The thoracic spine is the middle section of your back, made up of 12 bones labeled T1 to T12. It sits between your neck and lower back and connects to your rib cage, helping protect vital organs like the heart and lungs.
This part of the spine is built for stability more than flexibility, allowing limited movement, mostly rotation. Each bone is separated by a disc that acts as a cushion, absorbing shock and helping with posture and balance.
Nerves from the thoracic spine travel to the chest, abdomen, and other areas, helping control movement and sensation. Common conditions in this area include herniated discs, fractures, and degenerative disc disease.
This minimally invasive procedure is used to relieve pressure on spinal nerves caused by narrowing in the foraminal space, the small openings where nerves exit the spine. It can help ease symptoms like pain, tingling, or weakness.
Through small incisions (usually less than an inch), the surgeon uses special tools to carefully remove a small portion of bone or tissue pressing on the nerves. In some cases, part of the spinal canal may also be enlarged for added relief.
Because it’s minimally invasive, this approach causes less damage to muscles and tissues, often leading to less pain after surgery, a shorter recovery time, and a quicker return to everyday activities.
Thoracic fusion is a surgical procedure used to treat issues in the middle part of the spine, such as fractures, deformities, or instability. It’s usually recommended when non-surgical treatments haven’t provided relief.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the back to access the spine. Bone grafts (either from the patient or a donor) are placed between the affected vertebrae to help them fuse into one solid piece. Metal rods, screws, or plates are often used to hold the spine in place while it heals.
The goal of thoracic fusion is to stabilize the spine, reduce pain, and prevent the condition from getting worse by stopping movement in the problem area.
This procedure treats herniated or damaged discs in the thoracic (middle) spine that are pressing on the spinal cord or nerves. Using small incisions and special instruments, the surgeon removes the part of the disc causing the pressure: relieving symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness.
Because it’s minimally invasive, this surgery avoids large cuts and reduces trauma to muscles and surrounding tissues. In some cases, a small amount of bone may also be removed to create more space around the nerves.
Patients often experience less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker return to normal activities compared to traditional open surgery.
