Allegheny General Hospital neurosurgeons perform thousands of spinal surgeries per year using the newest and most advanced techniques available.  Patient are feeling better and returning to their lives faster than ever before.  Our neurosurgeons are involved in pioneering new techniques to improve patient outcomes every day.

Spine Therapies Group
Since the vast majority of patients with spine disease can be effectively treated with conservative medical care, the Department of Neurosurgery has created a network of physical therapists, chiropractors, physiatrists and pain management specialists to coordinate spine care with standardized protocols and carefully track long term outcomes.

Microdiscectomy
More than 800 microdiscectomies are performed at AGH by neurosurgeons every year.  A portion of the herniated disk is removed to decompress an irritated nerve root through a skin incision that can often be covered with a band aid.  The average length of stay is now less than 24 hours.  AGH neurosurgeons are skilled in the latest minimally invasive approaches to microdiscectomy using either an endoscope or microscope.

Lumbar Laminectomy
This procedure is performed on the lower spine to relieve pressure on one or more nerve roots.  The surgeon reaches the lumbar spine through a small incision in the lower back and removes the source of compression – a part of the herniated disk or bone spur.  Using new techniques, AGH surgeons can now implant a device – the X Stop – under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis to relieve the debilitating pain from lumbar stenosis.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy
This operation is performed on the upper spine to relieve pressure on one or more nerve roots or on the spinal cord.  During this procedure, the intervertebral disc and bone spurs are removed from a small incision in the front of the neck.

Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty
Patients with osteoporosis or metastatic disease can suffer from painful compression fractures of the spine.  AGH neurosurgeons are able to percutaneously introduce balloons within the compressed and fractured vertebrae to restore alignment of the spine.  Cement is then injected into the bone to provide support where the bone has been weakened.  Significant pain relief can be nearly immediate and recovery time is minimal.

Spinal Fusion and Instrumentation
AGH neurosurgeons employ the latest techniques and materials to perform spinal instrumentation procedures.  Instrumentation may be required to correct degenerative arthritis, fractured or injured vertebrae, scoliosis, spinal osteoporosis, spinal tumor, and spondylolisthesis  A wide range of options are available for the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.  Depending on the condition, an anterior, lateral, or posterior approach may be used.  Many AGH neurosurgeons specialize in minimally invasive spinal instrumentation and fusion.

Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
AGH Neurosurgeons are specialized in the newest minimally invasive techniques for the spine.  Smaller incisions and less dissection of normal tissue are speeding recovery and healing.  Microscopes, endoscopes, navigation techniques and intraoperative neuronavigational techniques are increasing patient safety and improving outcomes.

Restorative Spine Surgery
Total disc arthroplasty or artificial disc replacement is a procedure that involves removal of intervertebral discs and replacement with prostheses in severe degenerative disc disease.  This procedure avoids vertebral body fusion and can restore near normal spine motion.  In the appropriately selected patient, pain relief is dramatic.  Artificial disc replacement is currently FDA approved for the lumbar spine.  AGH neurosurgeons have been instrumental in studying the use of artificial discs in the cervical spine.

Senior Spine
There is an ever increasing incidence of spine problems in the aging population.  These individuals often have multiple associated medical problems.  The Department of Neurosurgery has developed a specialized program to meet the unique needs of these patients.  Combining minimally invasive surgery, shorter hospital stays, and geriatric medical care is improving patient outcomes and quality of life for our senior citizens.

Rehabilitation
To ensure a smooth transition from hospitalization to life in the community, we provide comprehensive discharge planning, assistance with entitlements from disability programs, and various forms of adaptation training.  Our rehabilitation team consists of physiatrists, consulting medical specialists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and case managers.  This coordinated approach contributes to maximal recovery for each patient.

Integrated Medicine
The Integrated Medicine Program incorporates best conventional and natural healing practices to strengthen the health and well-being of patients. The program is respectful of the emotional, social, spiritual, and physical dimensions of health and illness.  Our team of experienced and qualified practitioners provide additional services that expand the scope of care and treatment benefiting both patient and medical staff. By working with physicians and patients to treat, educate, and empower individuals, the Integrated Medicine Program assists in developing a larger healing experience that carries on after their treatment at our institution.