Spinal Neurosurgery at Mayo Clinic

Spinal Neurosurgery provides specialized evaluation, diagnosis and surgical treatment for complex conditions affecting the spinal cord, spinal nerves, vertebrae and surrounding structures. Neurosurgical specialists develop individualized treatment plans for conditions such as spinal cord compression, spinal tumors, nerve compression, spinal instability and other neurological disorders affecting the spine. Treatment may include conservative management, minimally invasive procedures, complex spinal surgery and postoperative rehabilitation when clinically appropriate.

Price

Price on Request

Why Price on Request?

The cost of spinal neurosurgery depends on the type and severity of the spinal condition, specialist consultation, diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing, surgical complexity, hospitalization, anesthesia, rehabilitation and follow-up care required. A personalized estimate is provided according to the patient's individual treatment needs.

Complete Description

What Is Spinal Neurosurgery?

Spinal Neurosurgery focuses on the surgical evaluation and treatment of conditions affecting the spinal cord, spinal nerves and structures surrounding the spine.

Spinal neurosurgeons may treat conditions that cause:

• Back pain

• Neck pain

• Nerve compression

• Numbness

• Weakness

• Loss of coordination

• Difficulty walking

• Spinal instability

• Spinal cord dysfunction

Treatment is selected according to the underlying diagnosis, symptoms and neurological findings.

Conditions Evaluated and Treated

Spinal neurosurgery may address:

• Spinal cord compression

• Herniated discs

• Spinal stenosis

• Spinal tumors

• Spinal cord tumors

• Nerve compression

• Degenerative spinal conditions

• Spinal fractures

• Spinal instability

• Vertebral abnormalities

• Spinal deformities

• Certain vascular spinal conditions

• Other complex spinal disorders

Spinal Neurosurgical Evaluation

A comprehensive evaluation may include:

• Detailed medical history

• Neurological examination

• Assessment of pain

• Muscle-strength evaluation

• Reflex testing

• Sensory examination

• Walking assessment

• Review of previous treatment

• MRI or CT imaging

• Evaluation of spinal stability

The goal is to identify the underlying spinal problem and determine whether surgery or another treatment approach is appropriate.

Spinal Cord Compression

Spinal cord compression occurs when pressure is placed on the spinal cord.

Possible causes include:

• Herniated discs

• Spinal stenosis

• Tumors

• Fractures

• Degenerative changes

• Other structural abnormalities

Depending on severity, treatment may involve observation, medication, rehabilitation or surgical decompression.

Spinal Stenosis Treatment

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces around the spinal cord or nerves become narrowed.

Symptoms may include:

• Back pain

• Leg pain

• Numbness

• Weakness

• Difficulty walking

• Symptoms that worsen with standing or walking

Treatment may include conservative care, physical therapy, injections or surgery when clinically appropriate.

Herniated Disc Treatment

A herniated disc can place pressure on nearby nerves and cause:

• Back pain

• Neck pain

• Arm pain

• Leg pain

• Numbness

• Tingling

• Muscle weakness

Many disc problems can be managed without surgery, but selected patients may require surgical treatment when symptoms are severe, persistent or associated with significant neurological problems.

Spinal Tumor Surgery

Spinal tumors may develop in or around the spinal cord, nerves or vertebral structures.

Treatment may involve:

• Imaging evaluation

• Biopsy

• Surgical removal

• Spinal decompression

• Stabilization

• Radiation therapy

• Other oncology treatments

Treatment depends on tumor type, location, size and relationship to important neurological structures.

Spinal Cord Tumor Treatment

Tumors involving the spinal cord require highly specialized evaluation.

Treatment planning may consider:

• Tumor location

• Tumor size

• Neurological symptoms

• Tumor type

• Surgical accessibility

• Relationship to the spinal cord

• Previous treatment

Surgery may be considered when tumor removal or decompression can be performed safely.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Selected spinal conditions may be treated using minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Potential benefits may include:

• Smaller incisions

• Reduced tissue disruption

• Less postoperative discomfort

• Shorter recovery in selected cases

The suitability of minimally invasive surgery depends on the patient's diagnosis and spinal anatomy.

Spinal Decompression Surgery

Spinal decompression procedures are designed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Decompression may be considered for conditions such as:

• Spinal stenosis

• Nerve compression

• Spinal cord compression

• Certain disc conditions

• Other structural abnormalities

The specific surgical technique depends on the location and cause of compression.

Laminectomy

A laminectomy involves removing part of the vertebral bone to create additional space around the spinal cord or nerves.

It may be used for selected patients with:

• Spinal stenosis

• Nerve compression

• Spinal cord compression

• Other conditions requiring decompression

Additional stabilization may be considered when spinal stability is a concern.

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to stabilize selected areas of the spine.

It may be considered for:

• Spinal instability

• Certain degenerative conditions

• Spinal deformities

• Fractures

• Selected tumors

• Other structural spinal disorders

The procedure may involve instrumentation and bone grafting to promote spinal stability.

Cervical Spine Surgery

Cervical spine surgery addresses conditions affecting the neck region of the spine.

Conditions may include:

• Cervical spinal stenosis

• Herniated cervical discs

• Cervical spinal cord compression

• Cervical instability

• Degenerative cervical disease

• Certain cervical tumors

Treatment may involve decompression, disc surgery, fusion or other procedures when appropriate.

Thoracic Spine Surgery

Thoracic spine surgery addresses conditions affecting the middle portion of the spine.

Surgical evaluation may be required for:

• Spinal cord compression

• Thoracic disc disorders

• Spinal tumors

• Fractures

• Deformities

• Other complex conditions

Treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis.

Lumbar Spine Surgery

Lumbar spine surgery addresses conditions affecting the lower back.

Common indications may include:

• Lumbar spinal stenosis

• Herniated discs

• Nerve compression

• Spinal instability

• Certain fractures

• Selected degenerative spinal conditions

Surgical treatment is considered when clinically appropriate.

Spinal Fracture Treatment

Spinal fractures may occur because of:

• Trauma

• Osteoporosis

• Tumors

• Other medical conditions

Evaluation may include imaging and neurological assessment.

Treatment may involve:

• Bracing

• Pain management

• Activity modification

• Vertebral procedures

• Surgical stabilization

• Decompression when necessary

Spinal Instability Treatment

Spinal instability can cause pain, deformity or neurological problems.

Treatment may include:

• Observation

• Physical therapy

• Bracing

• Spinal stabilization

• Fusion surgery

• Other surgical procedures

The appropriate treatment depends on the cause and severity of instability.

Spinal Deformity Surgery

Selected patients with significant spinal deformities may require specialized surgical evaluation.

Conditions may include:

• Scoliosis

• Kyphosis

• Complex spinal alignment problems

• Degenerative deformity

Treatment may involve spinal reconstruction, decompression or fusion depending on the individual condition.

Spinal Cord Injury Surgery

Some spinal cord injuries may require urgent surgical evaluation.

Surgery may be considered when there is:

• Spinal cord compression

• Spinal instability

• Fracture or dislocation

• Progressive neurological deterioration

• Other structural problems requiring stabilization

Treatment depends on the injury and neurological condition.

Spinal Imaging

Diagnostic imaging may include:

• MRI

• CT scan

• X-rays

• CT myelography

• Other specialized imaging

Imaging helps evaluate:

• Spinal cord

• Nerves

• Vertebrae

• Discs

• Tumors

• Fractures

• Spinal alignment

• Areas of compression

Neurological Monitoring During Surgery

Selected complex spinal procedures may use intraoperative neurological monitoring.

Monitoring may help assess the function of:

• Spinal cord

• Nerves

• Motor pathways

• Sensory pathways

The use of monitoring depends on the procedure and individual clinical circumstances.

Image-Guided Spine Surgery

Advanced imaging and navigation technologies may assist with complex spinal procedures.

These technologies can support:

• Surgical planning

• Precise positioning

• Instrument placement

• Identification of anatomical structures

• Surgical accuracy

The specific technology used depends on the procedure.

Postoperative Spinal Care

After spinal surgery, patients may require:

• Neurological monitoring

• Pain management

• Wound care

• Mobility assessment

• Physical therapy

• Medication management

• Follow-up imaging

• Activity guidance

Recovery depends on the type of procedure and underlying condition.

Spinal Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation may help restore:

• Strength

• Mobility

• Balance

• Walking ability

• Flexibility

• Functional independence

A rehabilitation program may include physical therapy, occupational therapy and other supportive services.

Physical Therapy After Spine Surgery

Physical therapy may focus on:

• Safe movement

• Core strengthening

• Mobility

• Flexibility

• Walking

• Posture

• Functional activities

The rehabilitation plan is adjusted according to the patient's surgical procedure and recovery stage.

Spinal Neurosurgery Second Opinion

Patients who have already received a diagnosis or surgical recommendation may seek a spinal neurosurgery second opinion.

The specialist may review:

• MRI scans

• CT scans

• X-rays

• Neurological examination findings

• Previous surgical reports

• Treatment history

• Proposed surgical plan

A second opinion may help determine whether surgery is appropriate and identify possible treatment alternatives.

Complex Spinal Surgery

Complex spinal conditions may require advanced surgical planning.

Complex procedures may address:

• Spinal tumors

• Severe spinal deformities

• Multiple levels of compression

• Spinal instability

• Revision surgery

• Complex fractures

• Conditions involving the spinal cord

Treatment is individualized according to anatomy and neurological risk.

Revision Spine Surgery

Some patients may require additional surgery after a previous spinal procedure.

Revision surgery may be considered for:

• Recurrent compression

• Hardware problems

• Spinal instability

• Nonunion

• Recurrent symptoms

• Progressive spinal disease

Detailed imaging and review of previous surgical records are important for treatment planning.

International Patients

International patients should provide relevant spinal medical records whenever possible.

Useful documents may include:

• MRI scans

• CT scans

• X-rays

• Previous surgical reports

• Neurological reports

• Pathology reports when applicable

• Physical therapy records

• Medication list

• Previous treatment records

Complete documentation can help specialists understand the spinal condition and previous treatment.

Benefits of Specialized Spinal Neurosurgery

Specialized spinal neurosurgical care may help:

• Evaluate complex spinal conditions

• Relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves

• Treat selected spinal tumors

• Stabilize the spine

• Address spinal deformities

• Treat selected fractures

• Manage neurological symptoms

• Provide minimally invasive options when appropriate

• Develop individualized rehabilitation plans

• Provide surgical second opinions

Why Choose Mayo Clinic for Spinal Neurosurgery?

Mayo Clinic provides specialized care for complex spinal and neurological conditions through multidisciplinary teams that may include neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, orthopedic specialists, rehabilitation professionals and other medical experts.

Depending on the patient's condition, treatment may include advanced imaging, minimally invasive procedures, spinal decompression, stabilization, tumor surgery, complex spinal reconstruction and postoperative rehabilitation.

Cost & Price on Request

Price: Price on Request

The total cost of spinal neurosurgery depends on the diagnosis, surgical complexity and treatment requirements.

Potential costs may include:

• Spinal neurosurgery consultation

• Neurological evaluation

• MRI or CT imaging

• Diagnostic testing

• Surgical procedure

• Anesthesia

• Hospitalization

• Surgical implants or instrumentation

• Physical therapy

• Rehabilitation

• Follow-up consultations

A personalized cost estimate should be requested according to the patient's individual treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What conditions does spinal neurosurgery treat?

Spinal neurosurgery may treat spinal cord compression, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, spinal tumors, nerve compression, spinal instability, fractures and other complex spinal conditions.

2. Does every spine problem require surgery?

No. Many spinal conditions can initially be managed with medication, physical therapy, activity modification and other non-surgical treatments. Surgery is considered when clinically appropriate.

3. What is spinal decompression surgery?

Spinal decompression surgery removes or reduces structures that are placing pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

4. What is spinal fusion?

Spinal fusion is a procedure used to stabilize selected spinal segments by joining vertebrae together using appropriate surgical techniques and, when necessary, instrumentation.

5. Can spinal tumors be treated surgically?

Yes. Selected spinal tumors may be treated with surgery, sometimes combined with radiation or other treatments depending on the tumor type and location.

Product Details

Product Name: Spinal Neurosurgery

Hospital: Mayo Clinic – Rochester

Brand: Mayo Clinic

Country: United States

Specialty: Neurology & Neurosurgery

Service Type: Spinal Neurosurgery

Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request

International Patients: Available

Location: Rochester, Minnesota, USA