For most people, the words “spinal surgery” bring to mind an operation with a long incision and a lengthy hospital stay.
It doesn’t have to mean that, however, said New Jersey Neurosurgeon, Dr. William Christopher Fox recently in an interview with Pat Farnack on WCBS’s Health and Well-Being Report.
Depending on the patient and their condition, several commonly performed back surgeries can have a minimally invasive alternative. Removing excess bone or a herniated disc that is putting pressure on the spinal nerves is a good example.
“The incision down the back is roughly three-quarters of an inch long,” says Dr. Fox. “There are also newer techniques where we can fuse spinal bones with metal plates and screws through one small incision in the back. With the old way of doing those surgeries, you’d need an incision that’s about three times as long as that.”
Some of the advantages of smaller incisions are less blood loss and quicker recovery time. Dr. Fox says that there are other benefits, as well. “It’s a more cosmetic approach, and there can be less use of narcotic medication afterward since the incision is smaller.”
Dr. Fox says that there are many patients who could benefit from minimally invasive surgeries. “Athletes are great candidates because this can get them on their feet quicker, but at the same time, older patients who may have more medical problems can benefit from that quicker recovery period.”
Minimally invasive surgeries require a great deal of skill. Dr. Fox says that anyone considering a minimally invasive technique should make sure the surgeon is experienced.
“Because you are exposing less with minimally invasive techniques, you have to know the anatomy even more. It’s important to ask your surgeon how experienced they are because there is a steep learning curve.”
Dr. Fox also believes that second opinions are always a good idea. A patient who needs spinal surgery has many choices and should consider those choices carefully.
“There are many ways to do these operations,” Dr. Fox says. “And there’s more than one right way. It’s important for patients to think about their options, talk to people who have experience, and make the best decision on an individual basis.”
To hear Dr. Fox’s complete interview with Pat Farnack, visit newyork.cbslocal.com/audio/health-and-well-being.
Dr. William Christopher Fox is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology at Columbia University Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital. He spent three years as a neurosurgeon in the United States Navy and is based at the Ridgewood practice. Dr. Fox’s specialties include spinal surgeries and minimally invasive techniques.
Learn more about Dr. Fox on his bio page here.
