Common Types of Surgeries after a Bad Car Accident

As traffic continues to increase in the United States, so do car accidents. A serious car accident can lead to serious spinal injuries that require surgical care, which tends to be both costly and painful – and to require a lengthy recovery period. If a negligent motorist leaves you injured in a car accident, call an experienced Forsyth County car accident attorney today.

Serious Injuries Common to Serious Car Accidents

While every car accident is unique to the specifics involved, the immense impact of serious car accidents often leads to spinal cord injuries that affect the back and neck. Common examples include:

Pinched Nerve – The immense pain caused by the excess pressure that’s placed on a nerve root in the neck or back often requires surgery to be relieved.
Spinal Cord Compression – When the spinal cord is seriously compressed, surgery may offer the only relief.
Broken Neck or Back Bone – When one or more bones in the neck or back are broken, surgery is often required.
Damaged Disc – If a disc in your spinal cord is seriously damaged or pushed out of place, surgery is sometimes the best option.

Common Surgeries

There are several kinds of surgeries that are often necessary to help repair the serious neck and back injuries sustained in serious car accidents. These include:

Spinal Fusion – A spinal fusion joins two less stable vertebrae in the spine into a single, solid piece of bone. It’s often used to help alleviate the severe pain caused by a pinched nerve, a spinal cord compression, or a fractured bone. The process involves a bone graft and metal screws or plates, which allow the vertebrae to grow together over time and to provide improved stabilization. The fusion process can, however, lead to a decrease in overall flexibility and range of motion.
Discectomy – A discectomy is a surgery that removes the damaged portion of a disc that’s leading to physical problems. These surgeries tend to involve filling the space left behind with a small piece of bone via fusion, which aids stability in the area.
Laminectomy – A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that’s designed to relieve the pressure caused by a spinal cord compression. In this surgery, the ridged, bony part at the back of the affected vertebra is removed, thus freeing up space for the spinal cord. Because this procedure can leave the spine less stable, it’s often accompanied by a spinal fusion.
Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) – ADR is a surgical procedure that replaces a disc that’s causing undue pressure on the spine with an artificial disc, which can help retain some of the recipient’s range of motion and flexibility.

An Experienced Cumming Personal Injury Attorney Is Standing by to Help

The Georgia personal injury attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland understand the complexities of cases involving neck and back injuries and have the experience and legal acumen to help. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 770-887-1209 today.