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Modern spine surgery embraces two elements: deconstruction, which is the removal
of anatomy, and reconstruction, which is the adding to anatomy. In some operations,
both elements are combined. The correction of defects that produce pain or neurological
symptoms often involve the removal of tissue (the selective deconstruction or alteration
of anatomy) for the fixed purpose of relieving symptoms.
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This surgical principle may be a stand-alone procedure and because of the nature of the
problem and the location and amount of tissue removed, no further reconstruction is
performed. Reconstruction may accompany the removal of tissue, if the necessity of removing
tissue produces a potential consequence that requires stabilization. Reconstruction may be
the primary goal in itself, when a condition does not require removal of tissue but the
addition to the existing anatomic structure to eliminate pain, promote stability and provide
an environment for neurological structures to flourish in.
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Regardless of the surgical paradigm (reconstruction vs. deconstruction or both),
modern spine surgeons seek to accomplish their goals in the least invasive manner that
the condition and anatomy allows. The era of minimally invasive surgery is basically the
attempt to minimize the amount of normal tissue altered to access and address anatomic
abnormalities. As the technology improved, reconstructive phases have entered the minimally
invasive arena with percutaneous fusion, BMP and surgical navigation
systems.
At Little Company of Mary, all of the potential surgical alternatives are available,
from the maximally invasive to the minimally invasive, from surgical approaches to
the human body derived from every angle, and from the newest access, implantable
instrumentation and biological technology. Surgeons at Little Company of Mary assess
the particular condition and configure the best approach and technology solution for
the particular spine problem. Little Company of Mary is the full service spine surgery
hospital.
Words © 2002 William Dillin, M.D.
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