Neurosurgical Spine Surgery

What is neurosurgical spine surgery?

elderly couple walking across a river

Neurosurgical spine surgery is the surgical treatment of spine disorders and injuries, such as degenerative arthritis, spinal stenosis, herniated or degenerative disc disease, instability due to arthritis, trauma, scoliosis, spina bifida, osteoporosis, fractures, and spinal cord tumours. These surgeries can be performed by a medical specialist called a neurosurgeon.

When should I or my loved one see a specialist for neurosurgical spine surgery?

Your primary doctor may decide to refer you to a neurosurgeon if you are suffering from a treatable spinal abnormality such as:

● Degenerative arthritis,
● Spinal stenosis,
● Herniated or degenerative disc disease.
● Instability due to arthritis.
● Trauma.
● Scoliosis.
● Spina bifida.
● Osteoporosis.
● Fractures.
● Spinal cord tumours.

The presence of persistent pain will also be a factor in considering the option of neurosurgical spine surgery.

Enquire with our neurosurgeons.

Did you know?

Surgery for cervical spine metastasis is safe with good neurological results, low complication rates, and improvement in neck pain. A multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons, medical oncologists and radiotherapists is needed to optimise patient care and outcome.¹

What are the risks of neurosurgical spine surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with neurosurgical spine surgery. Possible risks may include the following:

● Neurological risks
● Complications with the heart or lungs.
● Excessive bleeding.
● Infection.
● Numbness, tingling, or pain around the surgical site of the spine.

How should I prepare for my consultation with a specialist?

Prepare for your consultation with the neurosurgeon by assembling your personal medical history, a list of current medications, your symptoms and the timeline of the symptoms. Take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have, with your specialist and be sure that you have a full and clear understanding of your diagnosis, treatment and potential outcomes. It may be a good idea to bring a support person with you to this appointment.

What can I expect during neurosurgical spine surgery?

What you can expect from your surgery depends on your condition and the surgical procedure being performed. In addition, each patient reacts differently to anesthesia and surgical intervention. If you are undergoing a traditional surgery, you will be required to be warded for at least a few days.

The more minimally invasive procedures can mean a faster recovery and discharge. It is preferable to discuss the details of your particular with your neurosurgeon, who will provide you with a detailed description of each aspect of your surgery: before, during, and after.

What happens after my neurosurgical spine surgery?

Your recovery period will be dependent on your type of operation, as well as your general health and medical history. In general, part of your recovery will take place at the hospital and you will require medication to ease the post-operative pain. An important element of any recovery is the need to rest in order to recover correctly.

You may also need some physical therapy and rehabilitation during your recovery period. Your neurosurgeon will advise you on the best way to maximise your post-operative recovery time.

Request an appointment with a neurosurgeon today.

References:

[1] Rao J, Tiruchelvarayan R, Lee L. Palliative surgery for cervical spine metastasis. Singapore Medical Journal. 2014;55(11):569-573. doi:10.11622/smedj.2014152.