Surgical Procedures

Anterior and lateral access spine surgery ​

Anterior and lateral access spine surgery is a minimally invasive surgery through the anterior (abdomen) or side of the body, instead of the conventional back of the body. Through this type of surgery, there is minimal disruption of the normal anatomy, including the muscles in the back, which are the main cause of significant pain after conventional spine surgery. This procedure presents minimal risk of vascular or nerve injury as it is performed away from such anatomical structures. In addition, it provides an opportunity to perform surgery in patients that already had posterior spine surgery without the risk of scarring.

Complex revision spine surgery​

Thanks to advancements in technology, we are able to perform complex revision spine surgery in a safe and effective way. Many people who have undergone prior surgeries on their spine require further intervention to either stabilize the spine or improve their quality of life. At Mount Sinai, we specialize in performing surgery in patients who have already had surgeries, offering minimal risk and maximal outcomes. We can often provide relief for patients who may have complicating factors, including scar tissue. Using state of the art surgical approaches including anterior and lateral spine surgeries we are able to correct spine complexities that many other institutions or surgeons may not be able to effectively treat.

Computer-assisted navigation spine surgery​

Some spine surgeries can be performed using computer-assisted navigation, which uses image-guided technology to minimize the invasiveness of surgery and improve the accuracy and safety of the procedure. The use of computer assisted navigation allows the surgeon to enhance traditional operating methods using conventional X-rays and substitute state-of-the-art technology that provides a live anatomical guidance of the patient (like a “GPS” of the patient’s spine). This technology is used mainly for the placement of hardware, including inter-bodies (spacers) and screws, allowing the surgeon to perform true minimally invasive techniques, which ultimately reduce radiation exposure, postoperative pain, and blood loss during the operation.

Deformity spine surgery​

Deformity spine surgery, or scoliosis or instability surgery, is advanced surgical correction for patients with acquired deformity of the spine. These types of surgeries require extensive fixations and fusion with the latest technology. The objective of such operations is to reduce pain, restore the normal alignment of the spine, and improve quality of life for the patient. The type of surgery is tailored to each individual case, however in all cases the goals of the operation are to correct the deformity and re-stabilize the spine to its normal anatomical position.

Minimally invasive spine surgery​

Minimally invasive spine surgery is a type of surgery that uses smaller incisions than standard surgery. This often causes less harm to nearby muscles and other tissues, and can lead to less pain and a faster recovery after surgery. With minimally invasive spine surgery, the muscle is preserved by using different types of instruments, avoiding muscle cutting, which is more commonly done during conventional open spine surgery. The preservation of muscle ultimately results in reduced pain after surgery as well as reduced blood loss during the operation. Minimally invasive spine surgery may be accomplished through different types of approaches, including anterior (front of patient), lateral (side of patient) or posterior to the spine (back).