The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It is protected and stabilized by the spine, a column of small bones (vertebrae) and discs. While not all spinal conditions require neurosurgery, some diseases and conditions may, including: Degenerative disease: A group of conditions that involve a loss of normal structure and function in the spine. Pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots associated with spinal degeneration may be caused by disc displacement or herniation, a narrowing of the spinal canal or arthritic breakdown at spinal joints. Surgery may eventually be necessary as a condition progresses or when there is chronic pain or loss of nerve and organ function.

Spinal deformities: These deformaties arise from abnormal curvature of the spine in the coronal (scoliosis) or sagittal (kyphosis) planes. Severe deformities can cause neurologic symptoms or incapacitating pain. Scoliosis is classified by the age of presentation, which can include infantile, juvenile, adolescent, and adult types. Neurosurgery can correct spinal alignment, and instrumentation may be required.

Spinal tumors: Tumors can occur in many places along the spine and inside the spinal cord. Different types and locations of tumors present with different symptoms and require different treatment approaches.

Spinal trauma: Partial or complete damage to the spinal cord or spine can result in loss of movement, sensation and organ function. Surgery is sometimes necessary to stabilize fractured backbones or release pressure from the injured area.

Spinal infections: Bacteria or fungus can infect the spinal bones, the discs, the covering around the spinal cord and the space around the spinal cord. Surgery may be required to remove infected tissue, correct spinal instability caused by infection or relieve pressure on the spinal cord caused by the infection.

Chiari Malformations: A group of disorders which are characterized by abnormal displacement of brain tissue into the spinal canal. There are adult and pediatric Chiari Malformations, which may cause neurologic problems. Symptoms may be the result of compression of neural elements or disturbances in the flow of cerebral spinal fluid. Since this uncommon condition is being diagnosed more frequently with the prevalence of MR imaging, it is important to get appropriate treatment recommendations.

Spine Surgery Specialists

	George V. DiGiacinto, MD
Vice Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery
St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals

	Douglas S. Cohen, MD
St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals & Beth Israel Medical Center

	Chan Roonprapunt, MD
St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals & Beth Israel Medical Center

	Christopher Mandigo, MD
St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals

 

 

 

 

 

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