Thoracic Spine
What is the Thoracic Spine?The thoracic spine has twelve vertebral bodies, which are stacked on top of each other with a disc in between each one. These vertebral bodies act as a support column to hold up the spine. The Thoracic Spine has very little motion because the vertebrae in this region of the spine are firmly attached to the ribs and sternum (breastbone). Because there is little motion, this region of the spine is not usually a common source of back pain, although the junction between the spine and the ribs (known as Costo-Vertebral Junction) can be a source of pain. What is Thoracic Spine Surgery?Thoracic Spine Surgery covers a range of upper back procedures ranging from decompression to fusion surgery. These procedures are typically performed to relieve pressure on nerve roots from congenital abnormalities, trauma or degenerative disease that cause related pain or restricted mobility in the neck, upper back, shoulders arms and hands. What types of procedures are commonly performed on the Thoracic Spine? How is Thoracic Spine Surgery carried out?Arthroscopic Spinal Surgical methods, also known as Minimally invasive Surgery (abbreviated to M.I.S) is an increasingly common method used by specialist spine surgeons to investigate, diagnose and treat thoracic spinal disorders. The term Arthroscopic or Minimally Invasive Surgery (M.I.S) is also often commonly referred to by the general public as 'Keyhole Surgery". This procedure represents a distinct technological advance in the way a spinal surgeon can choose to operate on a patient, as it provides a quick, easy and clear view of the inside a thoracic vertebral joint or space through a pencil slim, high-resolution camera, known as an Arthroscope, without the need to fully open up the spine with a traditional incision (cut). The main advantage of an M.I.S technique, is that less trauma is caused to the skin, underlying tissue, ligaments and muscles surrounding the problematic area of the cervical spine as the incisions used in this type of surgery are only small 'Key Holes' rather than a lengthy surgical cut. The speed of a patient's recovery following M.I.S surgery is therefore remarkably shorter and considerably more pain free, than when compared to other traditional surgical methods. Are there any risks associated with Thoracic Spine Surgery? Although Thoracic Spinal Surgery is regularly performed without any complication, it is very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking this type of specialist complex surgery.
All surgery, no mater how expertly or carefully it is performed, carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation to discuss your condition in relation to these risks with an expert in Thoracic Spinal Surgery cannot be over emphasised. How do I find out if I am a suitable candidate for Thoracic Spine surgery?Surgical Advisor will be delighted to help you find a leading expert in Thoracic Spinal surgery to consult with. Your surgeon will carry out a thorough evaluation of your condition and provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the most appropriate surgical solution.
Our Expert Consultant Orthopaedic and Neuro Surgeons are most carefully selected and recommended because they understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating complex spinal surgery and because of their specialist Thoracic spine surgery expertise. Throughout your consultation you will therefore be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any recommended treatment. To ensure that patients are comfortable with any recommendations or advice given in their consultation, all patients are asked to go away after a consultation and think through all the information they have received. If for whatever reason you are still not sure about the best course of action and wish to have further dialogue with your surgeon, you will not be expected to pay for a second consultation appointment. How do I make a consultation appointment?For further advice on how to make an appointment to consult with an expert Thoracic Spinal Surgeon: Please call Surgical Advisor on: 0870 41 41 41 2
Or email us by clicking on: advice@surgicaladvisor.com
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