Surgery options, recovery guidelines, financial considerations, and further details concerning Ankylosing Spondylitis surgery
In the world of healthcare, spinal surgeries play a significant role in alleviating pain and improving the quality of life for many individuals. This article aims to provide a clear and concise overview of various spinal surgeries, with a particular focus on those relevant to Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patients.
A laminectomy, a procedure that involves removing part or all of a vertebra to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, is one such surgery. Another is spinal osteotomy, a surgical procedure that involves cutting and reshaping bones to straighten the spine. Surgery can also involve fusing two or more vertebrae, known as spinal fusion, to stabilize the spine.
While these surgeries offer potential benefits, they are not without risks. Risks associated with spinal surgery include infection at the incision site, damage to blood vessels, blood clots, allergic reactions, spinal fractures, nerve damage, scarring, and an increased risk of blood clots.
Following surgery, a person may find improved posture and be able to sit or stand with a straight back or maneuver themselves into positions they previously found difficult. Surgery can also improve the range of motion in the joints.
For AS patients, severe spinal deformities such as excessive posture changes caused by inflammation and ankylosing of the spine, and severe joint damage, particularly in the hips, requiring joint replacement, are common signs that surgery might be necessary. Other indications include pain that does not respond to conservative treatments and spinal complications like painful compression fractures.
Surgical decisions usually involve collaboration between rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons and are reserved for advanced or severe cases due to the risks and recovery involved. The goal of surgery can be to correct posture, relieve pain, restore function, or replace severely damaged joints.
It's important to note that physiotherapy and exercise can help keep the spine mobile and improve posture, and complementary therapies like acupuncture, massage, yoga, and TENS machine use can alleviate pain and improve circulation in people with AS.
In terms of costs, a 2015 study suggests the average cost of spinal surgery on the upper back was $13,899, and the surgery on the lower back had a total average price of $25,858. Recovery time following surgery varies depending on the type of surgery and the person's overall health.
If you experience redness or swelling at the surgical wound site, severe pain around the wound, discharge from the wound, fever, chills, throbbing or cramping pain in an arm or leg, swelling, redness, or warmth in an arm or leg, shortness of breath, sharp chest pain that may worsen when breathing in, or coughing, it's crucial to contact a doctor immediately.
In conclusion, while spinal surgeries can offer significant benefits, they are not without risks. It's essential for individuals considering such procedures to discuss their options thoroughly with their healthcare providers and to be aware of the potential complications. For AS patients, a collaborative approach between rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons can help determine the most appropriate course of action.
Spinal osteotomy, a surgery that reshapes bones to straighten the spine, is another procedure relevant to Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patients. Fusion of two or more vertebrae, known as spinal fusion, is used to stabilize the spine. However, these surgeries carry risks such as spinal fractures, nerve damage, and an increased risk of blood clots.
AS patients may require surgery due to severe spinal deformities, joint damage, particularly in the hips, pain unresponsive to conservative treatments, and spinal complications like painful compression fractures. Collaboration between rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons is crucial in making surgical decisions for advanced or severe cases.
It's important to note that physiotherapy and exercise can help manage symptoms and improve posture in AS patients. Complementary therapies like acupuncture, massage, yoga, and TENS machine use can also alleviate pain and improve circulation.
While spinal surgery can be costly, with upper back surgery averaging $13,899 and lower back surgery $25,858, recovery times vary based on the type of surgery and the person's overall health.
Certain signs can indicate post-surgical complications, including redness or swelling at the surgical wound site, severe pain around the wound, discharge from the wound, fever, chills, and shortness of breath, among others. Immediate contact with a doctor is necessary in such cases.
