Tiger Woods’ Back Surgery Success
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Do you want to know about Tiger Woods’ back surgery success? If yes, you are in the right place. In today’s article, we will talk about minimally invasive surgery that treated Woods back problems. Also, we will talk about why it is one of the best back surgery alternatives. Read on!
PLIF vs. ALIF – Which is the Best?
PLIF surgery involves spinal fusion in the lower back. This procedure includes inserting a cage made of synthetic titanium or allograft bone into the disc space. The surgeon reaches the spine from the back and inserts the bone graft.
On the other hand, ALIF is one of the back surgeries alternatives in which the surgeon approaches the spine from the front to treat disc problems in the lower back. This surgical procedure involves fusing two or more vertebrae and realign them to stop the pain. The surgeon makes an incision in the front of the abdomen to remove the disc.
Doing a PLIF surgery has the benefit that it can provide a fusion of the disc space without making a second incision. In contrast, ALIF approaches the spine through an incision made from the front. ALIF is all about making smaller incisions, which leads to less blood loss, reduced pain, less scarring, and quicker recovery.
Unlike PLIF, ALIF procedure avoids damage to the stable and thick posterior muscles in the lower back. That is why Tiger Woods underwent ALIF to treat his back and leg pain. It is no surprise to tell you that Tiger Woods Back Surgery Success was possible due to ALIF.
Tiger Woods Back Surgery Success
Tiger Woods had back spasms and sciatic pain, which was due to the movement of vertebrae in his lower back. Tiger underwent conservative treatments for some time, but they were not successful in treating his back and leg pain. Failing to cope with his pain in the lower back and leg through medication and physical therapy led him to undergo ALIF.
ALIF is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which the surgeons remove the degenerated disc and places the bone graft to fuse the two bones into a single bone. In Tiger’s case, the surgeon removed the degenerated disc between L5, which is the last lumbar vertebrae, and the S1 – the top of the sacrum.
The surgeon performs ALIF to successfully realign the vertebrae in the lower spine between the vertebrae and the sacrum. The surgeon did not use back surgery alternatives such as traditional back surgery or minimally invasive PLIF because it could damage the thick muscles in his back.
Because the surgeon approached the joint from the front, it spared the tissues, muscles, and nerves in the lower back of Tiger Woods. Otherwise, the surgery would fail to fix the problem. ALIF allows for preserving the muscles, tissues, and ligaments of the lower back. It was beneficial for Tiger Woods as he has an active lifestyle.
Why ALIF is the best back surgery alternatives?
ALIF is a minimally invasive surgery procedure, which allows the surgeon to realign the affected vertebrae. The surgeon achieves the alignment by placing a bone graft between the two vertebrae that cause pain in the lower back and legs.
ALIF is the most common surgical option for surgeons at the Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas (MINSTX). Our surgeon chooses a different route to reach the disc space in the spine. Going from the front provides a direct route to the spinal space that not only improves efficiency but also helps avoid post-operative complications.
The procedure involves dilating the tissue planes with small tubes, which allows for effective fusion with a small incision and fast recovery. More than 95% of patients go home the day after the surgeon completes the procedure.
The Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas is one of the most famous centers in Plano, TX. We have licensed, experienced, and qualified surgeons who have done specialized training in carrying out a procedure like ALIF to treat back and leg pain problems.
You are up and around after a few hours of the surgery. Since it takes about 4-8 months for the bone graft to fuse the vertebrae, you must avoid strenuous activity. However, our surgeons advise you to rehabilitate your muscles with supervised exercises. You can resume your work after two weeks, depending on your occupation and symptom severity.
Tiger Woods Back Surgery Success is not a miracle. A growing body of research evidence and clinical evidence shows the effectiveness of ALIF to treat back pain. Just like Tiger Woods Back Surgery Success, your back, leg, and spinal pain can go away with ALIF, which is one of the most effective back surgery alternatives. Contact us today!
