Our Summary

This research paper is about a medical procedure called sacral laminoplasty with titanium mesh, which is used to treat spinal conditions. These conditions are often found in patients with spina bifida, a birth defect where there is incomplete closing of the backbone and membranes around the spinal cord. The sacral area of the spine (near the bottom) can be particularly vulnerable to problems, such as a build-up of spinal fluid or the development of cysts.

In this study, the authors treated six patients with these kinds of spinal issues using sacral laminoplasty with titanium mesh. This is a procedure where a surgeon repairs the spinal defect and then uses a piece of titanium mesh to provide support and act as a barrier. The authors found that this procedure was successful in all six patients, with no recurrence of their original spinal problems and relief from symptoms such as back pain and tenderness in the treated area.

In conclusion, the authors believe that sacral laminoplasty with titanium mesh is a safe and effective treatment for these kinds of spinal issues, especially those found in patients with spina bifida.

FAQs

  1. What is sacral laminoplasty with titanium mesh?
  2. What conditions can be treated with sacral laminoplasty with titanium mesh?
  3. What were the outcomes of the study on sacral laminoplasty with titanium mesh?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about detethering surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a certain period of time to allow for proper healing. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider. Lastly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and proper nutrition can also support the healing process after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended detethering surgery include those with spina bifida, tethered spinal cord syndrome, spinal cord tumors, spinal cord injuries, and other conditions that can cause spinal cord tethering or compression. Symptoms that may indicate the need for detethering surgery include back pain, leg weakness, numbness or tingling in the legs, difficulty walking or loss of bowel or bladder control. It is important for patients to consult with a neurosurgeon or spinal specialist to determine if detethering surgery is the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before detethering surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as back pain, numbness or weakness in the legs, difficulty walking, bowel or bladder dysfunction, and changes in gait. They may undergo diagnostic tests such as MRI scans to determine the cause of their symptoms.

After detethering surgery, the patient may experience initial pain and discomfort at the surgical site, which can be managed with pain medication. They may also need physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the affected areas. Over time, the patient should experience improvement in their symptoms, such as reduced pain, improved sensation and function in the legs, and better bladder and bowel control. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon will be necessary to monitor their progress and address any concerns that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about detethering surgery include:

  1. What is detethering surgery and how does it work?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with detethering surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process after detethering surgery?
  4. What kind of follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?
  5. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions that will need to be followed post-surgery?
  6. How successful is detethering surgery in treating spinal issues like those associated with spina bifida?
  7. Are there alternative treatment options available besides detethering surgery?
  8. How experienced is the surgical team in performing detethering surgery?
  9. What is the expected outcome of detethering surgery in terms of symptom relief and long-term prognosis?
  10. Are there any specific pre-surgery preparations that need to be made before undergoing detethering surgery?

Reference

Authors: Chen YN, Yang SH, Chou SC, Kuo MF. Journal: Neurosurg Focus. 2019 Oct 1;47(4):E20. doi: 10.3171/2019.7.FOCUS19414. PMID: 31574475