Back/Spine

A Lumbar Instrumented Spinal Fusion is a surgery done to permanently connect two or more vertebrae in your spine eliminating motion between them. We use a combination of bone grafting materials and instrumentation in the location between two vertebrae so that they will “fuse” together into one singular, solid unit. In most cases, this procedure is done to correct deformities located in the spine, restore stability ,or to stabilize the spine further following the removal of a herniated disc.

Our spinal specialists won’t recommend surgery unless it is absolutely indicated and will make sure to discuss nonoperative options, depending on the specific diagnosis. This means performing clinical exams and imaging tests to come to a final determination. At Howell Allen Clinic, we possess the most advanced equipment in terms of robotics and engineering the medical industry has to offer. Our spinal fusion procedures are just one of the many procedures we perform with the aid of these pieces of advanced equipment.

Decompressive Lumbar Laminectomy is a procedure in which a window of bone is removed (laminectomy) in order to take the pressure off of the nerves in the setting of spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is where your spinal nerves are pinched by narrowing sides of the spinal column. Patients who experience this condition can experience pain in the low back region, hip pain, leg pain, as well as numbness/weakness in the legs.

At Howell Allen, we aim to perform each procedure as minimally invasive as possible. If having gone untreated, spinal stenosis can lead to worsening leg stability and even the inability to walk distance. One call to Howell Allen and our spinal surgeons can make that problem a thing of the past.

A Lumbar Microdiscectomy is a procedure done when a patient has a herniated disc in their spine. A herniated disc, or slipped disc, is when the soft, gelatinous inner portion of your disc slips and protrudes through the outer ring. This can cause intense pain in the affected leg, as well as cause numbness or weakness.  

The procedure of performing a lumbar microdiscectomy is when a small window of bone is removed to facilitate removal of the disc material that is pressing on the nerve. Our surgeons have gained a vast amount of experience doing this procedure which allows us to perform these as minimally invasive as possible with minimal tissue damage or disruption.