Lumbar Procedures

Dr. Ortega firmly believes that spine surgery should always be the last option whenever possible. However, timely surgical intervention may become necessary if certain conditions are present, such as severe pain, progressive neurological deficits, or if conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief over a reasonable period of time.

In such cases, patients often seek out the expertise and proficiency of Dr. Brandon A. Ortega, MD, based in Torrance and Long Beach, California. As a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, Dr. Ortega possesses extensive experience in treating lumbar spine problems using both open and minimally invasive techniques.

To schedule a lumbar spine evaluation and embark on the journey toward a pain-free life, contact Dr. Ortega's practice, Brandon A. Ortega, MD, today.

When would I need a lumbar procedure?

Dr. Ortega may recommend lumbar spine surgery to individuals who have persistent and debilitating symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life, and who have not responded to conservative treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and pain management.

Some common indications for lumbar spine surgery include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Sciatica
• Disc herniation 
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal/lateral recess/foramen) 
• Spondylolistheiss (slipped vertebra)
• Radiculopathy (pinched nerve roots)
• Neurogenic claudication (pinched spinal cord)
• Compression fractures
  

How are lumbar procedures done?

Dr. Ortega performs the majority of lumbar procedures utilizing either open or minimally invasive techniques, employing one of three approaches to the spine:

• Anterior approach: incision is through the abdomen (with the assistance of a vascular surgeon) 
• Posterior approach: incision is through the back
• Lateral approach: incision is through the side

Dr. Ortega determines the most suitable approach based on the underlying problem and its location within the spine.

Which lumbar procedure will I need?

Dr. Ortega performs the following lumbar procedures:

Spinal Decompression

Decompression procedures involve removing tissue or bone to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves or spinal cord and include: 

• Discectomy, removal of a portion of a herniated
• Laminotomy, partial removal of the lamina (bony arch that covers spinal canal)
• Foraminotomy, enlargment of the foramen (openings through which spinal nerves exit the spinal canal)
• Laminectomy, complete removal of the lamina (bony arch that covers spinal canal)

Spinal Fusion

Fusion procedures involve joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine and reduce pain using interbody cages (spacers), screws, and rods. 

• Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
• Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF)
• Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
• Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Fusion

Call Brandon A. Ortega, MD, to learn if a lumbar procedure can improve your quality of life.