Our skilled New York Spinal Injury Attorney group has experience with many cases surrounding a spinal injury and or a spinal cord injury. The spinal column consists of 33 vertebral bones, which surround and provide protection for the spinal cord. An intervertebral disc is the structure between each vertebra and provides a cushioning effect for the spinal column. This disc consists of two parts: a nucleus pulposus (soft gel-like middle) and the annulus fibrosus (tough fibrous wall). The fibrous disc wall can harden and become brittle. The hardened disc wall often herniates (herniated disc) and the nucleus pulposus can leak and inflame the nerves and spinal cord causing significant pain. The New York Injury Lawyer team at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC contend a herniated disc often results from improper lifting of a heavy object as seen in many workers compensation claims or from trauma induced due to a motor vehicle accident.
A discectomy is the surgical removal of the herniated disc to relieve the irritation of the nerves and spinal cord. Our New York Discectomy Injury Attorney staff states that a discectomy is utilized to decrease pain and increase normal mobility and function. Before the disc is removed, a small section of the vertebra from the affected area may be removed for increased access of the herniated disc area. Prior to the discectomy or also called laminectomy, numerous tests will be performed to confirm a herniated disc is the cause of your symptoms. The tests include a physical examination, myelogram, computerized tomography (CT scans) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scans). If a discectomy is performed, the surgeon will explore the disc cavity and remove any loose disc fragments. A discectomy usually requires hospitalization and performed under general anesthesia. Periodically, a discectomy is performed in an outpatient surgical center. Spinal cord trauma can occur as a result of accidents like a boat accident, car accidents or even a bike accident. Something like a simple slip and fall can also be the culprit. No matter, back injury is nothing to take lightly. You may be dealing with something as serious as paralysis if you don’t act immediately.
Prior to surgery, there is no process to determine a positive response from the nerves after relieving the pressure of the herniated disc. This creates a risk of zero or only partial improvement in the pain. There is a risk of nerve and spinal structure damage during discectomy. There is also a risk of developing an infection after surgery. Some patients may even develop a blood clot or embolism resulting in wrongful death. The New York Spinal Injury Attorney staff at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC had discovered approximately fifteen percent of discectomy patients experience recurrent disc herniation, where a second disc herniates resulting in similar symptoms. If you are experiencing complications due to a discectomy, contact one of our New York Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss the possibility of filing a medical malpractice against the negligent physician or other healthcare provider.
Post discectomy treatment typically consists of physical therapy and home exercises. After discectomy, it is advised to walk around as soon as the anesthesia wears off. Pain medication is prescribed for pain management during recovery. Avoiding painful activities is also recommended. A discectomy patient can typically return to work within four to eight weeks.
If you or someone you love is suffering from a herniated disc requiring a discectomy, contact our New York Discectomy Lawyer Group or New York Spinal Injury Attorney team with Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC for a free initial case evaluation. Please call us online or at 800.696.9529. We have offices located throughout New York in Queens, Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn or Staten Island and in Long Island we have offices in Nassau County or Suffolk County.