Procedures Deep Dive

How It Works

This is performed through a small incision in the front of the neck to remove a herniated or degenerative disc that is compressing a nerve root or the spinal cord. After the disc is removed, the space is restored with a bone graft or interbody implant to maintain alignment and promote fusion between the adjacent vertebrae. A titanium plate and screws are typically used to provide additional stability during the healing process.

How It Works

Cervical disc arthroplasty is a motion-preserving procedure used to treat symptomatic cervical disc disease. The damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc that restores disc height while maintaining motion at the affected level. By preserving movement rather than fusing the segment, cervical disc arthroplasty may reduce stress on adjacent spinal levels and potentially lower the risk of adjacent segment degeneration over time.

How It Works

This is a motion-preserving surgical procedure designed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord caused by cervical spinal stenosis or other conditions resulting in multi-level cord compression. Through a posterior approach, the lamina is carefully expanded, creating additional space for the spinal cord while maintaining the stability of the cervical spine. Unlike multi-level cervical fusion, laminoplasty does not require permanently fusing the affected vertebrae, allowing for greater preservation of cervical motion.

How It Works

A minimally invasive posterior approach enlarges the neural foramen — the opening through which the nerve root exits — relieving nerve root compression without fusion.

How It Works

This is a surgical procedure used to stabilize the cervical spine by joining two or more vertebrae together through a posterior (back-of-the-neck) approach. During the procedure, the surgeon places screws and rods into the cervical vertebrae and uses bone graft material to promote fusion, creating a stable construct while the bones heal together.

How It Works

Using a small posterior incision and microscopic visualization, Dr. Ghaffar removes the herniated disc fragment compressing a spinal nerve while preserving healthy surrounding structures whenever possible. This minimally invasive procedure can reduce tissue disruption and support a faster recovery in appropriately selected patients.

How It Works

Removal of overgrown lamina, bone spurs, and thickened ligamentum flavum that narrow the lumbar canal and compress the spinal nerves.

How It Works

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that stabilizes one or more spinal segments by creating a solid union between adjacent vertebrae. It typically involves bone graft, an interbody cage to restore disc height and alignment, and pedicle screws to provide stability while fusion occurs.

TLIF, PLIF, and ALIF are different surgical approaches used to access the disc space and perform the fusion. The approach is selected based on the patient’s anatomy, condition, spinal alignment, and treatment goals.

How It Works

Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive treatment for carefully selected patients with chronic neuropathic pain that has not responded adequately to other treatments. Thin leads are placed in the epidural space near the spinal cord to deliver controlled electrical impulses that modify pain signaling. This can reduce chronic pain and improve function and quality of life in appropriate patients.