Bertolotti Resection Surgery

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Why Choose VSI for Bertolotti’s Syndrome Care

Customized Bertolotti Solutions, Just for You

Bertolotti’s syndrome is a unique condition caused by an anomaly in the lower spine, resulting in severe lower back pain and forming a small joint that shouldn’t be there. This extra “pseudo-joint” can become inflamed and painful, often leading to one-sided back pain near the waist. A Bertolotti resection is a surgical procedure where the extra bone is removed, which eliminates the cause of pain.

Since only a small percentage of people (under 10%) have this condition, it’s frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed and many patients suffer for years without knowing why they have back pain. Our medical team provides nonsurgical treatments rarely found elsewhere and modern surgical options that promote effective and efficient recovery. As a premier destination for Bertolotti syndrome care, VSI supports fly-in patients with seamless coordination, from medical planning to travel assistance and post-surgical rehab. We’re committed to helping you navigate the complexities of this unique condition and return to your quality of life.

What is Bertolotti Resection Surgery?

Bertolotti resection surgery is a specialized procedure to remove the source of your lower back pain. If therapy, injections, and other conservative treatments haven’t eased your pain, your surgeon may recommend a Bertolotti resection. In this minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon removes the extra bone connection so that your spine and pelvis no longer rub together. By taking out this bony bridge, the painful abnormal joint is eliminated and normal movement is restored. The goal is to relieve your pain at its source while preserving as much of your natural spinal mobility as possible (unlike a fusion surgery, which locks the bones together). Thanks to advanced techniques, this surgery can provide significant relief with a relatively quick recovery time, allowing you to get back to an active life.

The Benefits of Bertolotti Resection Surgery

Choosing to undergo a Bertolotti resection can offer several benefits for patients with symptomatic Bertolotti syndrome:

This surgery directly removes the source of your pain. By taking out the pseudo-joint that was causing inflammation and irritation, patients often experience significant relief immediately for their chronic back pain.

Unlike a spinal fusion that locks two bones together, a resection doesn’t require fusing your spine. You keep normal movement at the L5-S1 level. This means you can bend, twist, and move your lower back more naturally after healing, without the stiffness that comes from a fusion.

Bertolotti resection is usually done with minimally invasive techniques – small incisions and refined instruments. For you, this means less muscle damage, a smaller scar, and often a quicker recovery and less post-op pain. Many patients are up and walking soon after surgery and can return home quickly.

Because the procedure is less invasive, recovery tends to be quicker. Most patients return to light activities within a few weeks and are back to their normal routine around 6–8 weeks after surgery. (By contrast, a fusion surgery in this area might require several months of healing.)

spine surgeon performing bertolotti resection

Am I a Candidate for Bertolotti Resection Surgery?

With both in-person and telehealth appointments available, your spine surgeon will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if Bertolotti resection surgery is right for you. Our in-person consultations are reserved for approximately 60-90 minutes to provide the time necessary to cover all aspects of your diagnosis and to create a custom treatment plan for you. This time includes answering all your questions, addressing your concerns, performing a hands-on medical exam, taking a detailed medical history, and reviewing your current X-rays and MRI scans.
Bertolotti syndrome can also be treated through a variety of non-surgical and surgical methods:

grayscale man with red lower back pain

Customized Bertolotti Syndrome Solutions

At VSI, we believe in an ultra-customized approach to Bertolotti syndrome, tailored specifically to each patient’s unique anatomy. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all solution, we carefully select the most suitable plan for each individual, ensuring that the treatment aligns perfectly with the patient’s anatomy.

Whether you prefer a virtual or in-person consultation, our goal is to help you understand your symptoms and build a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bertolotti Resection Surgery:

This procedure is minimally-invasive and typically performed through a small incision with refined tools. A resection surgery results in a quicker recovery with less post-op pain compared to a spinal fusion. Most patients are able to return home the same day or after one night.

True re-growth is extremely rare. Our surgeons carefully cut only the unnecessary bone and apply bone wax to discourage regrowth.

While both surgical options relieve pain caused by Bertolotti’s syndrome effectively, a Bertolotti resection is often a quicker recovery time and allows for full range-of-motion in the lower back compared to a spinal fusion, which fuses those bones together and limits motion.

Check with an Expert if You’re a Candidate for Bertolotti Resection Surgery

Take the first step toward a pain-free life. Schedule a consultation with our Bertolotti’s experts today for a personalized assessment and to learn if Bertolotti resection is the right solution for you. We’re here to answer your questions, put your mind at ease, and help you get back to the life you love – free from back pain. Let’s find out if this innovative surgery can help you reclaim comfort and mobility.

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