Services
Andrew Dossett, MD is an orthopedic spine surgeon in Dallas, Texas and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Baylor Medical Center at Trophy Club and Baylor University Medical Center. He specializes in the treatment of cervical, thoracic & lumbar spine disorders, spine athletic injuries.
Lumbar Spine Fusion
Lumbar region of the spine is more prone to spine fusion, compared to the other regions such as cervical and thoracic parts of the spine. Due to slight normal motion in the thoracic spine, rarely any problem is seen. Endorsing lumbar spinal fusion is contentious. Usually spinal fusion is recommended in patients with neurological problems or severe pain, that have not responded to conservative treatment.
It has been noted that fusion rates are seen to be higher in interbody fusion. Based on the different approaches, interbody fusion can be classified in the following types:
- Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF): procedure is performed through an anterior abdominal incision
- Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF): the disc is accessed through a posterior incision over the back
- Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF): disc is accessed through posterior incision on one side of the spine
Cervical Spine Fusion
Cervical spine fusion is a surgery performed to fuse weak cervical vertebrae with adjacent vertebrae to provide stability and prevent injury to the spinal cord.
A cervical spine fusion may be indicated to stabilize injuries and prevent fracture and spinal cord damage, and to treat misalignment of the vertebrae, herniated discs, arthritis, tumor, deformities and infection.
Different techniques may be used to fuse cervical vertebrae. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. An incision may be made on the front or back of your neck, and muscles and tissues separated to expose the damaged vertebrae. The entire vertebrae or the spinal disc may be removed and the adjacent bones fused. Your surgeon may take bone graft from another part of your body or use an artificial bone material and place it in between the vertebrae to form a bridge and stimulate new bone growth. The vertebrae may be stabilized by metal implants or plates and screws while new bone grows.
Treatment of Back & Neck Injuries
Back pain is one of the most commonly reported medical problems in society as well as the leading cause of job-related disability. Back and neck pain usually results from abnormalities or injuries to the muscles, ligaments, nerves, bones and joints in the region and can be either acute or chronic. Acute pain usually gets better on its own with simple conservative treatments. However, chronic pain usually requires more intensive treatments and sometimes surgery.
Spine Athletic Injuries
Athletes are prone to spine injuries because of trauma or repetitive movements and stress. Improper technique, fatigue and poor muscle tone and flexibility can also lead to spine injuries. High-risk sports include football, wrestling, weight lifting, ice hockey, skiing, diving and cheerleading. Injuries may cause fracture or slipping of vertebrae, bulging or rupture of intervertebral discs and damage to the spinal cord. This can lead to significant pain and disability.
- Spondylolysis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Herniated discs
- Nerve Injuries
- Vertebrae Fracture
If you wish to be advised on the most appropriate treatment, please call (214) 220-2468 to schedule an appointment or request an appointment online.
