Spinal Decompression Specialist
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Next Generation Orthopedic & Spine Institute
Anthony Owusu, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon & Spine Surgeon located in San Antonio, TX & Spring, TX
Spinal compression can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling in your back or extremities. After trying non-surgical therapies, you may need surgery to relieve the pressure. Dr. Anthony Owusu performs various spinal decompression techniques at Next Generation Orthopedic & Spine Institute. For some men and women, he can use minimally invasive procedures while others require more extensive decompression surgery. To learn more about your decompression options, contact Dr. Owusu online or over the phone for a consultation.
Spinal Decompression Q & A
What causes spinal compression?
Any time a bodily structure presses on the spinal cord, it causes spinal compression. Two of the most common causes of spinal compression include a bulging disc and spinal stenosis.
Bulging disc
Whenever a cushioned disc between two vertebrae slips out of place, it results in a herniated, or bulging, disc. If the disc slips backward and presses into the spinal cord, it leads to compression.
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the name for the narrowing of the spine. The spinal canal may narrow to the point where it pushes against the spinal cord, causing compression.
What is spinal decompression?
Spinal decompression is surgery to relieve compression on the spinal cord. For a herniated disc, Dr. Owusu may use a discectomy to decompress the spine. During discectomy, Dr. Owusu removes the portion of the disc that presses on the spinal cord.
If spinal stenosis causes compression, he performs a laminectomy. Laminectomy is an operation to remove the back wall of the spinal canal, which allows more room for the spinal cord.
Dr. Owusu uses fluoroscopy to guide spinal decompression surgery. He injects a contrast substance into your veins and uses continuous X-ray for direction
Which spinal decompression techniques do you offer?
At Next Generation Orthopedic & Spine Institute, Dr. Owusu offers several decompression techniques, depending on the severity and location of the compression. He offers minimally invasive decompression techniques, extensive degenerative decompression, and decompression with stabilization.
Minimally invasive decompression techniques
Many times, Dr. Owusu can perform discectomy and laminectomy through tiny incisions. He uses a tiny camera and instruments to perform surgery without causing much damage to the body.
Extensive degenerative decompression
For complex degenerative conditions, Dr. Owusu may need to perform open surgery through a larger incision. He has to move aside the muscles and tissue to access the spine.
Decompression with stabilization
Sometimes Dr. Owusu follows decompression with fusion to help stabilize the spine. Fusion involves fusing two vertebrae together. Sometimes screws and rods are necessary to enhance the stabilization.
If you’re looking for a spinal surgeon in the San Antonio area, contact Dr. Owusu online or over the phone.
