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Treatment Options

Procedures

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery uses microscopic visualization and minimal access through small incisions, typically measuring an inch in length, in which nerves are decompressed, bones are fused and stabilizing rods, screws or plates are placed into the spine. Minimally invasive surgery employs muscle-splitting techniques that preserve muscular attachments to the spine and avoid cutting of muscle, which occurs with more traditional techniques. Minimally invasive surgery may reduce hospital stays, decrease postoperative pain and improve short-term recovery and return to normal activities.

Chiari Malformation Surgery

Chiari malformation involves an abnormal displacement of a portion of the brain. It may be due to conditions present at birth or develop later in life. A wide variety of symptoms may result, including headache, swallowing difficulties, numbness and weakness. Symptoms may be corrected by enlarging the space around the brain and upper spinal cord. Utilizing intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring, ultrasound and microscopic technologies, University of Florida neurosurgeons have successfully treated numerous patients, providing them with a significantly improved quality of life.

Computer-assisted Neurosurgery

Our surgeons use computer-assisted technology for the safe removal of complex tumors and malformations of vital areas of the spine and brain. This technique, known as neuronavigation, uses the BrainLab unit. Neuronaviation allows the surgeon to be guided throughout the operation, assessing real-time extent of tumor removal and certain advanced spine fusion procedures.

Intra-operative Monitoring

Intra-operative neurophysiologic monitoring allows the surgeon to be notified of potential injury to vital neural structures. This early warning allows the surgeon to modify the operative procedure accordingly.

Using the latest intra-operative monitoring equipment, our surgeons can perform simultaneous monitoring of electroencephalogram (EEG), motor and somatosensory evoked potentials and electromyelogram (EMG) for safe removal of complex brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerve tumors. They also can monitor the insertion of screws during spinal fusions.

Utilizing BrainLab, the surgeons can obtain the very best of spinal and cranial stereotaxis (using a computer and scanning devices to create three-dimensional pictures) for real-time localization of vital structures. This enables safer surgery as well as the ability to determine the accuracy of tumor removal. The Spine Center also uses the Pentero microscope, which provides state-of-the art illumination and magnification, along with infrared capabilities for radical tumor removal and aneurysm surgery.

Peripheral Nerve Surgery

At the Shands Jacksonville Spine Center, peripheral nerve surgery is used in the treatment of a wide array of problems involving nerves. This includes surgery for tumors, carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve compression at the wrist and elbow, and injuries or tumors of the brachial plexus.

Reconstructive and Traumatic Spine Surgery

Tumors, infections and trauma may all produce significant loss of tissue integrity and/or strength. The resultant instability of the spine may require complex reconstruction to reestablish normal anatomical relationships and stability. These procedures typically require the expertise of multiple surgeons in order to safely repair the spine.

Using advanced technologies, such as intra-operative monitoring, computer-assisted neurosurgery (BrainLab) and ultrasound, the specialists at the Shands Jacksonville Spine Center have the experience and training to deliver optimal outcomes for spine reconstruction of all complexities.

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