Orthopedic Spine Surgery

Back pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal issue affecting individuals of all ages. It can arise from various factors, including habits, improper movement, age-related degeneration, congenital abnormalities, or accidents.

If you experience persistent back pain, it is crucial not to ignore or neglect it for extended periods. Even minor, irritating back pain could be a harbinger of more severe spinal conditions, such as cervical spondylosis, spine degeneration, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, herniated discs, or spine tumors.

If you have ongoing back pain that does not improve with posture changes, lifestyle adjustments, or stretching, consult a medical professional. Consult a spine surgeon for a thorough physical examination to identify any abnormalities. This will help determine the most appropriate treatment approach to alleviate pain and enhance your quality of life as quickly as possible.

What is orthopedic spine surgery?

The spine is an indispensable body structure, serving not only as the primary framework that supports and maintains the upright posture but also as a protective enclosure for the spinal cord, which plays a pivotal role in the communication between the brain and the peripheral nervous system, transmitting commands from the brain to various body parts. Damage or compression of the spine can significantly impact movement control and sensory perception in the limbs, potentially leading to pain, numbness, weakness, or disability.

When spine abnormalities occur, orthopedic surgeons specializing in spine surgery are responsible for diagnosing and determining appropriate treatment strategies. They conduct thorough examinations to identify the precise points of concern. The goal is to alleviate pain, restore their ability to perform daily activities and enable them to engage in their preferred activities with improved quality of life.

How do spine surgeons differ from other orthopedic surgeons?

A spine surgeon is an orthopedic surgeon with expertise in diagnosing and treating spine abnormalities. A spine surgeon specializes in diagnosing and treating spine disorders, distinguishing them from other orthopedic surgeons. These specialists possess advanced training and skills specifically focused on managing disorders affecting all segments of the spine, consisting of

• Cervical Spine (C-Spine): 7 vertebrae
• Thoracic Spine (T-Spine): 12 vertebrae
• Lumbar Spine (L-Spine): 5 vertebrae 
• Sacrum
• Coccyx

Spine surgeons determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on specific pathology, symptomatology, and lifestyle factors. Their goal is to optimize the quality of life. The treatment strategies are broadly categorizable into two main approaches:

• Non-surgical treatments, including physical therapy, medication, and targeted pain injections.
• Surgical treatments encompass minimally invasive surgery, spinal fusion, and disc replacement.

MedPark Hospital's spine surgeons excel in diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. They collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to create personalized care plans that enhance each patient's quality of life. Their main goal is to restore independence and help patients fully participate in their daily activities.

Why choose MedPark for your spine care?

• Specialized spine surgeons with over a decade of experience managing complex disorders, advanced training abroad, and national recognition by their orthopedic peers provide expert diagnosis and treatment.
• Spinal disorder diagnosis and treatment planning involve a collaborative team of specialists, including vascular surgeons, neurosurgeons, radiologists, medical technicians, and pain management anesthesiologists. This multidisciplinary approach aims to identify the most appropriate treatment options tailored to the patient’s health, physical condition, and lifestyle, aligning closely with the needs and preferences of the patient and their family.
• The facility utilizes advanced medical instruments and technologies to improve diagnostic and treatment effectiveness. This includes minimally invasive surgery techniques that minimize pain, blood loss, and complications, leading to faster recovery and better adherence to treatment plans, enhancing the patient's quality of life.
• Our Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center boasts a team of highly skilled physiatrists and physical therapists committed to providing comprehensive post-operative care. These specialists offer personalized guidance and close supervision throughout rehabilitation processes, ensuring optimal recovery and return to daily activities.

Spinal conditions and disorders

• Lumbar disc herniation 
• Cervical disc herniation 
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Cervical spondylotic myelopathy
• Spinal stenosis
• Lumbar radiculopathy
• Adult degenerative scoliosis
• Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
• Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
• Spinal malignancies
• Spinal infections
• Spinal osteophytes (bone spurs)
• Spinal cord anomalies
• Spinal cord injuries
• Spinal cord tumors
• Vertebral osteomyelitis
• Office syndrome
• Cervicalgia (neck pain)
• Chronic low back pain in adults
• Kyphosis

Medical services by spine surgeons

• Diagnosis of Spinal Disorders. These include:
  • Comprehensive spinal screening with MRI.
  • Body composition and bone density determination
  • Laboratory investigations.
• Treatment of Spinal Disorders is categorizable into two main approaches:
  
  • Non-surgical Treatments
    
    • Monitoring and lifestyle modification
    • Medications to alleviate inflammation, pain, and stiffness
    • Physical therapy
    • Back support devices
    • Pain management injections
  • Surgical Treatments 
    
    • Vertebroplasty
    • Spinal deformity corrective surgery such as stabilization, anterior spinal fusion, and spinal fusion surgery, with or without rods and screws
    • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: MIS includes endoscopic spine surgery, robotic-assisted spine surgery, and AI-assisted spine surgery
    • Laminoplasty 
    • Corpectomy
    • Laminotomy
    • Laminectomy
    • Lumbar disc arthroplasty

Related instruments and equipment

• Diagnosis
  
  • X-Ray
  • CT scan
  • MRI
• Treatment 
  
  • C-arm
  • Endoscopy
  • Robotic Spine Surgery

Noticeable signs of spinal abnormalities

• Asymmetry between the left and right sides of the body, such as uneven shoulders, uneven scapulae, mismatched waistlines, or differences in hip heights
• Scoliosis or kyphosis
• Neck pain with radiation into the legs or tingling sensations in the hands, arms, feet, and legs.
• Weakness in the hands, arms, legs, and feet
• Difficulty walking and maintaining balance.
• Pain when walking short distances, requiring frequent rest to continue.
• Numbness around the anal region, urinary incontinence when coughing or sneezing, or inability to control urination or bowel movements.
• Persistent severe back pain that does not improve with changes in posture, whether sitting, standing, walking, or lying down.
• Intense pain that prevents sleeping or causes awakening due to discomfort.
• Severe pain that does not improve with medication or physical therapy.

Who is at risk for spinal conditions?

• People with a family history of various spinal disorders.
• People with congenital spinal abnormalities.
• People with certain neurological and muscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
• People with behaviors that increase the risk of spinal issues, such as poor posture or heavy lifting.
• People who have sustained injuries to the spine and spinal cord.
• People who have previously undergone chest or spine surgeries.

Obstacles and limitations in spinal treatment

• Delayed consultation with a spinal surgeon specialist can result in missing the optimal window for effective treatment, which might have offered better outcomes or more significant pain relief.
• Inappropriate treatments, such as self-medicating or massage from unqualified practitioners, can lead to increased injury, exacerbated pain, or further complications.
• Ignoring persistent symptoms, such as numbness or weakness in the limbs, can result in less effective surgical outcomes due to prolonged nerve compression, reducing the likelihood of a successful recovery.
• Fear of surgery, based on concerns about potential paralysis or disability, can deter patients from undergoing necessary procedures. In reality, spinal surgeries, especially cervical spine surgeries, often yield excellent results, with many patients able to stand or walk the day after the operation.
• Complications related to osteoporosis can significantly impact the effectiveness of spinal treatments.

Risks and complications during spinal treatment

Treatment for certain spinal conditions may result in side effects:

• Numbness in the hands, arms, legs, and feet
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty with balance
• Incontinence
• Paralysis

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Are there medications for age-related spinal degeneration or degenerative disc disease?
  A: Currently, there are no medications to cure these conditions as they are a natural part of aging. Patients can manage their condition by avoiding factors that accelerate degeneration, thereby slowing disease progression.
• Q: Can spinal surgery result in permanent loss of ability to walk?
  A: Modern spinal surgery is much safer and more precise than the previous era, significantly reducing the risk of permanent walking impairment. Skilled surgeons, a prepared multidisciplinary team, and advanced medical technology significantly enhance the likelihood of achieving favorable surgical outcomes.
• Q: Is there a good chance of recovery from spinal surgery?
  A: Spinal surgery yields satisfactory results in 90-95% of cases. However, a small percentage of patients, approximately 1-2%, may experience complications such as surgical site infections.
• Q: Would a redo surgery to correct poor results from a previous spinal surgery lead to better outcomes?
  A: The outcome depends primarily on the time elapsed since the initial surgery. The longer the interval, the greater the likelihood of scar tissue formation at the surgical site, which can complicate the procedure. Dissecting scar tissue increases the risk of nerve sheath damage compared to patients undergoing their first surgery. In such cases, the risk of nerve damage is approximately 2-3%.
• Q: After spinal screw insertion, is it possible to bend forward or resume sports activities?
  A: Bending forward is generally possible, although insertion of multiple screws may limit the range of motion somewhat. Patients can still bend to a degree close to normal. Doctors will assess whether a sporting activity may exacerbate spinal degeneration or other potential issues.
• Q: Does the placement of spinal screws lead to deterioration of adjacent vertebrae, potentially necessitating further surgery?
  A: The need for additional surgery due to the deterioration of adjacent vertebrae is not solely attributable to the placement of spinal screws. Vertebral degeneration is affected by several factors, including frequent bending, heavy lifting, and aging. Patients can often avoid further surgeries and sustain a normal lifestyle for many years with proper care.