ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCECTOMY & FUSION (ACDF)
An outpatient procedure where degenerated discs and bone spurs are removed to relieve pain from arthritis and spinal cord compression. The disc is replaced with a spacer and metal plate/screws to stabilize the neck and protect the nerves.
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Conditions Treated
Cervical Spinal Stenosis | Cervical Myelopathy | Radiculopathy | Fractures | Degenerative Disc Disease | Spondylolisthesis
CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT
Cervical Disc Replacement treats many of the same conditions as ACDF but has the added benefit of preserving neck motion.
It is an excellent option for patients that meet certain criteria. Dr. Lee is one of a select group of providers in Los Angeles County with Certification of Advanced Training in Cervical Disc Replacement. This can be performed in the outpatient setting.
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Conditions Treated
Cervical Spinal Stenosis | Cervical Myelopathy | Radiculopathy | Degenerative Disc Disease
POSTERIOR CERVICAL FUSION (PCF)
Metal screws and rods are inserted into the bones of the neck to correct alignment, reduce arthritic pain, restore stability, and prevent spinal cord compression. A cervical laminectomy is often also performed at the time of surgery.
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Conditions Treated
Cervical Spinal Stenosis | Cervical Myelopathy | Radiculopathy | Fractures | Degenerative Disc Disease | Spondylolisthesis
LAMINOPLASTY
Another option for severe spinal cord compresison in the neck, Laminoplasty is a motion-sparing alternative to PCF. The spinal canal is held open by metal implants, but the joints of the neck are preserved, which allows neck motion. Not all patients are candidates for Laminoplasty.
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Conditions Treated
Cervical Spinal Stenosis | Cervical Myelopathy | Radiculopathy
POSTERIOR LUMBAR FUSION
Metal screws and rods are inserted into the low back to correct alignment, reduce arthritic pain, restore stability, and prevent nerve compression. A lumbar laminectomy is often also performed at the time of surgery.
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Conditions Treated
Spondylolisthesis | Degenerative Disc Disease | Radiculopathy | Spinal Stenosis | Scoliosis | Fractures | Tumors
MINIMALLY INVASIVE INSTRUMENTATION
The spinal column can also be stabilized using a minimally invasive, muscle-sparing approach. This can minimize pain and blood loss while accelerating recovery compared to open surgical techniques. Metal screws and rods can be inserted through multiple incisions that can be as small as 2 cm. Not all patients are candidates for this technique.
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Conditions Treated
Fracture | Spondylolisthesis | Degenerative Disc Disease | Radiculopathy | Spinal Stenosis | Scoliosis
ANTERIOR LUMBAR INTERBODY FUSION (ALIF)
The lumbar spine is approached through the abdomen. Degenerated discs are removed and replaced with spacers to restore alignment/disc height, relieving pain from arthritis and nerve compression.
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Conditions Treated
Spondylolisthesis | Degenerative Disc Disease | Radiculopathy | Spinal Stenosis | Scoliosis
LATERAL INTERBODY FUSION (LIF)
The lumbar spine is approached through a minimally invasive incision on the flank. Degenerated discs are removed and replaced with spacers in similar fashion to an ALIF but with the benefit of avoiding surgery through the abdomen.
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Conditions Treated
Fracture | Spondylolisthesis | Degenerative Disc Disease | Radiculopathy | Spinal Stenosis | Scoliosis
THORACIC/LUMBAR CORPECTOMY
A corpectomy involves complete or near-complete removal of a bone in the spinal column. Reasons for removal include tumor, infection, or severe fracture. This can be performed through multiple different approaches, including a minimally invasive lateral approach. The bone is replaced with an expandable cage to restore alignment/stability and reduce pain.
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Conditions Treated
Tumor | Infection | Fracture | Severe Deformity | Scoliosis
Tumor Invading Bone
Tumor Removed
KYPHOPLASTY
Painful Compression Fractures can be treated with a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. Small stab incisions are made to access the compressed bone. A special balloon device is used to expand the bone and fill the void with medical grade bone cement, preventing further bone collapse and pain.
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Conditions Treated
Fracture | Osteoporosis
"I strive to achieve 5 GOALS in every surgery I perform..."
TARGETED SURGICAL PLAN
A correct diagnosis and concrete surgical plan form the foundation of a successful surgery.
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Dr. Lee is a surgeon who "measures twice and
cuts once."
NERVE DECOMPRESSION
Dr. Lee is meticulous and thorough in performing a complete surgical nerve decompression.
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A surgical microscope and special instruments are used to remove excess bone and soft tissue to relieve nerve pain complaints.
ADDRESS ALIGNMENT
A misaligned spinal column can contribute to pain and nerve compression.
Dr. Lee uses X-ray and special computer software to determine if different surgical techniques are required to restore a patient's proper alignment.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUES
Dr. Lee has extensive training and expertise in minimally-invasive surgery.
When applicable, minimally-invasive surgery
limits incision size, reduces post-op pain, & facilitates faster recovery.
CLOSE
FOLLOW-UP
Your recovery requires close follow-up to maximize the results of surgery.
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Dr. Lee ensures that there an open line of communication during the critical months of your post-op rehabilitation.