Back surgery

Nerve decompression (discectomy or laminectomy) and fusion surgeries

When is surgery considered?

A bone spur or herniated disk can pinch the spinal cord and nerves in the back. This causes pain, numbness or weakness in the back and legs. If the pain is not responding to nonsurgical options then surgery is often discussed. 

Generally speaking there are two types of back surgery. The first is a simple decompression to free a pinched nerve.

The second type of back surgery includes implanting pins to stabilize bones. This is required in more severe cases of back disease.

Herniated disc (red) is impinging the nerve. This would cause back or leg pain, also known as radiculopathy.

Nerve decompression surgery

The goal of surgery is removal of bone spurs and herniated disc material. This allows your nerves to float freely and provides immediate relief from the nerve pain. Technically these types of surgeries are called microdiscectomy or laminectomy.

Dr. Rossi performs all of his decompression surgeries in a minimally invasive fashion. A microscope is used to work through a 16 millimeter tube to ensure surgery is as precise as possible with minimal damage to surrounding muscle or bones.

With a spinal decompression surgery you can expect to have instant relief of your nerve pain after surgery and be home by lunch time the same day.

Minimally invasive spinal surgery port through which the procedure is performed

Answers to common questions about nerve decompression

Dr. Rossi has performed over a thousand spine surgeries. This is one of the most commonly performed surgeries by Dr. Rossi. All spine surgeries are performed entirely by Dr. Rossi.

You are completely asleep for the procedure. You will have a small approximately two centimeter incision on your back. A microscope is used for magnification during the surgery.

Typically patients are discharged home within a few hours after surgery. You can expect to be walking and performing typical home activities such as going up stairs the same day as surgery. Back soreness is expected but typically mild. Pain medications are prescribed if needed but most patients only require Tylenol.

Most patients feel like returning to light duty jobs within a week after surgery. You will slowly increase your activity level in the days and weeks after surgery. You are released to full activity such as golfing etc. at six weeks after surgery.

Undergoing a spinal decompression surgery is not expected to limit your activity level or flexibility in the future.

All of this and more will be discussed in detail with Dr. Rossi prior to undergoing any procedure.

Red circle represents docking site for the port to allow nerve decompression and removal of herniated disc material with minimal disruption to surrounding bone.

Back fusion surgery

If your arthritis is more severe and there is evidence of instability between your bones (technically called spondylolisthesis) then a more advanced surgery called a spinal fusion may be necessary.

The first goal of this surgery is once again removal of bone spurs and herniated disc material. This allows your nerves to float freely and provides immediate relief from the nerve pain. The second goal of fusion surgery is stabilization of your bones and disk space using pins and a spacer.

Dr. Rossi performs all of his lumbar fusion surgeries using the latest minimally invasive techniques. Similar to the decompression surgery described above this involves working through small incisions less than 1 inch in length with a minimally invasive access port.

Dr. Rossi has published articles related to minimally invasive spine surgery in the most prestigious neurosurgery journals in the world. His article was selected as “editor’s choice” with nearly 200 citations on his work.

Construct typically used for a minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery

One inch incisions at the conclusion of a minimally invasive spinal fusion performed by Dr. Rossi with implantation of above hardware.

Answers to common questions about back fusion surgery

Dr. Rossi has performed over a thousand spine surgeries. This is one of the most commonly performed surgeries by Dr. Rossi. All spine surgeries are performed entirely by Dr. Rossi.

You are completely asleep for the procedure. You will have two small approximately one inch incisions on your back. A microscope is used for magnification during the surgery.

Generally patients are observed in the hospital overnight following this surgery. It is more painful than a simple decompression. An overnight stay allows us to adjust your pain medication to ensure you will be comfortable when you go home. We will also have you work with our physical therapist to ensure you are comfortable and safe walking, going up stairs, etc.

Typically patients are discharged home after breakfast the following day (approximately 24 hour hospital stay).

Recovery and return to work time is very dependent on the exact nature of your back issues as well as the surgery performed and will be reviewed with you on an individualized basis before the procedure.

All of this and more will be discussed in detail with Dr. Rossi prior to undergoing any procedure.

X-ray showing placement of above hardware for a minimally invasive spinal fusion.

Understand your pain!

If you have been told or suspect you are suffering from any of these conditions, we are here to help.
Neck, back or joint pain should not interfere with your daily life.
Discuss your condition
directly with Dr. Rossi
A consultation or second opinion with Dr. Rossi ensures the best treatment plan for you or your loved one’s spinal condition.
Scroll to Top
Meet in person with Dr. Rossi to discuss your pain and treatment options.
A second opinion from Dr. Rossi ensures the best treatment plan for you or your loved one’s spinal condition.
Already have imaging of your spine? Request a review with Dr. Rossi to better understand your pain.

A virtual visit uses telehealth for a consultation with Dr. Rossi from the comfort of your home