Spine Surgery in Fort Myers
Spine surgery may provide relief when a structural problem is compressing the nerves, affecting spinal stability, or preventing a patient from maintaining normal function. However, surgery is not automatically the first recommendation for back or neck pain.
Dr. Franco Vigna is a board certified, fellowship trained orthopedic spine surgeon who evaluates both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. When surgery is necessary, he develops a personalized plan based on the patient’s diagnosis, anatomy, health, activity demands, and long term goals.
When Is Spine Surgery Considered?
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When Is Spine Surgery Considered?
Many spinal conditions can initially be managed through medication, activity modification, physical therapy, injections, or other conservative treatments.
Surgery may be discussed when these approaches have not provided sufficient improvement or when neurological symptoms require more direct treatment.
A surgical evaluation may be appropriate for patients experiencing:
- Persistent arm or leg pain caused by nerve compression
- Progressive numbness or muscle weakness
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Loss of function that interferes with work or daily life
- Spinal instability or abnormal vertebral movement
- Severe spinal stenosis
- A herniated disc that continues to compress a nerve
- Progressive spinal deformity
- Symptoms following a significant injury
- Problems related to a previous spine surgery
Sudden bowel or bladder changes, numbness around the groin, or rapidly progressing weakness require immediate medical evaluation.
Types of Spine Surgery
The appropriate procedure depends on the source of the symptoms and the structures involved. Spine surgery may include:
Spinal Decompression
Decompression procedures create additional room for compressed nerve roots or the spinal cord. Examples include laminectomy, laminotomy, and foraminotomy.
Discectomy
A discectomy removes the portion of a herniated disc that is placing pressure on a nerve.
Spinal Fusion
Fusion stabilizes painful or unstable vertebrae by allowing them to heal together as one solid structure. Instrumentation may be used when additional support is necessary.
Artificial Disc Replacement
Disc replacement removes a damaged cervical or lumbar disc and replaces it with an artificial implant designed to maintain movement at the treated level.
Spinal Reconstruction
Reconstructive surgery may be necessary for complex deformity, instability, failed previous surgery, or extensive degeneration affecting multiple levels.
Planning the Right Procedure
Successful spine surgery begins with an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Vigna reviews the patient’s medical history, physical examination, X-rays, MRI studies, CT scans, and previous treatment records.
Surgical planning considers more than what appears on an imaging study. The findings must correspond with the patient’s symptoms and functional limitations. When several procedures could potentially address the problem, Dr. Vigna explains the differences, expected goals, limitations, and risks of each option.
Recovery After Spine Surgery
Successful spine surgery begins with an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Vigna reviews the patient’s medical history, physical examination, X-rays, MRI studies, CT scans, and previous treatment records.
Surgical planning considers more than what appears on an imaging study. The findings must correspond with the patient’s symptoms and functional limitations. When several procedures could potentially address the problem, Dr. Vigna explains the differences, expected goals, limitations, and risks of each option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does persistent back pain mean I need surgery?
No. Many causes of back pain can be treated without an operation. Surgery is generally considered when a specific structural problem has been identified and other appropriate treatments have not provided relief.
How will Dr. Vigna determine which surgery I need?
Can spine surgery be performed as an outpatient procedure?
Can I see Dr. Vigna for a second surgical opinion?
Are all spine surgeries performed through large incisions?
Request a Spine Surgery Evaluation
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Franco Vigna at OrthoKagan to receive a comprehensive diagnosis and personalized review of your surgical and nonsurgical treatment options.