Spine Care

Our highly respected team of spine surgeons provides treatment for spinal disorders, degenerative diseases and tumors. Orthopedic and neurospine procedures include:

• Spinal fusions
• Deformity surgery for scoliosis
• Spinal cord tumor resections
• Corrections of malformations of the spinal cord and spine
• Treatment of spinal cord injury and acute-nature spine trauma
• Procedures to suppress pain, such as neurostimulation
• Total disc replacement/motion preservation surgery (artificial cervical discs)
• Treatment of anomalies at the junction between the brain and spine
• Lumbar and cervical discectomy, including micro-discectomy through very small incision
• Laminectomies

In addition to open reconstructive surgery, NeuroLink's spine team offers a range of minimally invasive options. These procedures take advantage of recent developments in endoscopy, image guidance, and special surgical instruments to access and repair the spine through small portals. As a result, patients leave the hospital sooner and recover faster.

Our surgeons modify their approach whenever possible to decrease risk and improve patient outcomes. "For example, we perform thoracic interbody fusions through a posterior approach, instead of entering through the lung," says Dr. Rajesh Arakal, medical director of the orthopedic spine surgery program at The Medical Center of Plano. "This makes a big difference in minimizing complications. Such sophisticated techniques are offered by only a handful of hospitals."

We also employ cutting-edge technology like the Siemens BrainLAB Image Guidance System and the Expandable Working Ramp - an instrument used during arteriolumbar fusions and designed by our very own Dr. Luis Mignucci, medical director of our neurospine surgery program.

At NeuroLink, we are always looking for ways to improve our standard of care. "I constantly evaluate new equipment, tools, screws and devices to find the safest, most effective solutions for our patients," Dr. Mignucci says. "Few hospitals can perform the complex procedures we do. Combining sought-after physicians and staff with the very latest in technology, The Medical Center of Plano provides one of the most advanced, comprehensive spine programs available."