Spinal procedures

Dr Akinola Oduntan is trained and skilled in treating conditions of the spine and nervous system. He can perform biopsies, open surgery or minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Conditions treated using minimally invasive surgical procedures include:

  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Degenerative arthritis/instability due to arthritis
  • Herniated disc
  • Lumbar or cervical spinal stenosis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Spina bifida
  • Spinal deformities such as scoliosis
  • Spinal infections
  • Spinal instability
  • Spinal Tumours
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Trauma
  • Vertebral compression fractures

Treatment includes procedures such as:

  • Posterior foraminotomy discectomy
  • Posterior laminectomy
  • Anterior discectomy and fusion - this procedure treats damaged or herniated discs in the spinal column. It helps patients who are experiencing pain, stiffness and have difficulty moving. The doctor cuts a small incision in the front of the neck, at the throat to access the spine from the front and removes any damaged discs. The surgery typically includes the fusion of at least two bones. It is at this point that Dr Oduntan replaces the damaged disc with either a bone graft, a bone graft substitute, or an artificial disc called an arthroplasty. Once the replacement disc is in place, a titanium plate and screws are attached to the bones, providing stability until the bones grow together. An X-ray machine helps to confirm that the replacement disc is in the right place. After the procedure, the tissue of the neck and throat are moved back, and the wound is sealed with stitches.
  • Minimally invasive spine surgery treats conditions such as spinal instability, herniated discs, scoliosis or spinal tumours. A stiff, tube-shaped device called a tubular retractor is inserted through a small incision. This creates a tunnel to the problem area. The retractor gently pushes aside the muscle and soft tissue. Small tools can be pushed through the tunnel to work on the spine. A special operating microscope and real-time X-ray imaging are used.