Name of the Procedure:

Open Treatment and/or Reduction of Vertebral Fracture(s) and/or Dislocation(s), Posterior Approach, 1 Fractured Vertebra or Dislocated Segment; Lumbar

Summary

This surgical procedure involves the repair or realignment of a fractured or dislocated lumbar vertebra using a posterior (back) approach. The surgery aims to stabilize the spine, alleviate pain, and prevent further neurological damage.

Purpose

Medical Condition: This procedure addresses fractures or dislocations in the lumbar spine. Goals:

• Stabilize the spine
• Relieve pain
• Restore normal alignment
• Prevent further neurological injury

Indications

Symptoms or Conditions:

• Severe back pain
• Neurological deficits (e.g., numbness, weakness)
• Spinal instability Criteria:
• Traumatic injury to the lumbar spine
• Failure of non-surgical treatments
• Evidence of spinal cord or nerve compression

Preparation

Instructions:

• Fasting for 8 hours prior to surgery
• Medication adjustments as per physician's guidance Pre-assessments:
• MRI or CT scans
• Blood tests
• Cardiac evaluation if necessary

Procedure Description

1. Patient is placed under general anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the lower back.
3. Muscles and tissues are carefully moved to access the affected vertebra.
4. Fractured or dislocated vertebra is realigned or repaired.
5. Metal screws, rods, or plates may be used to stabilize the spine.
6. Incision is closed with sutures or staples.
7. Surgical site is covered with a sterile dressing.

Tools and Equipment:

• Surgical instruments (scalpels, clamps)
• Imaging devices (fluoroscopy)
• Stabilization hardware (screws, rods)

Duration

Typically takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on the complexity.

Setting

Performed in a hospital operating room under sterile conditions.

Personnel

• Orthopedic or neurosurgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurses
• Surgical technologists
• Radiologic technologist (for intraoperative imaging)

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Infection
• Blood loss
• Pain at the incision site Rare Risks:
• Nerve damage
• Blood clots
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Hardware failure or malposition

Benefits

Expected Benefits:

• Pain relief
• Restored spinal alignment
• Stabilized spine Realization Time: Most patients experience significant pain reduction and improved mobility within a few weeks to a few months.

Recovery

Post-procedure Care:

• Pain management with medications
• Physical therapy
• Avoid heavy lifting and twisting movements Expected Recovery Time: 6 to 12 weeks Follow-up: Regular check-ups with the surgeon for progress assessment.

Alternatives

Other Options:

• Conservative treatments (bracing, physical therapy)
• Minimally invasive procedures Pros and Cons:
• Conservative treatments are less invasive but may be less effective for severe cases.
• Minimally invasive procedures have shorter recovery times but may not be suitable for complex fractures or dislocations.

Patient Experience

During Procedure:

• Patient will be asleep under general anesthesia. After Procedure:
• Initial pain managed with medications
• Discomfort and soreness at the incision site Pain Management: Pain medications, physical therapy for mobility and strength building. Comfort measures include proper positioning and use of supportive devices like braces or walkers.