SPINE SURGERY
With more than two decades of surgical experience and a dedication to staying up to date with the latest industry techniques and technology, Dr. Paul Saiz is the only board-certified spine surgeon in New Mexico. His practice specializes on spinal diseases, disorders, and trauma of the neck and spine.
SPINE SURGERY
With more than two decades of surgical experience and a dedication to staying up to date with the latest industry techniques and technology, Dr. Paul Saiz is the only board-certified spine surgeon in New Mexico. His practice specializes on spinal diseases, disorders, and trauma of the neck and spine.
Spine treatment to include surgery is a very individualized decision and “one size does NOT fit all”. Thankfully, most interventions for spine pain start with education, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and potential injections. As a last resort, spine surgery may be considered. When considering spine surgery, there are two basic types to know about. One of the more common complaints Dr. Paul Saiz addresses are pinched nerves.
Spine surgery conceptually is broken down into two types 1) decompressing anatomy (pinched nerve) or 2) stabilizing painful moving parts (Degenerative Disc Disease) or both procedures at the same time. Decompressing painful anatomy, for example removing a herniated disc to take pressure off of a nerve, is addressed with a decompression. When operating to fix this condition, the patient might require the removal of bone, ligaments, or a disc in order to open up space around the affected nerves. This procedure can involve a laminectomy, or the complete removal of the lamina at the back of the spinal canal. Alternately, a lesser procedure called a laminotomy requires only the partial removal of the lamina. The second most common surgery performed by Dr. Paul Saiz is a spine fusion procedure, which involves fusing together two or more vertebrae by stimulating new bone growth in the disc space between the vertebrae. By permanently immobilizing the problem area, pain can be reduced or eliminated. Growth of new bone between the vertebrae takes months to complete, so surgical screws and rods are used to immobilize the area and facilitate the fusion.
Dr. Paul Saiz and his team are dedicated to optimal patient care and an excellent outcome. New approaches and techniques give him many options for each individual patient’s unique needs. Dr. Paul Saiz will work with you to decide on what surgery and treatment options are best for you.
