Tag: spine surgery

16 Mar 2024
Lifestyle Changes for Preventing Spinal Problems.

Lifestyle Changes for Preventing Spinal Problems

The foundation of good spinal health is maintaining a healthy posture. However, in today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy posture often takes a backseat. Poor posture, whether sitting at a desk, standing, or even sleeping, can exert undue stress on the spine. 

In this blog, we will focus on the importance of maintaining proper posture and share tips for practicing good posture habits daily.

Setting Up Your Space for a Happy Back:

We spend a lot of time sitting – at work, at home, and everywhere. But did you know that how you sit can affect your back? Let’s talk about sitting the right way and beating the sitting slump.

When you sit at a desk, ensure everything is set up so you can be comfortable. Your chair should support your back, and your computer should be at eye level. Take breaks to stand up and stretch. It’s like giving your back a little break.

Yoga and Exercises for a Happy Back: 

Sitting for a long time can make your back unhappy as pressure is applied to your spinal cord and hip. Moving around rather than continuously sitting for hours can help reduce the tension of the bones and spine. Take short breaks to stand, stretch, or even take a quick walk. It’s like pressing the refresh button for your back. 

Yoga and stretching exercises offer a holistic approach to spinal health, promoting flexibility, balance, and relaxation. Incorporating simple yoga poses and stretches into your daily routine can enhance spinal mobility and alleviate spinal tension. 

Eating Right for a Happy Back:  

A well-balanced diet provides the essential nutrients required for maintaining the strength and flexibility of the spine. Some of the food that helps you attain a healthy spine are mentioned below: 

  • Calcium- and Vitamin D-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, leafy vegetables, fatty fish, cereals, eggs, etc., strengthen the vertebrae and reduce the risk of fractures and other bone-related issues. 
  • Food rich in magnesium and proteins, such as nuts and seeds, legumes, lean meat, dairy products, etc., is crucial for the repair and maintenance of tissues. They also support the muscles, ligaments, and tendons around the spine, promoting stability and reducing the risk of injuries. 
  • Fatty fish and walnuts, rich in Omega-3 Fatty acids and antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, carrots, etc., support the spine’s overall health. 
  • Another important aspect of achieving a healthy spine is drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps the intervertebral discs to maintain their elasticity and shock-absorbing properties. In addition to routine water intake, incorporating hydrating sources like herbal teas and water-rich fruits and vegetables can contribute to spine health. 

Stress Less and Sleep Right for a Happy Back: 

Stress Management plays a vital role in spinal health. Chronic stress contributes to muscle tension and postural issues that adversely impact the spine. Here we are listing some of the techniques for managing stress: 

  • mindfulness
  • relaxation exercises like deep breathing
  • nature walks
  • relaxing hobbies like reading

Another important aspect of preventing spinal problems is getting the right amount of sleep. Inadequate or poor-quality sleep can contribute to an unhealthy spine. Some tips to attain the right amount of sleep are suggested here: 

  • Establish a sleep routine. 
  • Create a relaxing bedtime ritual.
  • Limit screen time before sleep. 
  • Ensure your sleep environment is comfortable. 

It is important to understand that quality sleep contributes significantly to stress reduction and overall well-being, including minimizing spine-related issues. 

Conclusion: 

In summary, avoiding spine problems doesn’t have to be a challenging task with extreme measures. By making simple adjustments in your daily routine, such as maintaining good posture, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress– you can actively work towards keeping your spine healthy for the long run. Embracing these habits as part of an overall healthy lifestyle can go a long way in helping you live without spinal health problems.

22 Sep 2023
Five advantages of minimmaly invasive spine surgery

Five Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery or MISS is a surgical approach that aims at treating a wide variety of spinal conditions without impacting the surrounding muscles, tissues, and cells negatively. Compared with open surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery offers many benefits ranging from faster return to day-to-day activities and reduced hospital stay.

Here are the five primary benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS):

1. Faster Recovery Time

The best and the most important advantage of minimally invasive spine surgery is that it doesn’t take months to recover from.

Unlike traditional open surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery does not involve making large incisions or openings in your body tissues for treatment. Moreover, the tissues surrounding the site of surgery also don’t undergo much disruption or damage because of the utilisation of smaller incisions or cuts in MISS.

Since larger incisions increase blood loss and give more trauma to the surrounding tissues, they not only cause a higher extent of pain but also take more time to heal and recover. Therefore, unlike open surgeries, minimally invasive spine surgery is done by making only small cuts.

As a result, due to lower wound formation, the intensity and the duration of pain decrease. Hence, because of decreased tissue damage and minimal trauma to the other body parts such as muscles, the overall time required to complete the surgery along with the duration of recovery decreases significantly.

Most patients who are treated using minimally invasive spine surgery get a discharge on the day of the operation itself. Faster discharge time means minimised hospital stay and a quicker start to your recovery period.

2. Less Painful Process

In minimally invasive spine surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions or cuts into your tissues and muscles to access and view the affected area for treatment.

The primary goal is to have a closer look and monitor the site of operation using specialized instruments consisting of microscopic video cameras. These cameras pass easily through the organs and tissues that are located in the deeper regions of your body such as—

Nerves of your spine
Vertebrae
Spinal discs

MISS is performed using highly advanced tools and techniques that enable access to your affected tissues without causing much disturbance to the surrounding areas. These techniques are designed to invade your tissues minimally ultimately decreasing the damage that your nerves and muscles undergo.

Henceforth, since the muscles and nerves don’t have to go through a high degree of disruption, the pain in them is minimized. Less pain means reduced need for post-operative care and pain reliever medications.

As a result, the process is less painful and has a faster recovery time in comparison with traditional open spine surgeries.

3. Reduced Risk of Complications

Common complications associated with the traditional open spine surgeries include:

Adverse effects of anaesthesia that might result in heart stroke, brain damage, heart attack etc.

Excessive bleeding due to large cuts

Surgeries that are performed on the pelvis, calves and thighs may sometimes result in the formation of blood clots

Dural tears

Development of infections that cause pain and swelling at or near the site of operation

Minimally invasive surgery doesn’t expose a large surface of your muscles, nerves and tissues to the external environment consisting of contaminants and other chemical components used for treatment. So, the chances of the development of an infection at the incision site and the possibility of other adverse effects on the surrounding tissues are reduced.

Most importantly, since highly advanced imaging technology is utilized, precision is more due to better visualization. The enhanced precision contributes towards the elimination of the risk of complications associated with spine surgery.

4. Less Muscle Damage

In open surgery, in order to have access to the deeper tissues such as nerves, discs and vertebrae for operation, the surgeon needs to first remove the muscles that are located on their upper surface. Therefore, during the procedure, a lot of muscle damage happens before the actual surgery can take place.

The procedures used in minimally invasive spine surgery, in contrast, dilate (stretch and enlarge) these muscles instead of cutting and disrupting them. Hence, the maximum of your natural muscle structure is preserved giving you better muscle functionality and decreasing muscle weakness faced post-operation.

Overall, the level of muscle damage is much less in comparison with traditional open spine surgeries.

5. Better Cosmetic Outcomes

Small cuts generate less pain and heal faster. Apart from these, the visibility of scars caused by minimally invasive surgery is less and they tend to produce better cosmetic outcomes.

Particularly if the surgery has to be performed on the externally visible parts of your body, the presence of big and ugly scars that result from large incisions post-surgery can impact your self-esteem and decrease confidence.

Minimally invasive spine surgery helps you avoid the embarrassment of noticeable scarring and heal with confidence due to enhanced cosmetic results that cause much lesser scarring.

03 Aug 2023
How do you know when you need spine surgery

How Do You Know When You Need Spine Surgery?

Understanding the need for spine surgery requires evaluation by a healthcare professional specialising in spine conditions. This article aims to provide insights into the indications and considerations involved in determining when spine surgery may be needed, offering guidance to individuals seeking to understand their treatment options.

Deciding on Spine Surgery: Indications and Considerations for Optimal Treatment

Spine surgery is typically recommended when conservative treatments have failed to alleviate symptoms or when the condition is severe and significantly impacting a person’s quality of life. 

Here are some indications that may suggest the need for spine surgery:

Persistent Pain

If you have severe, persistent back or neck pain that does not respond to conservative treatments (such as rest, physical therapy, or medication) over a significant period, surgery may be considered.

Neurological Symptoms

The following symptoms may indicate nerve compression or damage:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Weakness
  • Loss of sensation in the arms, legs, or other body parts 

In such cases, surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the affected nerves.

Progressive Neurological Deficits

Worsening neurological deficits may indicate a more urgent need for surgical intervention. examples include:

  • Difficulty walking
  • Coordination problems
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control

Structural Abnormalities 

Imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, may reveal structural abnormalities like: 

  • Herniated Discs
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Spinal Instability
  • Deformities

If these abnormalities are causing significant pain, nerve compression, or spinal instability, surgery may be considered.

Failed Conservative Treatments

If conservative treatments have been tried without success, and the symptoms and functional limitations persist or worsen, surgery may be recommended as the next course of action.

Impact On Quality Of Life

If back or neck pain significantly impairs your daily activities, mobility, and overall quality of life, surgery may be considered to alleviate the pain and restore function.

Common Reasons for Spine Surgery

Here are some common reasons when spine surgery may be needed:

  • Herniated Disc: When a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, weakness, or numbness, surgery may be considered to remove or repair the affected disc.
  • Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can lead to compression of the spinal cord or nerves. Surgery may be recommended to create more space and relieve pressure on the affected structures.
  • Spinal Deformities: Conditions such as scoliosis (abnormal sideways curvature) or kyphosis (excessive forward curvature) may require surgery to correct and stabilize the spine.
  • Spinal Fractures: Severe fractures, especially those affecting the stability of the spine, may require surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the fractured vertebrae.
  • Spinal Tumors: Surgery may be needed to remove tumours or growths that are affecting the spinal cord or nerves, aiming to relieve pressure and restore function.
  • Spinal Infections: In cases of severe spinal infections, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove infected tissue, stabilize the spine, or drain abscesses.

     

  • Spinal Instability: If the spine is unstable due to conditions like spondylolisthesis or vertebral fractures, surgery may be recommended to restore stability and prevent further damage.

Conclusion

It’s important to note that the decision for spine surgery is highly individualized and depends on various factors, including the specific spine condition, overall health, and patient preferences. It is best to consult with a qualified spine specialist who can evaluate your condition and provide personalized recommendations based on your unique circumstances.

 

FAQs

Q1. What are the common symptoms of spine problems?

Ans. Common symptoms of spine problems include:

  • Constant back or neck pain 
  • Pain that travels from the back or neck and extends to other areas, such as the arms, legs, or buttocks. 
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Muscle weakness 
  • Limited mobility 
  • Bowel or bladder dysfunction
  • Changes in sensation

Q2. Can spine surgery be avoided?

Ans. In certain cases, spine surgery can be avoided or postponed depending on the severity of symptoms, response to conservative treatments, stability of the condition, and individual factors. If symptoms are mild, manageable, and show improvement with non-surgical treatments, surgery may not be immediately necessary. 

Q3. How is life after spine surgery?

Ans. Life after spine surgery often involves a period of recovery and rehabilitation. While some individuals experience significant pain relief and improved mobility, others may require time for the full benefits of surgery to manifest. 

Q4. Is spinal surgery painful?

Ans. Spinal surgery itself is performed under general anaesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. However, it is common to experience some discomfort and pain during the recovery period after the surgery. The pain level can vary depending on the type of surgery and individual factors.

21 Jan 2023
What is spinal fusion surgery

What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery and How Long Does It Take?

What is spinal fusion surgery?

Before understanding the question, it is important to know about the structure of the spinal cord.

The spinal cord is composed of nerves that carry impulses from the body to the brain. Vertebrae are the bones we call the backbone that protects the spinal nerves.

In some cases, the spine and vertebrae column might get affected due to natural reasons or accidents resulting in spinal cord instability.

How will spinal fusion surgery improve my condition?

 Lower back surgery can reduce pain caused by:

  • Degenerative disk disease or bad back: In between our vertebrae discs are cushions which prevent friction. With age, these cushions wear out, resulting in severe pain. It might need lower back surgery.

  • Spondolyolethesis: Commonly known as spondylolysis, Spondlysis is the fracture of the vertebrae. It is caused due to sports injury or continuous stress on the lower back due to poor posture or continuous sitting. It causes weakening and shifting vertebrae. The stage where the vertebrae start shifting is known as spondylolisthesis. 

 

  • Spinal stenosis occurs due to the narrowing of the spinal column and causes severe pain. 

 

  • Scoliosis: It is the curving of the side of spines from side to side, usually found in children.

 

  • Fracture in vertebrae: The broken vertebrae would cause immense pain due to trauma or osteoporosis.

 

  • Herniated disc: The vertebrae are covered with cartilaginous cushions at the back. The slipping and displacement of these cushions can result in the bulging or rupturing of the disc, causing severe pain.

 

  • Tumours in the spinal cord would also need lower back surgery.

 

The doctor can provide a treatment plan after diagnosing the condition.

 

How long would spinal fusion surgery take?

The time taken for spinal fusion surgery depends on the number of fused vertebrae and the extent of the damage. It also depends on the type of disease behind the vertebrae condition.

The Spinal fusion surgery may take anywhere between three to seven hours.

What to expect after spinal fusion surgery?

After the surgery, you would have to stay in the hospital for one to three days. The pain is controlled through medications. If you are facing any of these procedures after your spinal fusion surgery, contact your doctor immediately:

  • Drainage oozing out of the wound
  • Redness at the operated site
  • Tenderness and inflammation
  • Chills and shivering
  •  Fever with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or more

 

Also, it is important to understand that the surgery is a time taking procedure. l4 l5 surgery recovery time might take months, and you would need to wear a brace for proper alignment and posture of the spine. 

Physical therapy during the l4 l5 surgery recovery time has shown benefits.

Tips to follow for faster recovery from spinal fusion surgery

It is necessary to take good care of your spine after the surgery. You should rest completely to allow the body to heal and recover completely. The doctor and the paramedic teams would provide instructions and follow these tips too:

  • Align with the treatment plan and pace slowly. Do not enforce anything.
  • Wear your brace from time to time and other assistive materials. If the physical therapist has given you braces, make sure to wear them. It would help reduce the pressure and help the spine get strength and stability.
  • Do light physical activities. Take a walk, and do light stretches while following your physical therapy to help your body recover.
  • Restrain from smoking. Smoking interferes with the body’s healing, so avoid smoking before and after the surgery.
  • Consume a balanced diet. Give your body all kinds of macros and micros by consuming a balanced diet.
  • Use a hot and cold compress. Hot showers, heating pads and cold compress can be a soothing experience during recovery.
  • Sleep in a comfortable posture. Sleep on your upper back with your head and shoulder in a slightly elevated position with the help of pillows or a blanket under your knees. It would help in reducing pain and help you in resting properly.
  • Sleep well. Sleep is an important part of the healing process, so avoid late nights while l4 l5 surgery recovery time.

To make the recovery period quick and easier after the spinal fusion surgery, it is best to consult your doctor and follow their advice. 

If you are looking for spine  surgery, the experts at Germanten Hospital might be able to help you with little to no complications. So book an appointment at Germanten today!

 

11 Dec 2022
How to sleep with herinated disc and sciatica

How to sleep with herniated disc and sciatica

Sciatica is caused due to impingement on your sciatica nerve. It’s typically due to an injured disc in the lower back of your body. The most common sign of sciatica is intense pain in the nerve. The pain usually ranges from moderate to severe and usually is felt on one side.

Best sleeping position for sciatica

  • Keep your eyes on yourself.

Sleeping on your back can ease discomfort by relieving pressure off your nerves that are irritated.

How to set up:

  1. Lay on your bed on your side with the injured part placed on the top for the sleeping position for sciatica.
  2. If there’s a gap between the waist and the mattress, place it on a pillow to help reduce the side bend.
  • Put a pillow between your knees.

A pillow between your knees can help keep your spine and pelvis in a neutral posture. It also stops your legs of yours from pivoting throughout the night. Hence it is an accurate sleeping position for sciatica

How to set up a sleeping position for sciatica:

  1. Begin by placing your shoulder on the mattress, then place your entire body on your mattress.
  2. Relax your knees and place them on a thin pillow between them.
  3. You could also place a small pillow under your waist if there’s space.
  • Fetal position

The fetal position can open up the space between your vertebrae. It can help relieve back pain that is caused by herniated discs. But, some experience pain that is worsened by it.

If you feel uncomfortable in the fetal posture, consider one of the alternatives on this list.

How to set up sleep for herniated disc:

  1. Relax on your side and raise your knees towards your chest until your body forms a “C.”
  2. You could also put pillows between your knees or beneath your waist.
  • You can lie on your back by having a pillow between your knees

Laying back on your back can help to distribute your weight evenly over your back and hence is a good position to sleep with lower back pain and sciatica. In addition, placing a pillow of a suitable thickness between your knees can assist in maintaining the curvature of your spine by stretching your hips.

How to set it up:

  1. Relax on your back with an extra pillow on your head for assistance.
  2. Place one or two pillows beneath your knees. Then, place your legs comfortably against your mattress.
  • You can sleep on the floor.

How to set up a sleeping position for a slipped disc:

  1. Set up a thin mat, like a yoga mat or a camping mat, on the ground where you plan to lay.
  2. Lay down in any of the above positions or wherever you feel comfortable.

The softness of the surface could cause the spine to move out of alignment. However, sleeping on the floor can help you maintain your spine in a straight line

How to sit and sleep with a herniated disc

A herniated disc may occur at any point along the spine from the neck down to the lower back. It is typically the result of age or something as easy as a strong sneeze, lifting heavy objects, or sleeping in a slouchy place.

Better options are sleeping on your back or side to sleep with lower back pain and sciatica. Side sleepers can put a cushion between the knees to relieve any strain on the hips or lift their legs with a pillow. You could also put an unrolled towel between the waist of your body and the mattress while lying on your back. Always lie on your side so that it doesn’t cause any discomfort.

The ideal sleep with a herniated disc would be lying on your back. The position of lying on your back will keep the spine and vertebrae in an even posture and reduce the risk of squeezing the nerve. To increase comfort, place the pillow or towel between your knees and lower back to sleep with lower back pain and sciatica. A wedge-shaped pillow that elevates your ankles and legs can reduce the burden on your herniated disc and is an ideal position to sleep with a herniated disc.

29 Nov 2022
How long does it take spinal surgery

How long does it take to walk after spinal surgery?

The recovery time required after a lumbral depression surgery depends on your fitness level. Hence, it is recommended that the patients have a physiotherapy session before undergoing surgery.

On the day of surgery, after the procedure is done, it is recommended for the patient to walk and move around. You would be discharged around 1 to 4 days after the surgery.

Spinal cord surgery recovery time is anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks. After that, you will have a relaxed level of mobility. The spinal surgery recovery time mainly depends on the severity of the injury and symptoms before the surgery.

After you wake up from the lumbar decompression surgery, you will feel soreness in your back and will have one or more tubes attached to the body. It would include the following:

  • Intravenous drip would ensure hydration levels in the body.
  • Drain to remove any excess fluid from the body.
  • A thin, flexible tube ( catheter) is inserted in the urethra if you face micturition issues.
  • Pump to inject painkillers directly into the veins.

These tubes remain attached to the body for a short time after surgery.

Immediately after the surgery, you would experience some extent of pain in the area. Pain relief medicines would be given during the spine surgery recovery time. You would notice an immediate improvement in the original leg pain, but if you don’t see so, inform the doctor.

Usually, very few people face problems in their postoperative period. It is mostly temporary, but in rare cases, if nerve damage occurs, it can interfere with bladder and leg movements. During the spinal surgery recovery time, make sure to inform each detail to the doctor.

The pain would decrease in around 6 weeks of the spine surgery recovery time to disappear completely.

Stitches

 

Doctors might do stitches or staples to close the cuts and incisions on the surgical site. Stitches done in deep layers of the skin would dissolve themselves and don’t need to be removed. Instead, the non-dissolvable stitches would be removed 5 to 10 days after the surgery.

The stitches are covered by simple adhesive dressing like plaster. Make sure to keep it dry. After the stitches are removed, you can usually take a bath.

Rehabilitation

 

After the surgery, the doctor would want you to move around and walk for a smooth and shorter spinal surgery recovery time. Inactivity can cause blood clot development in the leg (DVT). 

After the surgery, a physiotherapist would help you regain strength and movement after the surgery. In addition, they would train you with some exercises and activities, which would help in faster spinal surgery recovery time.

At home

 

It takes 1 to 4 days for the patient to return to their home. The time duration of hospital stay depends on the extent of the surgery, your health conditions and the rate of spinal cord surgery recovery time.

Remember to keep your activity level as instructed when you are at home and then gradually increase it. You would require help in the first week after the surgery. Having an active routine would facilitate the spine surgery recovery time. Follow all the instructions of the doctor and physiotherapist. Avoid sitting or standing in the same posture or position for more than 15 to 20 minutes, as it can make your muscles stiff and sore. 

Walking is an easy way of maintaining an active routine. Avoid getting into heavy weight lifting, sudden twists and jerks to the muscle when performing daily activities. Instead, increase your limits and the extent of work at a slow pace.

After the surgery, you would have to go for follow-up appointments during your spinal cord surgery recovery time. It is done to check the progress of the operated area and look for any symptoms or infections in the wound area.

Work

 

You can resume your work after your doctor has allowed you. It depends on the rate of your recovery as well as the kind of job you do. For low-activity level jobs, you can resume your usual routine 4 to 8 weeks after the surgery and 3 to 6 months for high-level physical activity jobs.

 

If you follow these tips, you can speed up the recovery time. Contact your doctor for any queries. 

 

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!

 

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!

 

06 Aug 2022
spinal injury

The Best Spinal Cord Injury Physiotherapy Treatments

Over the past years, there have been quite significant advancements in medical technology and practises of spinal physiotherapy. As a result, there are several new treatments for spinal cord injury or physical therapy.

According to the World Physiotherapy (the official confederation for Physical Therapy), a physiotherapist or a physical therapist can be defined as a person who is an expert in the field of human activity and movement. 

They help people who have suffered from spinal cord injuries so that they can improve their mobility and prevent any further damage to the spinal cord. They also help the victims of spinal cord injury to improve significantly so that they can function normally in their community. 

There will be more chances of recovery if the spinal physiotherapy starts as soon as possible, apart from proper care and rehabilitation. However, while looking for the best treatment for spinal cord injury, you need to keep certain factors in mind, such as your expectations, the intensity of injury and how much damage the spinal cord has suffered. Always ensure you consult with your doctor regarding which treatment will be the most suitable for you. 

If you want the best treatments for spinal cord injury, have a consultation session with the experts at Germanten Hospitals. They are skilled at helping you get a thorough understanding of which procedure you should go for.

Several spinal cord injury treatments are available that will help you recover properly, just like constant care and rehabilitation. However, if you are looking for spinal cord injury treatment, you must consider your goals, the intensity of the injury and how much the spinal cord has suffered.

Conventional physiotherapy or physical therapy:

 

Conventional methods of physical therapy includes several hands-on therapies, exercises and stretching activities to promote movement. The main motive of this treatment is to help the patient cope with the pain, improve circulation, and reduce or prevent atrophy, contractures and weakness. It also helps in improving the general health and wellness of the patient. It is done to retrain your brain and body so the patient can move and function again. There are several types of spinal physiotherapy treatments available, such as: 

  • Muscle stretching. 
  • Massage therapy. 
  • Joint manipulation.
  • Acupuncture.
  • Neurodynamic exercises. 

 

Spinal physiotherapy treatments, like the ones mentioned above, are available in many hospitals, and some spinal cord injury treatments are combined with physical therapy to increase the effectiveness of the process.

Activity-Based Therapy:

 

ABT is also known as restorative therapy or ABRT. It is a form of therapeutic treatment that helps in the rehabilitation and recovery of the patients who have suffered from nerve problems, spinal cord injuries or traumatic injuries. Activity-Based therapy is one of the most effective spinal cord injury treatments. It includes several repetitive muscle movements that promote neuroplasty, strength training and gait training. 

Functional Electrical Stimulation:

 

FES or Functional Electrical Stimulation is one of the new treatments for spinal cord injury. It involves the application of short electrical pulses to the paralysed or weakened muscles. It is done with the help of electrodes to improve or restore the functions of the muscles. The procedure is considered quite underrated and is used to boost the functions of the heart and lungs. Apart from that, functional electrical stimulation or FES also helps in improving the bladder and bowel movements and increasing mobility. 

Obvious and hidden costs of a spinal cord injury:

A spinal cord injury can be extremely traumatic and expensive and might require part-time or full-time care. Apart from the expense of hiring a care provider, the overall cost increases because of doctor visits, hospital stays, preparations at home, transportation and several physical therapy treatments. 

If you feel that the expenses of the procedure are getting too much for you, you can always contact a lawyer who can help you if you are injured due to someone else’s negligence or actions. A considerate lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve for sustaining the injuries. 

If you are wondering about the best treatment for spinal cord injury, you have a consultation with the doctors at Germaten Hospitals. So book your appointment for a consultation if you want to understand the new treatments for a spinal cord injury.

 

08 Feb 2021
Spine keyhole surgery in hyderabad

Spine Key Hole Surgery- Explained!

 Your spine or backbone is one of the most important parts of your body as it provides support
and helps you stand, move, sit, bend, or twist. Shaped like an ‘S’, it extends from the extreme
lower back to the base of the skull and protects the spinal cord injuries. However, sometimes,
because of injuries, infections, tumors, craniovertebral dislocation, or age-related issues, spinal
problems can occur. Some of the most common symptoms of a spine problem are persistent
upper and lower back pain, numbness in the hands and legs, difficulty to stand, sit, or walk, and
pain in the neck.Your spine or backbone is one of the most important parts of your body as it provides
support and helps you stand, move, sit, bend, or twist. Shaped like an ‘S’, it extends from the extreme
lower back to the base of the skull and protects the spinal cord injuries. However, sometimes,
because of injuries, infections, tumors, craniovertebral dislocation, or age-related issues, spinal
problems can occur. Some of the most common symptoms of a spine problem are persistent
upper and lower back pain, numbness in the hands and legs, difficulty to stand, sit, or walk, and
pain in the neck.

Scoliosis or congenital deformity of a spine is a condition in which the spine is abnormally
curved that leads to a physical deformity. The affected person has a curved or bent back and is
unable to stand straight. However, even the most severe case of scoliosis can be corrected
surgically. Some of the conditions that can be treated by Spine Surgeries include:

● Slipped disc/herniated disc
● Spinal stenosis
● Scoliosis/kyphosis
● Sciatica
● Spondylolisthesis
● Degenerative disc disease
● Traumatic disorders
● Phylogenic infections or Tuberculosis (most common) or any other
● Tumors affecting the spine, Benign/Malignant
● Previously operated/failed back surgery

There are two types of spine surgeries – open or conventional and keyhole or minimal access
surgery. Some spinal conditions like tumours and disc problems can be treated using minimally
invasive spine surgery or spine keyhole surgery.

Germanten’s Research Collaboration in Orthopedics and Joint Replacement with
Germany allows them to exchange synergies and get a medical consultation. It helps
them stay ahead of other hospitals in terms of sophisticated equipment and the latest
developments in medical technology. This ensures that Germanten is able to provide the
highest quality standards of healthcare in the country. The team at the hospital is
experienced in delivering the best orthopedic treatment for a wide range of complex
ailments.

 What is Spine Keyhole surgery?

This is a highly advanced spine surgery in which small incisions are made that leads to minimal
damage to the tissues and faster post-surgery recovery. In order to perform this minimally
invasive surgery, the doctor uses special operative tools known as Tubular Retractors that can be
inserted through the small incisions to reach the spinal column. It leads to the creation of a
tunnel-like opening, leading to the area that has to be operated on. The doctor will use the tubular
retractor for holding the muscles open throughout the procedure to ensure less blood loss and
damage to the bones, ligaments, and muscles, as compared to the open surgery. Here are some
other advantages of Spine Keyhole surgery:

● Small surgical incisions
● Minimal blood loss
● Lesser muscle/tissue damage
● Lesser pain
● Fewer complications after the surgery including infection
● Minimal pain killers
● Quicker recovery
● Minimal hospital stays (just 1 or 2 days after the surgery)
● Lower incidence of post-surgery back pain
● Faster return to the normal routine

Spine Keyhole surgery is extremely helpful, especially for elderly patients as it lessens the
associated problems significantly. Also, it is the optimal solution for overweight or obese
patients as it has lesser healing time and they can start walking the next day. 

One of the most common applications of Spine Keyhole surgery is the management of herniated
lumbar disc that is causing sciatic pain. In such cases, patients are discharged on the same day or
the next day after the procedure. However, performing a procedure like this requires specialized
training, advanced surgical skills and state-of-the-art technology. Germanten hospital can help
you with this. 

Dr. Mir Jawad Zar Khan, one of the top orthopedic surgeons in the country leads an orthopedic
team at Germanten Hospitals. They ensure that the Spine Keyhole surgery is performed using the
best technology that ensures quick mobility and faster recovery. But, before they decide what
surgery is the best for the patient, a lot of factors must be considered. This includes the physical
and mental health of the patient and their needs. Before the procedure, the patient will be
informed about the aspects of the procedure, cost, expected recovery time, possible
complications, etc.

However, with the experience and specialization of Dr. Jawad, you don’t have to worry about
this. Dr. Jawad has extensive experience of 20+ years in the field of orthopedics, which makes
him the best surgeon for spine keyhole surgery in Hyderabad. He has trained in Germany and has
successfully completed thousands of operations. He was honored as Best Doctor by Shri
Roshaiah Garu (Ex-CM of Joint Andhra Pradesh & Former Governor Tamilnadu) in 2018 and
Vaidya Ratna Award by Shree Etala Rajendra, Honorable Health Minister of Telangana in 2019.
The team will ensure that your case is handled with the utmost commitment. 

Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) at Germanten- Making surgeries safer!

However, with the experience and specialization of Dr. Jawad, you don’t have to worry about
this. Dr. Jawad has extensive experience of 20+ years in the field of orthopedics, which makes
him the best surgeon for spine keyhole surgery in Hyderabad. He has trained in Germany and has
successfully completed thousands of operations. He was honored as Best Doctor by Shri
Roshaiah Garu (Ex-CM of Joint Andhra Pradesh & Former Governor Tamilnadu) in 2018 and
Vaidya Ratna Award by Shree Etala Rajendra, Honorable Health Minister of Telangana in 2019.
The team will ensure that your case is handled with the utmost commitment. 

hospital is known for its specialized diagnostic facilities for radiology, pathology, imaging, and
laboratory. A highly-advanced laminar airflow is in every operation theatre to provide total
infection control. Also, it offers the best postoperative rehabilitation for the patients. The
German-based technology allows the doctors to use robotics and computer navigation for
performing painless procedures. With its highly advanced critical care facilities, 24 hours critical
care, and anesthesia team in the ICU, Germanten Hospital is the to-go facility for healthcare in
the country that offers Advanced Surgical and non Surgical Treatments for back pain.

Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) at Germanten- Making surgeries safer!

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is utilized for the continuous surveillance
of a patient’s nervous system (nerves, spinal cord and parts of the brain) during surgery. The goal
of neurophysiological monitoring is to reduce the risk of iatrogenic damage to the nervous
system, and/or to provide functional guidance to the surgeon and anesthesiologist. It provides an
extra layer of assurance for both the surgeon and the patient. 

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is utilized for the continuous surveillance
of a patient’s nervous system (nerves, spinal cord and parts of the brain) during surgery. The goal
of neurophysiological monitoring is to reduce the risk of iatrogenic damage to the nervous
system, and/or to provide functional guidance to the surgeon and anesthesiologist. It provides an
extra layer of assurance for both the surgeon and the patient. 

Back pain in India is alarming with nearly 60% of the people in India have suffered from low
back pain at some time, especially the elderly. It requires surgical intervention when the pain
does not decrease through conservative treatment or drugs and limits your daily activities. If you
are facing such issues, you can consult the specialists at the Germanten Hospital, the center of
excellence for vertebral surgery and live your life pain-free.