JOEL HOEKEMA practices as a M.D., an Orthopedic Surgeon in BELLINGHAM, WA, focusing on lumbar fusion and related spine procedures including Lumbar Fusion, Laminectomy, Microdiscectomy.
Board-certified Orthopedic Surgeons are specialists in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of spine conditions. With 5 years of residency training and often additional fellowship specialization, they perform knee replacements, ligament reconstructions, meniscus repairs, and minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures.
Considering lumbar fusion? Call (360) 733-7670 to book a consultation with JOEL HOEKEMA in BELLINGHAM, WA.
Lumbar spinal fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae in the lower back to eliminate painful motion at a damaged segment. The surgeon uses bone graft, screws, and rods to stabilize the spine while the vertebrae fuse into solid bone over 3-6 months. It treats degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and fractures.
Laminectomy (decompression surgery) removes part of the vertebral bone (lamina) to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves. It relieves pressure caused by spinal stenosis — a narrowing of the spinal canal common in patients over 60. The procedure can be performed alone or combined with fusion for stability.
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure to remove the portion of a herniated disc pressing on a spinal nerve. Through a 1-inch incision, the surgeon uses a microscope to precisely remove the disc fragment causing sciatica (leg pain, numbness, or weakness). One of the most successful spine surgeries with 85-95% relief of leg symptoms.
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Costs vary by provider, insurance, and case complexity. Contact JOEL HOEKEMA at (360) 733-7670 for a consultation.
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