Las Vegas Spine Surgery

Our philosophy

Our philosophy about cervical, thoracic, and lumbar reconstruction is to choose methods which are the least invasive whenever possible.

Not all cervical or lumbar conditions can be treated with minimally invasive surgery; however the majority are. Minimally invasive surgery is much easier on the patient, it has less hospital time, less out of work time, and there are many versions of minimally invasive surgeries in all areas of the spine; however, I have concentrated on the ones that, in my hands, seem to work the best. From a practical standpoint, I view lumbar reconstructive and cervical reconstructive surgery as a way to decrease the pain, increase the functionality, and to let the patient begin to exercise.

It is the rehabilitation and exercise that restores health and functionality, sense of well being, and decreased pain that is the most successful and the most important part of cervical or lumbar surgery. It is imperative that patients become “health minded”. This means that weight loss, using a high protein diet, cardiac and pulmonary conditioning, strengthening of the extremity musculature and, most importantly, strengthening of the cord. It is important that each one of the patients postoperatively, and even preoperatively, rehabilitate themselves to the maximum possible.

Helping patients return to an active lifestyle with minimally invasive surgery

Minimally invasive surgery is a much gentler way of managing surgery conditions of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.

Minimally Invasive Surgery Procedures

1. Microdiscectomy of the lumbar spine that is done as an outpatient procedure.

2. Single level herniated discs or degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine which could be done as an outpatient procedure.

3. Correction of lumbar deformity which Dr. Thalgott developed not only the system that provides you the access for the surgery, but also the implant and philosophy of correction of these deformities in the elderly. These are implants which substitute for rod and screw systems. They can be done with a very small incision with minimal blood loss, either fusing the spine or using as a motion-sparing device which allows the spine to continue to move. Not all insurances will allow Co-Flex, so in each individual case this needs to be reviewed by the insurance carrier.

4. The minimally invasive retracting systems Dr. Thalgott developed with Thompson Retractors, for the posterior or backside of the lumbar spine surgery. He also developed a completely separate retraction system with Thompson Surgical Co. which allows exposure to the lateral side of the spine. Please reach out to us for more information regarding these technologies.