We are one of the only teams in Houston with expertise in endoscopic spine surgery. This minimally invasive technique allows our surgeons to operate on a herniated disk using an incision only a few millimeters long.
Ranked #23 in the Nation for Orthopedics
Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked No. 23 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for orthopedics, receiving a performing rating for back surgery, and is ranked No 13 in the nation for neurology and neurosurgery. U.S. News & World Report has also named Houston Methodist Hospital one of the nation's best as a nationally ranked Honor Roll hospital.
Access to Innovative & Precise Surgical Procedures
Spinal surgery can relieve pressure on nerves, disks and the spinal cord caused by a herniated disk. Houston Methodist surgeons use the most advanced surgical techniques available to help reduce pain, prevent permanent injury to the spine and restore function, whenever possible.
Our spine surgeons have the expertise needed to successfully perform delicate procedures such as:
- Microdiscectomy – Also known as minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), this relieves pressure on the nerves through small incisions using special equipment, avoiding potential complications of open surgery.
- Laminectomy – This removes the lamina (part of the vertebral bone) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. This can occur on the cervical (upper), thoracic (middle) or lumbar (lower) part of the spine.
- Total disk replacement (arthroplasty) – This is a major surgery to replace a degenerated intervertebral disk in the cervical or lumbar spine with an artificial disk.
- Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) – For this procedure, an implant is placed in the back in which a small pulse generator emits electrical pulses that interfere with the nerve impulses causing pain.
- Lumbar microscopic discectomy – This removes herniated disk material in the lumbar spine that is pressing on a spinal nerve.
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) – This removes herniated disk material and decompresses the nerves in the cervical spine. ACDF is performed through the front of the neck and is the most common operation for a herniated cervical disk.
- Posterior cervical fusion (PCF) – Bones in the back of the cervical spine are fused to relieve pressure and provide stability.
- Cervical laminoplasty – This relieves pressure on the nerves in the cervical spine by cutting the lamina on both sides of the affected vertebrae.
- Cervical microscopic foraminotomy – This minimally invasive procedure enlarges the space through which a nerve root exits the spinal cord, known as the neural foramen, in the cervical spine.
Our operating rooms provide the latest technologies, such as active electrode monitoring (AEM) instrumentation for all laparoscopic surgeries — a state-of-the-art monitoring system.
We understand you may be worried about pain, recovery and when you can get back to daily activities after surgery. Recovery times can vary, and your surgeon will help you understand what to expect. We’re here to guide you every step of the way through treatment and recovery.
When to Consider Spine Surgery for Chronic Back Pain
If you're experiencing back pain due to a structural issue, a spine specialist can advise you on your treatment options — including whether it's time to consider surgery. Spine surgery doesn’t relieve all types of back pain, but it can be an effective solution for chronic back pain from degenerative desk disease, herniated disks and more.
What Is Spinal Fusion & When Is It Necessary?
One type of back surgery — spinal fusion — permanently fuses two vertebrae together to eliminate painful movement between them. Spinal fusion may be an option for those with degenerative disk disease or recurrent herniated disks. If you are a candidate for spinal fusion, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits, and help you prepare for surgery.
Convenient Spine Care Locations Across the Greater Houston Area
Across Houston, our patients have access to our expert neck, back and spine specialists so that you can get the best possible care personalized for your needs — without traveling far from home. Explore our footprint of locations in the greater Houston area and suburbs below.