Spinal Reconstructive Surgery in Fort Myers
Spinal reconstructive surgery is used to address complex problems involving alignment, stability, nerve compression, or previous surgical treatment. These procedures may involve several levels of the spine and require detailed planning to balance correction with patient safety.
Dr. Franco Vigna completed advanced training through the Maryland Spinal Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship and provides individualized evaluation for patients with complex cervical and lumbar conditions.
What Is Spinal Reconstruction?
Spinal reconstruction refers to surgical treatment designed to rebuild stability, restore alignment, decompress neurological structures, or revise a spine that has previously undergone surgery.
The procedure may combine several techniques rather than relying on one operation. Depending on the condition, treatment may involve decompression, removal of damaged discs, correction of deformity, fusion, instrumentation, or replacement of failed hardware.
Conditions That May Require Reconstruction
Spinal reconstruction may be considered for:
- Adult scoliosis
- Significant spinal imbalance
- Spondylolisthesis or vertebral slippage
- Multilevel degenerative disc disease
- Spinal instability
- Severe cervical or lumbar stenosis
- Flat back syndrome
- Progressive spinal deformity
- Failed previous fusion
- Adjacent segment degeneration
- Broken, loose, or poorly positioned hardware
- Persistent compression following prior surgery
- Traumatic spinal injury
Not every structural abnormality requires reconstruction. Surgery is generally considered when symptoms, neurological problems, instability, or functional limitations justify the scale of the procedure.
Goals of Reconstructive Surgery
The goals vary according to the patient’s diagnosis but may include:
- Relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerves
- Improving spinal alignment
- Restoring stability
- Reducing painful abnormal movement
- Improving standing and walking tolerance
- Correcting problems from a previous operation
- Preventing progressive neurological or structural decline
Pain relief is an important goal, but complete elimination of every symptom cannot be guaranteed.
Planning a Complex Spine Procedure
Reconstructive surgery requires a thorough review of the patient’s entire spinal alignment and overall health. Testing may include standing X-rays, bending films, MRI studies, CT scans, and bone density testing.
Dr. Vigna may also evaluate nutrition, bone health, nicotine use, cardiovascular risk, diabetes control, medication, and other factors that can influence healing. Some patients need medical optimization before surgery can be performed safely.
The surgical plan may include one approach or a combination of anterior, lateral, and posterior techniques.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from spinal reconstruction is generally more extensive than recovery from a single level decompression or discectomy. Hospitalization, temporary movement restrictions, rehabilitation, and periodic imaging may be necessary.
Recovery goals are established in stages. Early care focuses on safe mobility and protecting the surgical correction. Later rehabilitation may address endurance, strength, balance, and return to appropriate activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is spinal reconstruction different from routine spine surgery?
Reconstruction generally addresses more complex problems involving multiple spinal levels, deformity, instability, or previous surgery. It may combine decompression, correction, fusion, and instrumentation.
Can reconstructive surgery treat adult scoliosis?
Can Dr. Vigna evaluate a failed previous spine surgery?
Will all of the existing hardware need to be removed?
Should I obtain a second opinion before reconstructive surgery?
Request a Complex Spine Evaluation
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Franco Vigna at OrthoKagan to review your diagnosis, prior treatment, and available options for spinal reconstruction or revision surgery.