Month: October 2022

30 Oct 2022
spine surgery treatments

Spine Surgery: Types And It’s Procedure

Is surgery a must to cure the problem, or would a spine treatment without surgery be more feasible? Such questions could arise when it comes to spine surgery. If at all surgery is necessary, of the types of spine surgery, which one is better – keyhole surgery or traditional spine surgery? Back surgery helps to treat spine problems and relieve back pain, but surgery is not always necessary. Many of the back issues resolve with no external aid or can be treated with conventional spine treatment without surgery.

When do you need spine surgery?

When a person suffers from symptoms related to spine issues, they need to get evaluated by a primary care physician. For example, if diagnosed with back or neck pain, the orthopaedist advises them to maintain stable physical posture or activity, proper weight, and diet. If the problem persists, physical therapy, OTC medicines, or anti-inflammatory medication is the next step or treatment suggested by a doctor.

Types of Spine Surgery Procedures

Severe spinal conditions are treated using various types of spine surgery:

Decompression procedures:

These spine surgery types try to relieve symptoms caused due to pressure or to decompress the spinal cord that has been compressed. Loose ligaments, thickening of ligaments, bulging discs, and new bone growth can shrink the space of the spinal canal and the spinal nerve openings, causing pain. In addition, it may lead to paralysis due to excess pressure on spinal nerves, along with causing bladder and bowel movement problems.

Only fixation (spinal instrumentation) procedures

It is one of the spine surgery types that utilise devices during spine surgery. This surgical procedure involves implantation on titanium or titanium alloy, steel or non-metallic spinal instruments in spines. Different types of medical implants are available to treat spinal disorders in people of all ages. However, it cannot provide a permanent solution to spinal instability unless spinal fusion is done.

Spinal Fusion Procedures

Spinal fusion is one of the spine surgery types in which two bones are fused using a bone graft to grow the bony surfaces together. Its medical term is arthrodesis. During the primary surgical procedure, a bone graft is taken from an autologous patient or from others called allograft bone. In some foreign centres, instead of bone grafting, Bone morphogenetic protein is being used. It is still in the evaluation phase. 

 

Both Spinal Fusion and Spinal Instrumentation Combined

Spinal fusion, along with spinal instrumentation, is required for the successful correction of spinal deformities. The instrumentation renders stability and aids in maintaining the correction when the fusion of bones is still happening. Internal fixation of devices in the spine leads to an increased rate of solid arthrodesis. The spinal instruments will also fail due to repeated stress if the spinal fusion fails.

Spiral Correction Procedures for Deformities like Kyphosis and Scoliosis

A deformity is any spine structure alteration compared to the standard shape. A spinal deformity may develop because of any condition causing curvature and twisting of the spine- however, there are many procedures to correct mild to extreme spinal deformities. Some of the main types of spine surgery include osteotomy, spinopelvic fixation, pedicle subtraction ostomy, and vertebral column resection. These procedures differ from person to person.

 

Osteotomy involves removing bone from the deformed vertebral column. This procedure is performed at different levels, and about 10-20 degrees of correction are made at every level. Therefore, it is used to rectify the long curves of kyphosis or ankylosing spondylitis condition. 

 

The pedicle subtraction osteotomy is similar to the osteotomy procedure. Ankylosing spondylitis, flatback syndrome, angular kyphosis, and a few c-shaped scoliosis.

 

The vertebral column resection (VCR) removes the entire vertebra to correct and stabilise the spinal cord. This procedure is more complex and needs professionals with rich expertise and experience. The removed vertebra is replaced with spinal instruments such as bone grafts and cages. A system coupled with a screw and rod implanted in the spine helps restore stability when the bone graft is healing. This procedure can yield nearly a correction of 80 degrees or more. 

 

If you are looking for spine treatment without surgery, the experts at Germanten Hospital might be able to help you with little to no complications. So book an appointment at Germanten today!

 

22 Oct 2022
frozen shoulder treatment

5 Things You Need To Know If You Have A Frozen Shoulder

How to cure a frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition involving shoulder joint stiffness and pain. Also known as adhesive capsulitis, it shows slow symptoms that worsen with time. Keeping a shoulder still for a long period can lead to a frozen shoulder. It can happen after breaking an arm or surgery.

Its treatment consists of range-of-motion exercises. You can also apply numbing medications to the joint. In some rare cases, arthroscopic surgery is performed to loosen the joint capsule for free movement. Usually, frozen shoulders do not recur in the same shoulder. However, within five years, it can commonly develop on the other shoulder. There are certain do’s and don’ts for a frozen shoulder that we will explore later on.

Symptoms of frozen shoulder

Now that we know what happens in the condition and how to cure frozen shoulders quickly, this is the time to learn some symptoms.

The primary symptom of a frozen shoulder is the inability to move the shoulder. Other symptoms include:

  • Achy, diffuse pain: Felt over the shoulder and occasionally on the upper arm; this pain begins gradually and increases with shoulder movement. Usually, it is worse in the early phase and decreases later on.
  • Shoulder stiffness: As the shoulder’s joint capsule becomes tighter, the shoulder’s range of motion decreases noticeably. Although avoiding arm movement can lead to more stiffness, people with frozen shoulders avoid moving arms due to the pain. Mobility can improve and may be completely restored with improving conditions.

 

  • Trouble sleeping: How to sleep with a frozen shoulder? The simple fact is that sleeping on the affected side causes discomfort and pain.

 

  • People with diabetes are more prone to having it, so it is essential to know about the frozen shoulder diet

 

Now we come down to things one must know. Other than the fact that there are 4 stages of frozen shoulder, there are 5 things to understand:

 

  • Tendonitis: It is usually observable that an arm affected by a frozen shoulder appears a bit shorter than the unaffected one. The shoulder tends to pull the humerus(upper arm bone) rounded head further into the socket. As the tendons try to compensate for the change, they become stressed, and tendonitis enters. Avoiding painful movements, doing gentle stretching, and doing physical therapy can help relieve.

  • Neck pain: Neck faces staring during day-to-day movements like washing hair or sleeping in positions that don’t cause more shoulder pain. So you know how to sleep with a frozen shoulder. This way, the neck can become stiffer and may hurt more gradually. For relief, regular stretching and massage can help.

 

  • Use your affected arm: A vital element of the do’s and don’ts for a frozen shoulder is the movement of the arm. Resting it does not help with healing. According to medical professionals, resting the shoulder can lead to more adhesions. One must use the shoulder to prevent further problems and maintain muscle strength.

  • Hormones matter: Women in their 40s and 50s are more likely to face the condition. Cases have been reported by women who were having perimenopause, menopause or were at the start or end of hormone replacement therapy.

 

  • The shoulder may not regain its full range of motion: After the 4 stages of frozen shoulder, this might be the sum. At the end of the frozen shoulder phase, one may not be able to have the full range of motion. At the same time, You might observe raising arms over the head and a bit more height in the affected shoulder.

 

An “almost normal” shoulder is possible after months of going through pain, restrictions and discomfort. The result of figuring out how to sleep with a frozen shoulder can be good. Even though long-term effects can lead to disappointment and frustration, you can consult with your doctor or physical therapist on how to cure a frozen shoulder wholly and quickly. It is good to consult with doctors for therapies and a frozen shoulder diet.

 

How to cure a frozen shoulder quickly?

Contact Germanten Hospitals for solutions to your frozen shoulder-related problems. For a healthy frozen shoulder diet and to help get over the 4 stages of frozen shoulder, Germanten Hospitals can provide you with the perfect solution.

 

15 Oct 2022
non surgical treatment

Non-Surgical Treatments for Back Pain & Neck Pain

Non Surgical Treatment for Back Pain 

Long-term back pain can be challenging to be treated by doctors. However, back pain can be treated without surgery using spinal manipulation, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes. 

The reason behind the development of back pain might be a muscle strain caused by heavy lifting or an accident. Other times, arthritis, osteoporosis, or scoliosis can cause back pain.

Below are the details of methods for non surgical treatment for back pain:

 

  1.  Spinal Manipulation:One of the non surgical treatments for back pain is spinal manipulation. Also known as chiropractic manipulation, this method involves using the hands to adjust, massage or stimulate the spine.

    While this method seems effective, it is not meant for everyone. People with osteoporosis, arthritis or spinal cord issues must avoid this method.

  2. Acupuncture:It is a traditional Chinese medical practice in which an acupuncture practitioner inserts thin needles into specific points on the body.Acupuncture may help revive the low back muscles and relieve pain in people suffering from low back pain.

    Acupuncture also provides long-lasting relief for chronic pain. It is one of the preferred methods which involves spine treatment without surgery.

     

  3. Weight loss:The back muscle, bones, and joints work hard to provide maximum support to the body. Being overweight can trigger back pain due to the increased pressure on the spine and back muscles.Losing excess weight could help reduce some of a person’s back pain if weight is a contributing factor. An overweight person may work with their doctor to lose weight.

 

It is one of the simple methods of non surgical treatment for back pain.

 

  1. Anti-inflammatory diet:According to some studies, higher levels of inflammation are closely linked with certain types of chronic pain. Inflammation is caused by many factors.One of the ways to reduce inflammation is to consume a non-inflammatory diet. An effective spine treatment without surgery.

     

  2. Correcting posture:Having an appropriate posture may help to reduce back pain. Conversely, incorrect back posture might have caused back pain for some people.In one of the studies, it was found that participants who completed an exercise program for 8 weeks experienced relief from back and shoulder pain. It is one of the best methods of non surgical treatment for back pain.

 

In some cases, one may consider renovating their workspace if it does not have proper ergonomics. It helps in effective spine treatment without surgery. Germanten Hospitals provide you with personalized remedies for back neck pain. They also provide effective neck pain treatment.

 

Non-Surgical Treatment for Neck Pain

 

If you suffer from long-term neck pain but are not ready to have surgery, there are non-surgical treatment options that may eradicate your pain. Below are the five ways to overcome neck pain using methods involving non-surgical treatment for neck pain.

 

Understanding the main reasons can help you approach better non-surgical treatment. 

 

Before agreeing to undergo surgery, it is better to try a non-surgical approach. Five non surgical treatment options include 

 

  1. Pain management: Controlling your pain may heal your body naturally. NSAIDs, narcotics, or steroidal injections, combined with rest, may enable you to get rid of pain in future.
  2.  Rest: Simply resting your neck enables the muscles to relax and nerves to turn normal. Avoid the activities or positions that increase the pain. Resting is one of the best ways that involves non-surgical treatment for neck pain.
  3. Physical therapy: Strength training, increasing flexibility, and maintaining proper posture can improve your neck health and reduce neck pain caused by muscle pain. These things can be learned by a certified therapist. An effective neck pain treatment.
  4. Manual manipulation: A chiropractic specialist manually adjusts your neck to reduce nerve pressure and alleviate sore muscles.
  5. Alternative therapies: Therapies such as massage and acupuncture improve blood flow, relax tensed muscles and reduce symptoms. These are the methods involving non-surgical treatment for neck pain.

 

Non-surgical methods are the better way to deal with neck pain as they prevent you from undergoing surgery. Instead, consult a certified specialist in spinal surgery and one who can provide you with a range of personalised therapies. 

 

If surgery becomes inevitable, consult a physician who can perform surgeries and also can provide therapies as remedies for back neck pain.

 

08 Oct 2022
Geriatric orthopedic problems

Geriatric Orthopedic Problems

Geriatric Orthopaedic problems are one of the most common diseases nowadays, especially in old age people. After age 40, geriatric orthopedic problems start rising in the body, and more often, this problem happens to women.

Research has shown that prevention can help to lower geriatric orthopedic problems. In some cases, orthopaedic problems can be genetic problems as well, but majorly this problem arises due to the daily activities of human beings. Some of the primary reasons for it in today’s world are long hours of sitting on a laptop and computer, using excess mobile phones, walking or running on harsh surfaces and, most significantly, changes in our lifestyle. All these lead to dangerous orthopaedic problems, which can sometimes be non-curable diseases. 

What common diseases lead to problems of geriatric orthopedics?

Here are a few common diseases that may lead to geriatric orthopedic problems:

  1. Osteoarthritis: One of the most common problems nowadays among adults is osteoarthritis. In every three older adults, one is an osteoarthritis survivor. This degenerative disease usually affects the joints of the body like the wrist, ankles, knees, fingers and spinal cord. This disease causes problems in day-to-day activities because the movement of joints starts becoming difficult, which causes pain in the body. Therefore, the orthopaedic doctors recommended treatments and medicines to decrease the pain in the joints and begin to ease the movement of joints.
  2. Fractures: A severe orthopaedic problem which can happen to anyone at any age is a fracture. In youngsters, it can occur due to any mishap or loss of balance during physical activity. Still, in old age, it happens due to the loss of calcium from the bones, which leads to weaker bones and unsteady balance in daily life. Therefore, any trouble and fall during old age can lead to some severe fractures of bones.
  3. Dislocations: Dislocation of bones means shifting of bone from its original place. It is usually in old age due to falls caused by bones of the body dislocating. It causes severe pain in the body as well. Medicines and physiotherapy by doctors help to overcome this problem.
  4. Osteoporosis: It is a disease under which bone density and bone mass start decreasing from the bones, which leads to its weakening. It usually happens after age 30 and often happens early in women.

If you are experiencing geriatric orthopaedic problems due to the diseases mentioned above, come over to Germanten Hospital for diagnosis and treatment.

How to prevent problems of geriatric orthopaedics?

Here are a few ways to prevent geriatric orthopaedics: 

  1. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or underweight can lead to orthopaedic problems in adults. Obesity can lead to the weakening of body muscles, and people who are overweight have a higher chance of osteoarthritis. So all adults should maintain a balanced body weight to prevent orthopaedic problems.
  2. Keep it moving: We should keep our body moving, for this regularly thirty minutes of exercise is the best. Regular light exercise like walking, jogging, swimming and stretching benefits bones and muscles. Heavy workouts can lead to too much stress on the body muscles, so regular light exercise is good for maintaining your health.
  3. Develop a strong core: For maintaining a balanced weight, it is vital to develop a strong core. Yoga and pilates exercise work for developing a solid core, and it also helps in preventing orthopaedic problems.
  4. Stretch before starting an exercise: It is imperative to do light stretching before starting an exercise to maintain flexibility and warm up the body to reduce the risk of injuries like sprains and strains. In addition, it helps to prevent muscle and joint injuries.
  5. Wear comfortable shoes: Footwear is the most important thing while you are getting ready. For any occasion, comfortable shoes are essential. So always wear comfy shoes rather than going with trendy heels, which cause pain in the body.
  6. Get regular checkups: Visit your local doctor for regular checkups and get a complete check on your orthopaedic health. Regular checkups are more important for old adults to prevent themselves from orthopaedic severe health issues.

Follow the tips as mentioned above to ensure you don’t encounter problems with geriatric orthopaedics. But if you still have these issues, visit Germanten Hospital now!

02 Oct 2022
Minimally invasive spine

Types Of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive spinal surgeries use smaller incisions to ensure lesser damage to surrounding muscles and ligaments of the spine. Endoscopic spine surgery has the following advantages over traditional surgeries, such as: 

  • Endoscopic spine surgery has a faster recovery time. 
  • Lesser chance of infection and blood loss. 
  • Recovers faster and can return to a regular lifestyle
  • The minimally invasive spine surgery success rate is high. 

Here are a few different types of minimally invasive spine surgery: 

  • Discectomy

    So, starting with Discectomy, what is minimally invasive spine surgery? It is a surgical process of removing material that presses on spinal cord nerves because of a herniated or bulging disc. It is performed to treat pinched nerves (nerve root compression), sciatica, bone spur, or radiating pain through limbs, known as radiculopathy.

    In this surgical procedure, surgeons use a retractor, special microscope or endoscope to remove herniated discs. It helps to make smaller incisions that can be recovered quickly. This procedure takes less than an hour under general anaesthesia, and patients can return to their homes in a few hours.

  • Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

    What is minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery? It is an orthopaedic procedure in which a disc is removed through the front neck to relieve pressure and pain from the spine. To stabilise the neck, the surgery is combined with fusion surgery. 

  • Foraminotomy

    It is surgical to widen the tunnels in the back where nerves leave the spinal canal. Foraminotomy, one of the types of minimally invasive spine surgery, can be used to treat various spine conditions such as: 

  • Foraminal Stenosis
  • Pinched Nerve
  • Herniated Disc
  • Sciatica
  • Bone 
  • Spur
  • Radiculopathy
  • Laminectomy

    The lamina is the back of the vertebra that covers the spinal canal to protect it. The laminectomy is the surgical procedure performed to remove this lamina. It helps reduce the pressure from the spinal canal or spinal nerve in health conditions such as lumbar stenosis, herniated disc, and bone spur.

    The laminectomy can be performed on any spine level using minimally invasive techniques. The minimally invasive laminectomy success rate is high. Patients who undergo single-level or two-level stenosis can return to their homes on the same day of surgery. It is performed to treat spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and herniated disc. A more experienced doctor can ensure a higher minimally invasive laminectomy success rate.

  • Spinal Instrumentation

    This minimally invasive procedure keeps the segment immobile after the spinal fusion surgery. In this procedure, the surgeons insert screws and rods to align the spine bones while the bone graft heals.

Two minimally invasive spine surgery types instrumentation procedures are: 

Percutaneous Pedicle Screws: In this procedure, surgeons use a minimally invasive technique to insert screws and rods. The doctor makes small incisions on both sides of the spinal column through which all the instrumentation is inserted using X-ray imagery. It helps to stabilise the spine without disrupting the healthy tissues. It is one of the preferred types of minimally invasive spine surgery.

Percutaneous Facet Screws: Facet joints are found in the spine; the facet screws are used to eliminate unwanted motion between these joints. They are used to position the targeted joints permanently in conjunction with bone grafting material at the time of joint structural and bone damage. 

  • Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation

Spinal cord stimulator implantation is an orthopaedic surgical procedure that implants an impulse generator into the back. It sends an electrical current to the spinal cord to relieve chronic pain. The low voltage stimulation causes a tingling sensation to block pain. The procedure can treat failed back surgery syndrome and chronic pain. The success rate of this minimally invasive spine surgery is high. 

  • Corpectomy

Corpectomy is one of the most preferred types of minimally invasive spine surgery that involves the removal of the vertebra to remove pressure from the spinal cord and nerve. Corpectomy relieves pressure from stenosis, bone spurs, spinal fracture, tumour, or infection in the cervical, lumbar or thoracic spine.  

The discs above and below the vertebrae and the middle portion of the bone are removed. Then, a bone graft or metal prosthesis is inserted to keep stable after the damaged structure has been removed. 

For an excellent non invasive back surgery near you, visit Germanten Hospital. Our experts are highly regarded among the most experienced orthopaedic professionals, and we also have the latest facilities and advanced tech to ensure the different types of endoscopic spine surgery. So book your appointment now to understand more about the types of minimally invasive spine surgery and their success rates!