In years past, spinal bone spur surgery was limited to a highly invasive operation known as spinal fusion. This procedure is designed to alleviate the pain and other symptoms associated with bone spur-related nerve compression by completely removing the portion of anatomy responsible, then permanently immobilizing the affected vertebral segment. Stabilization is achieved by inserting a bone graft and metal hardware, including screws and plates, to fuse one vertebra to another.

Risks and Potential Side Effects of Spinal Fusion

While spinal fusion, when successful, does alleviate the pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness associated with nerve compression, it also requires a major commitment on the part of the patient. Spinal fusion requires general anesthesia, which means overnight hospitalization is necessary. The surgery also entails the use of a large incision and dissection of soft tissue in order to gain access to the affected vertebral body. The completion of the procedure is only the beginning for the patient, who must undergo physical therapy and a long, arduous recovery.

In addition, spinal fusion comes with several risks and potential side effects. Before consenting to this type of highly invasive spinal bone spur surgery, patients should educate themselves about the potential for the following to occur:

* Allergic reaction to anesthesia
* Internal bleeding
* Infection
* Bone graft rejection
* Fusion failure
* Nerve damage

The Advent of Endoscopic Technology

While every type of surgery comes with its own set of risks and potential side effects, relatively recent technological advances have enabled orthopedic surgeons to greatly improve the chance of successful bone spur surgery. Using technology similar to that employed for routine arthroscopic repair of knee and elbow ligaments, surgeons trained in the use of endoscopic techniques are able to target the precise anatomical cause of spinal nerve compression, such as bone spurs. This enables these surgeons to remove only the tissue they absolutely have to and conserve the vast majority of the vertebral body, while also mitigating many of the risks and side effects inherent to highly invasive spinal fusion.

Minimally Invasive, Outpatient Alternative to Fusion

In many cases, the minimally invasive use of an endoscope, coupled with tiny tools and a laser, allow surgeons to perform bone spur surgery on an outpatient basis. Deep IV sedation and local anesthesia is used, rather than general anesthesia. This allows most patients to be released mere hours after their procedure, rather than staying overnight in a hospital. In addition, the use of only a small incision (typically no larger than one inch) and the lack of tissue dissection means a much shorter recovery period is necessary.

Only as a Last Resort

Bone spur surgery of any type is almost always considered a last resort. In about 90 percent of cases, patients find they are able to manage their symptoms using a combination of conservative treatments. This can include pain medication (over the counter or prescription), exercise, stretching, corticosteroid injections, heat/cold applications, and other methods. Unless emergency surgery is required to mitigate dangerous nerve compression, the time to consider surgery is only after all conservative methods have been attempted and failed to provide relief over the course of several weeks or months.