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Correct and stable work of the whole body depends on the state of the spine. Seated work, lower physical activity, uneven or excessive load on the spine, injuries, genetic predisposition and other factors lead to the development of diseases of the spine. In some cases, when conservative therapy is not effective and a question about the operation raises, then doctors resort to spinal neurosurgery.
Over 85% of people in the world have some kind of back problems. According to a study of the Upledger Institute in the USA out of 100 people with spinal diseases, more than 30 patients need surgery. More recently, spinal surgery was considered so dangerous that they adopted it only in the most desperate cases. Today, modern spinal neurosurgery methods are available to doctors that are highly effective and safe for the patient. In this article we will talk about innovations in spinal surgery and the best clinics in the world for the treatment of the spine.
SPINAL SURGERY IN LEADING FOREIGN CLINICS
Particularly successful in the study and implementation of innovative methods in spinal surgery are the countries of Europe, Israel and Turkey, where intervertebral hernia, spinal tumors, vertebral body fractures, scoliosis and other pathologies are treated with high efficiency.
Doctors work not only to eliminate the problem surgically in the treatment of back problems, but also preserve the spine and all its functions.
In developed countries, surgeons prefer to perform spinal surgery using minimally invasive techniques and microsurgery, such as endoscopy or laser surgery. In advanced medical centers, there are departments of neurosurgery and spinal surgery, which posses everything necessary for operations of various complexities.
Surgeons at the Rechts der Isar Clinic in Germany have the opportunity to perform complex spinal surgeries using navigation equipment and microscopes with which not many clinics in the world are equipped. To stabilize the spine, modern dynamic fixers(implants) are used here that do not violate motor functions.
The newest method is widely used in Germany – chemonucleolysis, which helps patients with displacement or prolapse of the vertebral discs and with severe spinal injuries. During the procedure, the damaged disk is dissolved by a special substance that is inserted through the catheter. A new disc is formed using acrylic cement and fast-hardening solution.
It should be also noted that Ichilov, Sheba in Israel and Hisar Intercontinental Hospitals in Turkey have surgeons who successfully perform operations to remove tumors and hernias of the spine, treat degenerative disorders and other diseases. In the surgical treatment of scoliosis with outdated methods, the operation may take more than 6 hours, and for the correction of the spine up to 20 screws are used, which leads to the emergence of severe pain and limited mobility. In Israel, the possibility of painless and quick treatment of scoliosis with the help of minimally invasive techniques using the unique ApiFix system has appeared. To correct the curvature of the spine, only two screws are required; after the operation, the mobility of the spine is preserved. The treatment requires only couple of months, during this time there is a gradual alignment of the spine and the restoration of ligaments and muscles.
In the Motol University Hospital Czech Republic, laser technologies and endoscopy are actively used to treat the spine, which significantly reduces the risk of complications during and after surgery and shortens the recovery period of the patient. All types of back surgery are performed here – from simple prolapse operations that can be solved by dynamic stabilization, right up to fusions. In addition, the clinical surgeons use neuronavigation, which greatly improves the quality and efficiency of operations on the spine.
Major role in the treatment of spine pathologies is played by the use of visualization equipment during operations – CT, MRI. For example, during spinal surgeries at the Medical Park Clinic in Turkey, along with neuronavigation, surgeons use X-ray imaging, which displays a three-dimensional image of the area being operated on, improves the surgeon’s manipulation accuracy and minimizes the risk of trauma.
Modern methods of spinal surgery make it possible to cope with problems caused by diseases of the spine with great efficiency and restore patients the possibility of a normal existence.
ADVANCED METHODS OF SPINAL NEUROSURGERY
Modern clinics use the following radical methods in the treatment of the spine:
- Fixation of the vertebrae (spinal fusion). In most cases, the operation is performed through a small incision using endoscopic instruments, which is less traumatic for the patient. It is used for displacement of the vertebrae and for spinal fractures. During surgery, the surgeon fasten the vertebrae to limit the mobility of the affected area. In this case, the patient’s motor function is not impaired. For fixation of the fractured spine, rods and bolts of titanium are used, which are able to hold the spine for many years. Surgeons also use the innovative Spinal Fusion stabilization method. Through a small incision on the back or neck, the surgeon fastens the damaged vertebrae with metal bolts, and, if necessary, bone implants are used. Usually, after the fixation procedures, the patient can return to normal life within few weeks.
- Laminectomy. This operation is often prescribed for spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal, accompanied by pain, numbness, impaired motor function) and for intervertebral hernia. During the operation, parts of bones and bone spurs are removed, which are compressing the nerve endings.
- Foraminotomy. Like laminectomy, it helps incases of squeezed nerve endings of the spine. During the operation, parts of the bones are removed along the sides of the affected vertebra, thereby making room for nerve roots.
- Discectomy. Issued in cases of intervertebral hernia. During the operation, disk is removed partially or completely. Previously, during discectomy, it was necessary to make a large incision to access the operated area. Now surgeons resort to a more gentle method – microdiscectomy, a special microscope and micro tools are used during the operation and no large incisions are required.
- Disc Replacement. After removal of the intervertebral disc, an artificial implant is placed in its place. Such an operation does not limit the mobility of the vertebrae.
- Installing an interlaminar implant. During the operation, a special device is inserted between the two vertebrae to stabilize them and relieve pressure on the nerve endings. This procedure does not affect spinal mobility.
- Kyphoplasty (vertebroplasty). An effective minimally invasive procedure that helps strengthen the spine by inserting a balloon into the damaged area through a thin needle and filling the space with orthopedic cement.
- Nucleoplasty. An effective non-invasive method for the treatment of intervertebral hernia. The operation is performed through a 2-3 mm puncture under the control of an x-ray imaging machine. A special tool is introduced into the core of the intervertebral disk, which gives impulses of cold plasma or with the help of an electromagnetic field acts on the disk. As a result, the pulposus nucleus of the disk evaporates, the pressure on the nerve root decreases and the pain decreases rapidly.
- Surgical treatment of scoliosis. One of the most effective ways to fix and correct the curvature of the spine in modern spinal surgery is the three-dimensional correction system CDI, or the Cortel-Dübuse method. The position of the spine is adjusted using a special stabilizing system, which consists of brackets, rods and hooks of nickelide and titanium, does not require spinal fusion and the use of a supporting plaster corset.
ADVANTAGES OF SPINAL NEUROSURGERY ABROAD
- Use of the sparing methods in treatment of injuries and diseases of the spine, which ensure safety and quick recovery.
- Use of modern equipment during operations and for examination, which significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment.
- Experienced specialists with knowledge of mini-invasive spinal surgery and the use of innovative methods of spinal surgery.
Very well explained! Great to have people like you making our search simple although medicine is a very complicated field for a common man to understand.