After pursuing treatment for persistent back pain, X-rays showed a young boy had a mass on his spine. After beginning chemotherapy treatments, it was decided the boy would undergo surgery. Here are five quick facts about the procedure:
1. The procedure took six hours.
2. The surgeons accessed the spine from the front to remove a fist-sized tumor.
3. The tumor had begun to enclose around the spinal cord, making paralysis possible.
4. The tumor was effectively removed and the patient returned to normal function.
5. The patient is now walking without pain.
More articles on spine surgery:
First 3D-printed titanium fusion implant used in spine surgery—5 things to know
5 key notes on non-medical patient transfers for spinal trauma
Measuring spinal stenosis patient outcomes—5 key notes
