Orthopaedic Spine Surgery

What is orthopaedic spine surgery?

Orthopaedic spine surgery is typically done when non-surgical options such as rehabilitation or pain relief is no longer effective for your back pain.

Your spine consists of several bones called vertebrae that allow your back to move with ease while protecting the spinal cord. Orthopaedic spine surgery typically involves these bones.

Some common procedures our orthopaedic surgeons are experienced with include:

● Laminectomy. This procedure involves the removal of the lamina, a part of the vertebrae. Also known as decompression surgery, a laminectomy procedure aims to relieve spinal stenosis, or pressure on the spinal cord, reducing pain and discomfort.
● Spinal fusion. This procedure, done with minimally invasive techniques where possible, involves taking bone from a different part of the body to form a bridge between two vertebrae and allowing them to fuse, stabilising your spine.
● Spine osteotomy. This procedure corrects the spine alignment by cutting and removing a section of the spine.

What conditions are treated with orthopaedic spine surgery?

Orthopaedic spine surgery often relieves associated pain or numbness that goes down one or both arms or legs. This pain or numbness may be caused by compressed nerves. Two common reasons for this are:
● Herniated disks where the rubbery cushions that separate the bones in your back press against the nerves, causing pain or reduced function.
● Spinal stenosis where there is an overgrowth of bone along the spine that causes a narrowing of the space for nerves to pass through. This is typically caused by osteoarthritis.

When should you see an orthopaedic surgeon for orthopaedic spine surgery treatment?

Most back pain resolves within three months. Back problems typically respond to conservative treatments — such as physical therapy, pain relief medication, and heat.
Orthopaedic spine surgery may be considered if non-surgical treatments are no longer effective and your pain is persistent and debilitating.

Did you know?

Exercise reduces your risk of developing lower back pain. A combination of strengthening with either stretching or aerobic exercises performed 2 or 3 times per week can prevention of lower back pain in the general population¹.

How do I maintain or improve my orthopaedic health after orthopaedic spine surgery?

In addition to following your specialist’s recommended post-surgical follow-up care regimen such as physiotherapy and regular clinic visits, here are some lifestyle changes that you may wish to consider to maintain your spine health:

· Use lumbar support and ergonomic chairs to help avoid placing undue strain on the structures in the back. Low back supports along with ergonomic seating and good posture keep the spine in proper alignment.
· Avoid sitting for prolonged periods as it can cause strain due to poor posture. Walking around or changing position every half an hour helps to reduce the discomfort associated with prolonged sitting.
· Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight helps to reduce excessive strain on the discs in the lower back.
· Eat nutritiously to help with the healing process. Ask your specialist if there are foods that you need to avoid.

What facilities and technologies do our specialists use for orthopaedic spine surgery?

As a holistic medical centre, our multidisciplinary specialist team is experienced in delivering comprehensive spinal care. Our orthopaedic surgeons are experienced with treatments that include spinal decompression, spinal stabilization, as well as pain reduction. They are skilled in using advanced imaging technologies to obtain accurate information to treat your spinal conditions.

We recognize that not all injuries or conditions require surgery. Our orthopaedic surgeons will work with you to determine if lifestyle changes and non-invasive approaches such as physical therapy may be the right treatment for now. We develop personalised patient plans after a comprehensive diagnosis and review of treatment options that may also involve collaboration with neurologists, neurosurgeons, or other specialists.

[1] Shiri R, Coggon D, Falah-Hassani K. Exercise for the Prevention of Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials. Am J Epidemiol. October 2017. doi:10.1093/aje/kwx337.