CONDITIONS

The history of spine surgery is intertwined with the history of orthopedic surgery. Though today orthopedics is an area of medicine focused on the musculoskeletal system, or the bones, the practice has its origins in pediatric care. The word orthopedic comes from two Greek words — ortho meaning “straight” and pedic meaning “child.” The aim of early was to fix deformities in children so they would grow up to have strong, healthy bones. Now, spine surgery is a specialty area of medicine that is more often practiced on adults. Whether due to injury or deterioration, many adults end up with back pain. Advances in orthopedic medicine make it possible to correct many of these problems and relieve the patient’s pain. The number one spine surgery procedure performed in hospitals is a spinal fusion — and it’s rising. In 2007, 380,000 procedures were performed, but in 2011, the number of spinal fusions increased to 457,500. During this same period, diskectomies also increased, from 332,500 to 369,900 procedures. The third most prevalent type of spine surgery is the insertion of a device, like an artificial disc or plates and rods. These insertions are often done in conjunction with a fusion. These procedures are all possible due to modern advances in orthopedic surgery techniques, and the field of spine surgery continues to change. What was impossible a generation ago is now done successfully every day. Some modern spinal procedures no longer require hospitalization. Laser Spine Surgery History Fossil evidence shows that orthopedics was practiced in ancient times. Various civilizations understood the importance of straight bones and applied their own primitive techniques to assisting the healing of broken bones. Early splints were made or rawhide or clay and effectively held bones in place while they healed. Crutches were even fashioned to avoid weight-bearing. The ancient Greeks attempted to treat club feet and scoliosis with their rudimentary understanding of bones. They understood these conditions in children could be corrected. Their remedies, especially for scoliosis, were not always successful, but their efforts suggested a crucial understanding of how bones transform with growth. The 20th century brought some important improvements to orthopedic medicine. The X-ray help better determine the proper diagnosis, and better means of fighting infection meant more patients survived injuries and surgery. The concept of the ambulance rushing injured patients to medical care, perfected during the two world wars, also help orthopedic surgeons with better outcomes. Through the mid-1900s, techniques for repairing broken bones were developed, partially through the experience of war. The amputation of badly damaged limbs was perfected, and procedures to repair difficult fractures also became more successful. The ability to repair hip fractures and replace damaged joints began to develop during this period. Spinal surgery techniques also began to advance. The initial focus was on improving or repairing issues in the lumbar spine resulting from degenerative disc disease. Through the practice of removing lumbar hernias or repairing ruptured discs, doctors developed a better understanding of the discs that sit between vertebra in