Name of the Procedure:

Osteotomy of Spine, Posterior or Posterolateral Approach, 1 Vertebral Segment; Each Additional Vertebral Segment (List separately in addition to primary procedure)

Summary

An osteotomy of the spine involves cutting and realigning bones to correct deformities or relieve pain. This procedure specifically uses a posterior or posterolateral approach, meaning the surgeon accesses the spine from the back or side.

Purpose

Osteotomy of the spine is performed to:

• Correct spinal deformities such as kyphosis or scoliosis.
• Relieve pain caused by vertebral compression or misalignment.
• Improve overall spinal function and patient quality of life.

Indications

This procedure is indicated for patients with:

• Severe spinal deformities that do not respond to conservative treatments.
• Chronic pain and functional limitations due to vertebral misalignment.
• Conditions such as severe scoliosis, kyphosis, or ankylosing spondylitis.

Preparation

Patients may need to:

• Fast for a certain number of hours prior to surgery.
• Adjust or stop certain medications as directed by their healthcare provider.
• Undergo diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to guide surgical planning.
• Complete a pre-operative assessment including blood tests and physical examination.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia is administered, usually general anesthesia.
2. The patient is positioned to allow access to the spine.
3. An incision is made along the back or side, depending on the location of the vertebral segment to be corrected.
4. Muscles and tissues are carefully moved aside to expose the spine.
5. Using specialized surgical tools, the surgeon cuts and realigns the bone(s).
6. Hardware such as screws or rods may be used to stabilize the spine.
7. The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 3 to 5 hours, depending on the complexity and number of segments involved.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital operating room.

Personnel

• Orthopedic or neurosurgeon specialized in spinal surgery
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurses and technicians
• Radiologic technicians (if intraoperative imaging is used)

Risks and Complications

Common risks include:

• Infection
• Blood loss
• Nerve damage
• Blood clots Rare complications may include:
• Non-union or improper healing of the bone
• Hardware failure
• Chronic pain

Benefits

• Improved spinal alignment and posture
• Reduction in chronic pain
• Enhanced mobility and function
• Benefits are typically realized over several weeks to months as the spine heals.

Recovery

• Hospital stay of 3 to 7 days post-surgery.
• Pain management through medications.
• Physical therapy may begin within a few days post-surgery.
• Full recovery can take several months, with gradual return to normal activities.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and hardware integrity.

Alternatives

• Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy and pain management.
• Spinal fusion or other types of spinal surgeries.
• Each alternative has its own set of risks and benefits which should be discussed with the healthcare provider.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient will be under general anesthesia and will not feel pain. Post-surgery, patients can expect some pain and discomfort, which will be managed with medications. Physical therapy and gradual activity increase are important for recovery, and patients should expect to follow specific care instructions to ensure proper healing.