Spine Surgery

What Is Spine Surgery?

Spine surgery refers to a range of procedures used to relieve pressure on nerves, stabilise the spine or correct spinal conditions such as slipped discs, spinal cord injury and degenerative disc disease. While many spine conditions can be managed with non-surgical treatments, surgery may be recommended when symptoms persist or neurological complications develop.

When Should You See a Spine Specialist? 

The spine is vulnerable to a variety of ailments that can affect millions of people, causing debilitating pain and disrupting daily life.

If you have been diagnosed with a back problem by your primary care physician or practitioner, it is essential not to delay seeking advice from a spine surgeon if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent pain that radiates into the arms or legs

• Pain that does not improve even after taking anti-inflammatory medications or steroids for more than a week

• Back pain accompanied by fever, chills, night sweats, and weight loss

• Loss of movement or weakness in a limb that was previously functioning

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

• Persistent symptoms despite physiotherapy or medication

Some symptoms may indicate nerve compression that requires urgent evaluation by a neurologist.

Spine Conditions That May Require Surgery 

Most patients do not require surgery immediately. Before considering surgery, physiotherapy, home exercises, medication, and spinal injections are recommended to alleviate the symptoms. 

However, surgical treatment may be considered when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment or when there is significant nerve compression, spinal instability or loss of function.

For instance, if a patient suffers from nerve compression and experiences considerable pain in their limbs, surgery may be recommended if non-surgical methods are ineffective. Similarly, if a patient experiences limb weakness due to spinal cord or nerve root compression, surgery may be necessary if non-surgical treatments have not been successful.

Conditions commonly evaluated by spine surgeons include:

• Slipped disc (herniated or ruptured disc)

• Degenerative disc disease

• Spinal stenosis

• Spondylolisthesis

• Scoliosis and spinal deformities

• Spinal fractures

• Spinal cord compression

• Spinal infections

• Spine tumours

Not every patient with these conditions requires surgery. Treatment recommendations are based on symptom severity, neurological findings and imaging results.

Spine Surgery Procedures 

Depending on the underlying condition, spine surgeons may recommend different procedures to relieve pain, restore function or stabilise the spine. The most appropriate treatment will depend on your diagnosis, symptoms and overall health. 

Discectomy

A procedure that removes part of a slipped or herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord. It is often performed together with a laminectomy to relieve nerve compression and reduce pain.

Spinal Laminectomy / Spinal Decompression

A procedure that removes part of the vertebra and any bone spurs that are narrowing the spinal canal. It is commonly performed to relieve nerve compression caused by spinal stenosis.

Spinal Fusion

A procedure that joins two or more vertebrae using bone grafts or specialised implants to stabilise the spine. It may be recommended for spinal instability, degenerative disc disease or certain spinal deformities.

Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty

Minimally invasive procedures used to treat vertebral compression fractures, often caused by osteoporosis. Medical-grade bone cement is injected into the affected vertebra to strengthen and stabilise the bone.

Foraminotomy

A procedure that enlarges the opening where spinal nerves exit the spinal column. This helps relieve pressure on nerves caused by a slipped disc, bone spurs or degenerative changes in the spine.

Nucleoplasty or Plasma Disc Decompression

A minimally invasive procedure that uses specialised technology to reduce the size of a mildly herniated disc, helping to relieve pressure on nearby nerves and reduce symptoms.

Artificial Disc Replacement

A procedure in which a damaged spinal disc is replaced with an artificial disc designed to preserve movement between vertebrae. It may be considered as an alternative to spinal fusion in suitable patients.

TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion) Spine Surgery

A type of spinal fusion procedure used to stabilise the lower back. The damaged disc is removed and replaced with a bone graft or implant to encourage fusion between adjacent vertebrae.

Why Choose Prince Court Medical Centre for Spine Surgery? 

Expertise and Specialisation

The team of orthopaedic spine surgeons at Prince Court Medical Centre comprises highly experienced specialists who are recognised both locally and internationally for their expertise in spine surgery. We diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the neck, back and spine, including slipped discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease and vertebral fractures. Every treatment plan is personalised based on the patient's symptoms, imaging findings and lifestyle needs. 

Innovative and Effective Treatments 

At Prince Court Medical Centre, we place the utmost importance on providing safe and effective spine surgery, with a particular focus on reducing the risk of post-surgical complications and infections.

We adhere to international standards of care and are renowned for our expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery. Compared to traditional open procedures, minimally invasive techniques may reduce tissue disruption, minimise post-operative discomfort, shorten hospital stays and support a faster return to daily activities.

Additionally, we use advanced technology such as 4K-resolution endoscopes and surgical microscopes, which provide enhanced visualisation and precision during spine procedures.

Our commitment to advancing spine care is reflected in our dedication to quality improvement and patient safety. By staying at the forefront of developments in spine surgery, we are able to offer innovative treatment options tailored to each patient's needs.

Comprehensive Post-Surgery Rehabilitation Programmes 

Recovery is an important part of successful spine treatment. Our multidisciplinary rehabilitation team works closely with patients to support mobility, strength and long-term recovery after surgery.

Through specialised spine rehabilitation programmes, patients receive personalised care designed to manage pain, restore function and improve overall quality of life. We utilise evidence-based techniques, including manual therapy, exercise therapy, ultrasound and electrical stimulation, to support recovery and optimise outcomes.

Our goal is to help patients regain mobility, confidence and independence so they can return to their daily activities safely and as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spine Surgery 

1. Is spine surgery always necessary? 

   Most spine conditions can be managed with physiotherapy, medication, exercise and lifestyle modifications. Surgery is usually considered when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment or when nerve compression causes weakness or loss of function. 

2. What are the signs that I should see a spine specialist? 

   Persistent neck or back pain, pain radiating into the arms or legs, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness or difficulty walking should be assessed by a spine specialist. 

3. What is minimally invasive spine surgery? 

   Minimally invasive spine surgery uses specialised instruments and smaller incisions to access the spine. This approach may reduce tissue damage, post-operative pain and recovery time in suitable patients. 

4. How long does recovery take after spine surgery? 

   Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed, overall health and rehabilitation progress. Your surgeon will provide a personalised recovery plan based on your condition.