Your Surgery

This list covers common surgeries performed by Dr Ball. Click on the links for more information.

If your operation or condition is not listed please talk to Dr Ball for information tailored to your situation and condition.

Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion

An operation to relieve spinal nerve or spinal cord compression through the front of the neck is called an anterior cervical decompression. A fusion procedure can then be used to re-stabilise the spine. An anterior approach allows direct access to problems at the front of the spine using natural planes between neck structures for a minimally invasive, non-destructive operation.

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Anterior Cervical Decompression and Disc Replacement

An operation to relieve spinal nerve or spinal cord compression through the front of the neck is called an anterior cervical decompression. A disc replacement (arthroplasty) procedure can then be used to re-stabilise the spine and allow continued motion at that level. An anterior aproach allows direct access to problems at the front of the spine using natural planes between neck structures for a minimally invasive, non-destructive operation.

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Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy

An operation to relieve cervical spinal nerve compression through a posterior approach is called a foraminotomy. Dr Ball performs cervical foraminotomy using a specialised, minimally invasive technique in most cases. Where this technique is not suitable, a standard foraminotomy operation is performed through a small incision. Both operations relieve a compressed nerve successfully. The difference between the two techniques is the access technique used.

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Posterior Cervical Decompression (Laminectomy/Laminoplasty)

An operation to relieve cervical spinal cord compression through a posterior approach is called a laminectomy. Sometimes the removed bone is replaced after the decompression to reconstruct the spine, and the operation is termed laminoplasty. The less destructive laminoplasty may have a benefit in maintaining the normal anatomy of the cervical spine (more).

Posterior Cervical Decompression (Laminectomy) and Fusion

An operation to relieve cervical spinal cord compression through a posterior approach is called a laminectomy. If the spine is considered unstable, the bones must be held together with metal screws and rods with bone graft, and the operation is termed fusion. This operation may occasionally be performed in combination with an anterior operation (more).

Lumbar Microdiscectomy

An operation to relieve nerve compression by removing a disc protrusion is called a microdiscectomy. Dr Ball performs lumbar microdiscectomy using a specialised, minimally invasive technique in most cases. Where this technique is not suitable, a standard microdiscectomy operation is performed through a small incision. Both operations relieve a compressed nerve successfully. The difference between the two techniques is the access technique used.

Click here for more information about this procedure.
Click here to download surgery information pamphlet.

Open Posterior Lumbar Decompression (Laminectomy)

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (Laminectomy)

An operation to relieve lumbar spinal nerve compression through a posterior approach is called a laminectomy or a decompression. If the spine is considered unstable, the bones must be held together with metal screws and rods with bone graft, and the operation is termed a fusion.

Dr Ball performs lumbar decompression and fusion using a specialised, minimally invasive technique in most cases with the aim of decreasing tissue damage and promoting a more speedy recovery. Where this technique is not suitable, a standard lumbar fusion operation is performed.

Click here to download surgery information pamphlet.