Dr. John D. Lipani is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon and specialist in spinal fusion. Spinal fusion is a procedure performed when the spinal column becomes unstable and requires stabilization. The spinal column consists of numerous vertebrae that support the body and protect the spinal cord and nerve roots. Spinal instability occurs after degenerative changes, injury or tumors that affect the structural integrity of the spinal column.
Two main goals of spinal fusion are to restore structural integrity of the spinal column and to decompress and protect the spinal cord and nerve roots from compression. Compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots may occur from a degenerative spinal column, a compressing tumor or others. The spinal column may become unstable prior to surgery or may become unstable after the neural elements have been decompressed during surgery. Therefore, spinal fusion candidates may not always have unstable spinal columns prior to surgery.
There is a lot of fear and apprehension associated with undergoing spinal fusion. However, when clinically indicated, spinal fusion can protect neurologic function and restore structural stability with the ultimate goal of restoring a healthy quality of life.
Spinal fusion should only be performed by neurologic surgeons or orthopedic surgeons with highly specialized training in complex spinal surgery. Without adequate training, surgical outcomes may be significantly compromised. For example, the surgeon must have significant operative training and experience with the spinal cord and nerve roots and should also be able to respond appropriately if these delicate neural structures are injured, either before surgery, during surgery or after surgery. In addition, advanced clinical expertise in complex spinal reconstruction is also necessary to perform successful spinal fusion constructs. Spinal fusion procedures should not be performed by pain management doctors or any surgeon without extensive formal training and clinical experience using complex spinal instrumentation and performing complex spinal fusions.
Choosing the appropriate candidate for spinal fusion is paramount to achieving great outcomes. Many patients who are appropriate candidates for spinal fusion have failed conservative treatments or have worsened clinically. Qualified candidates are responsible for identifying patients who are appropriate candidates for spinal fusion and must decide whether it should be performed urgently. Sustained compression of the neural elements can result in permanent neurologic dysfunction and lead to numbness, weakness, loss of bodily functions and paralysis. Therefore, it may be a serious mistake to avoid or delay spinal fusion in certain cases.
Although failed fusions can occur, they are much less likely in the hands of an experienced and well-trained spinal surgeon. Dr. John D. Lipani is a trusted neurosurgeon with years of knowledge and experience performing complex and minimally invasive spinal surgery. Dr. Lipani spent several years at the Delaware Valley Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, one of the nation's 16 centers of excellence for spinal disorders and participated in the combined neurosurgical and orthopedic spine fellowship program. He also completed a fellowship at NYU Medical Center in neurosurgery with a focus on complex spinal surgery, which remains a significant part of his current practice.
For more information about spinal fusion and spinal fustion treatment, contact the office of Dr. John D. Lipani at (609)-890-3400 today!
