Spine — Basic Surgery Outline

This page contains a concise outline of typical steps for spine surgery.

Evaluation

• Clinical exam and symptom history
• Advanced imaging: X-ray, MRI, CT as indicated
• Nonoperative management trial (PT, meds, injections)

Indications for Surgery

• Progressive neurologic deficit
• Intractable pain despite conservative care
• Instability or deformity requiring correction

Procedure Overview

• Approach selection (anterior, posterior, or lateral)
• Decompression of neural elements
• Fusion or instrumentation if indicated

Recovery & Rehab

• Hospital stay: same-day to several days
• Pain control and gradual mobilization
• Physical therapy progression over weeks–months

This is a placeholder outline — content can be expanded with specifics per procedure.