Treatment And Surgery – The complex structure of small bones, also known as vertebrae, which comprise the spine, poses severe problems, when in discord with cushioning discs, nerves, muscles and other tissues. Disorders such as spondylitis, osteoporosis, spondylodiscitis, back pain and neck pain are becoming more common these days.
Sedentary lifestyle, low calcium intake and smoking are few of the reasons for spine problems. Primary infection in discs and secondary infection in vertebrae, leads to osteomyelitis, which has rare but has high morbidity and mortality possibilities.
Improper postures like slouching on desk, obesity, lack of exercise and wearing high heels are few of the lifestyle issues that cause damage to the spine. Emotional problems such as stress, depression and anxiety also play a role in aggravating spine problems.
Inappropriate living conditions of majority of Indian population and decrease in immunity of the society in general, have increased spinal infections (especially tubercular infections).
When a patient complains of back pain or neck pain, surgeons rarely jump into surgery solutions. They first observe the patient for a given time and try physical activities and advocate medications to resolve the issue before considering surgery.
Home therapy such as brief rests, heat/ice therapy, over the counter medicines and aerobics were basic spine treatments. Developments in imaging and surgical equipments, has pushed the spine treatments to the next level.
Barrow Neurosurgeon Dr. David Fusco says, “When you think about the way we were doing things 10 years ago and say, ‘I can’t believe what we have now’ and ‘I can’t believe things used to be done that way,’ well, I think we’ll be saying the same thing 10 years from now.”
Besides vouching for drive to explore new technology which arrives from collaboration between neurosurgeons, biomechanical researchers and industry partners, he further adds, “We’re able to work with our industry partners pretty regularly in order to maximize the effectiveness and speed of product development.”
Laminectomy (removal of parts of bone, bone spurs, ligaments in back, by surgeon), Vertebroplasty, discectomy, Herniated disc surgery, Foraminotomy, Nucleoplasty, spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement are few of the common spine surgery that is in practice.
While recovery after laminectomy and fusion surgery takes few months, discectomy and foraminotomy provides recovery in few weeks.
Spinal fusion makes you fit for work within six weeks. Recovery, however, depends upon how bad your condition was, before the surgery.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, Endoscopic Spine Surgery, Cervical Spine Procedure, Anterior Lumbar Fusion Surgery and Lateral Lumbar Fusion Surgery are few of the advanced surgeries offered to patients.
New discoveries in spine surgery technology such as 3D printing in production of spine surgery implants, da Vinci robotic system and advanced intraoperative surgical techniques such as endoscopic surgery for example, which enables minimally invasive decompression, have enhanced patient safety.
Refined anesthetic protocols which provides conscious sedation, avoids post operative complications. Use of transexamic acid reduces intraoperative blood loss.
Spine surgery works with physical and occupational therapists and provides customized treatments taking each patient’s individual lifestyle and professional requirements into account.
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