in treating spinal stenosis due to their minimally invasive nature, fewer incisions during surgery, patient compatibility, and enhanced recovery period. Common procedures to address spinal stenosis include, but are not limited to:

  • Minimal Invasive Laminectomy

  • Minimal Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)

  • Minimal Invasive Spinal Fusion

  • Foraminotomy

  • Percutaneous Image-Guided Lumbar Decompression (PILD)

  • Percutaneous Interspinous Spacer Placement

The Spine Care Department at Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, West Bengal, boasts cutting-edge minimally invasive spinal treatments facilitated by highly skilled professionals, enabling them to provide personalised care and post-operative management for your ailments. 

FAQ's

The reasons that contribute to the occurrence of spinal stenosis are commonly due to ‘wear and tear’ changes that happen naturally as time passes. Other reasons for spinal stenosis include:

  • Weakening of joints in older patients (osteoarthritis)

  • Spinal-related disorders, such as the presence of tumours, injuries, and narrowing of the spine, herniated discs, and thickened ligaments

  • Bone-related disorders

  • Previous history of spine surgeries that failed or recurrence of symptoms

  • Chronic inflammatory joint disorders like rheumatoid arthritis

Due to birth anomalies, which include congenital kyphosis, osteoporosis, Morquio syndrome, and so on

Specialists diagnose spinal stenosis based on symptoms exhibited and medical history. Diagnostic tests generally involve:

  • X-rays: The imaging tests help in revealing bone growths that compress the nerves

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Uses magnetic and radio waves to create detailed images of spinal nerves and discs.

  • Computer tomography (CT) scans: Generates cross-sectional images of the spine with the combination of X-rays and computer technology.

Minimal Internal Decompression procedures involve minimally invasive surgeries that use smaller incisions compared to traditional surgery, which is largely invasive. Minimal Internal Decompression procedures aid in treating spinal stenosis by employing advanced minimally invasive techniques that cause less post-operative pain and harm to surrounding nerves, muscles, and tissues, enhanced recovery, and less rehabilitation post-surgery. Moreover, Minimally Internal Decompression procedures use specialised instruments and image-guided scans such as endoscopy, fluoroscopic or CT scans, special operating microscopes, high-quality cameras, and automated guided systems such as computers and robots. Whether you require open surgery or minimally invasive surgery should depend on the severity of spinal stenosis and your overall health. It is essential to consult with your specialist to decide on an appropriate treatment for your condition and weigh the risks and benefits. 

Specialists generally decide on candidates for minimally invasive spinal stenosis procedures based on factors such as the patient’s age, general health, the gravity of the condition, and complications. Suitable candidates generally include the following:

  • Elderly people are good candidates for minimally invasive spinal stenosis procedures such as MILD because of their low invasiveness and quick recovery.

  • When conventional treatments such as physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, and oral medications do not work.

  • Persistent symptoms still exist even after undergoing surgery.

In a MILD procedure, smaller incisions are made to remove a portion of a bone or thickened ligaments that compress your nerves. Prior to the procedure, imaging scans of your lumbar region are evaluated to verify if you are a perfect candidate for the procedure. The specialist would use imaging machines and specialised tools to remove bone fragments or thickened ligaments, thereby reducing the compression of nerves. The MILD procedure usually takes less than an hour, depending on the severity of your stenosis. Most patients can go home post-surgery and resume normal activities within 24 hours with no restrictions. You may be instructed to follow a few physical therapy exercises to rebuild your core.

Just like the risks that can occur with any intervention, Minimal Internal Decompression procedures have certain side effects and complications. Possible risks for Minimal Internal Decompression procedures include:

  • Abnormal blood vessels causing leaking of blood (haematoma)

  • Delayed wound healing

  • Prolonged nausea

  • Rare occurrence of pneumonia and worsened symptoms related to heart failure

  • Wound infections and epidural abscesses

  • Infection in the intervertebral disc space (discitis) 

  • Thrombosis in the legs (deep vein thrombosis), causing pulmonary embolism

  • Spinal cord injury, especially tearing of the dura, causes cerebrospinal fluid leakage

  • Tissue damage

  • Unexpected reactions due to the administration of anaesthesia

During your initial consultations, the specialist will discuss potential risks that might occur and the medications and interventions they would use to address those complications.