Interlaminar implant
OVERVIEW
Procedure:
During interlaminar implant surgery, the surgeon makes a slight incision in the lower back and an opening through the ligaments. The surgeon will remove the damaged portion of the disc and replace it with allograft bone. They will place allograft bone in space, which will help protect the spinal cord and nerves. A metal implant stabilizes the spine and protects the spinous process until fusion occurs. The benefit of using intralaminar surgery instead of spinal surgery includes less blood loss, smaller incisions, and quick recovery.
Length of surgery:
Interlaminar implant surgery usually takes two to three hours. In contrast, a patient is under “General anesthesia” and needs to be monitored after surgery. It will make you unconscious, and you will be unable to feel anything during the entire procedure.
Complications:
As with any surgery, some risks come. This surgery is considered one of the major surgeries. On the other hand, there are fewer risks associated with minor surgeries. But when it comes to major surgeries, you can expect some complications after surgery. So, here are some problems you may face after an interlaminar implant.
Infection:
It is one of the common complications that patients face after surgery. The area where the incision was created can get infected. You can treat it with antibiotics, and infection is most likely in patients who have diabetes or use steroids.
Blood clots:
You may develop a blood clot after interlaminar implant surgery, certainly in your leg. It can cause a serious problem if the blood clot breaks off and moves to the lungs.
Dural tear:
Most of the patients face dural tears occurring after lumbar decompression surgery. The dura is a tissue that covers the spinal cord and nerves.
Nerve injury and paralysis:
After intralaminar surgery, some patients face nerve injury and paralysis caused by different problems, including leakage of spinal fluid, bleeding inside the spinal column, and accidental damage to nerves and blood vessels during surgery.
Recovery:
Patients who go through minimally invasive surgery tend to recover faster than those with open spine surgery. After the interlaminar implant, they will discharge you after 24 hours. It would be best if you met a therapist. They will instruct you not to bend, lift, and twist your back. You have to limit your daily work and body movements. The surgeon will remove the stitches after one or two weeks. You can do some exercises with your therapist’s help to improve your muscles’ flexibility and strength. It may take six weeks to get back into your normal routine. For the first two weeks, you must avoid lifting heavy objects, as it can cause serious damage to your muscles.
Awards and Certifications
