Our Summary

This study looks at how to safely place screws in the spine without damaging important nerve structures. The researchers used cadavers to study the C2 nerve root, which is located near the area where screws are typically placed in the spine. They found that this nerve could be carefully moved out of the way, which allows the screw to be placed without causing any damage. This could potentially help improve the safety and effectiveness of spinal surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What is the main focus of this study on detethering surgery?
  2. How can the placement of screws in the spine be improved according to the research?
  3. What potential benefits could this new surgical approach offer for spinal surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing detethering surgery to follow post-operative care instructions closely, including avoiding heavy lifting or bending for a certain period of time to allow for proper healing of the spine. They may also recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and improve flexibility. Additionally, the doctor may advise the patient to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle to reduce the risk of complications and promote overall spinal health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended detethering surgery are those who have a tethered spinal cord, which is a condition where the spinal cord is abnormally attached to the surrounding tissues. This can cause symptoms such as back pain, leg weakness, difficulty walking, and bladder or bowel problems. Detethering surgery is often recommended to release the spinal cord and relieve these symptoms.

Timeline

Before detethering surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with a neurosurgeon to discuss symptoms and potential treatment options.
  2. Diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scan to confirm the presence of a tethered spinal cord.
  3. Pre-operative evaluation to assess overall health and readiness for surgery.
  4. Consent process to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.

After detethering surgery:

  1. Recovery in the hospital for a few days to monitor for any complications.
  2. Physical therapy and rehabilitation to help regain strength and mobility.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  4. Long-term monitoring to ensure the tethered spinal cord does not reoccur or cause further issues.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is detethering surgery and why do I need it?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications of detethering surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of detethering surgery in patients with my condition?
  4. How long is the recovery process after detethering surgery?
  5. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  6. What are the alternative treatment options to detethering surgery?
  7. How many detethering surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate?
  8. What is the long-term outlook for patients who undergo detethering surgery?
  9. Are there any specific precautions or lifestyle changes I should make after the surgery?
  10. Can you explain the specific techniques and tools you will use during the surgery to ensure the safety of my nerves and spinal cord?

Reference

Authors: Fisahn C, Johal J, Moisi M, Iwanaga J, Oskouian RJ, Chapman JR, Tubbs RS. Journal: World Neurosurg. 2017 Jan;97:221-224. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2016.10.007. Epub 2016 Oct 12. PMID: 27744083