Pediculectomy
A pediculectomy is a decompression procedure that addresses a small portion of the vertebrae known as the pedicle, this procedure may be performed as part of the Bonati Spine Procedures depending on the patients condition.
Every vertebra in the spine includes the drum-shaped vertebral body, the transverse side, to which muscles attach, and the posterior (backside), composed of the lamina, facet joints and pedicles. Pedicles are located on either side of the vertebral body, and connect to the facet joint, bridging the front and back sections of each vertebra. The rounded hollows above and below the pedicle are the vertebral notches. When the vertebrae are joined together, the notches create passageways called intervertebral foramina. Nerve roots extend outward from the spinal cord, through the foramina, to the rest of the body. These rope-like nerves wind around each pedicle.
When there are changes in the height of a pedicle, due to changes in an intervertebral disc, degenerative scoliosis, or spine misalignment, pressure can be placed on the nerve roots that wind around the pedicle, causing pain.
The Bonati Pediculectomy removes a small portion of the pedicle that is pressing on the nerves. This procedure is often done in accompaniment to other decompression procedures including The Bonati Laminectomy (which addresses lamina that are pressing on nerves) or The Bonati Foraminotomy (addressing the foramina pressing on nerves).
The Bonati Pediculectomy is performed through a small incision (less than one inch) through which a series of tubes patented by The Bonati Spine Institute are inserted. These small tubes accommodate surgical tools and medical imaging equipment (endoscope, fluoroscopy and intraoperative X-ray). The pedicle is then accessed through an arthroscopic microscope, and small portions of the pedicle are removed until the pressure on the nerve root is relieved.
The Bonati Spine Institute does not use general anesthesia. Through the use of local anesthesia and conscious IV sedation the patient is comfortable, responsive, and able to provide feedback to the doctors throughout the procedure. This allows our surgeons to target the source of pain with pinpoint accuracy. While in the operating room, the surgical team will confirm the patient is able to complete a series of mobility exercises and verify that the pain has been successfully treated. After the procedure, the patient is transferred to the post-operative care unit for rest and observation, and then a post-operative consultation with the surgeon will help determine if additional procedures included in the surgical plan are necessary. Follow-up surgeries are usually scheduled within a few days of the first surgery, to allow any swelling to subside. During this time, the patient will be given a regimen of walking therapy.
Contact The Bonati Spine Institute today and speak with a Patient Advocate to answer your questions.
The Bonati Spine Institute offers complimentary MRI or CT scan reviews for patients suffering from chronic pain which can be caused by a variety of spine problems. A surgeon will provide feedback and possible treatment options, for suitable Bonati Spine Procedures candidates. Request an MRI review now.