Spine Surgery FAQs: Top 15 Questions Answered

1. What is spine surgery, and when is it recommended?

Spine surgery comprises a range of operations designed to treat abnormalities in the spine and relieve back pain. It is usually advised when non-surgical methods such as physical therapy, medicine, and injections are ineffective in treating problems brought on by diseases like scoliosis, spinal stenosis, or ruptured discs.

2. What are different types of spine surgeries, and how do they differ?

The different types of Spine Surgeries are:

• Laminectomy, which removes part of the vertebra to relieve nerve pressure.
• Microdiscectomy, which removes a herniated disc.
• Spinal fusion, which joins two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine.
• Artificial disc replacement, which replaces a damaged disc with an artificial one.

Each surgery targets specific spinal issues and offers different recovery.

3. Who are the best doctors for spine surgery?

The top leading doctors for the Spine surgery are:
In India

• Dr. Sandeep Vaishya
• Dr. Puneet Girdhar

In Turkey

• Dr. Hakan Seckin
• Dr. Kazim Yigitkanli

In the United Kingdom

• Mr Andrew James
• Mr Alex Baker

In the UAE

• Dr. Hoseok Choi
• Dr. Imtiaz Hashmi

In Thailand

• Dr. Vera Sathira-Angkura
• Gp. Capt. Dr. Tayard Buranakarl

4. How can the success of spine surgery be determined, and what are the factors influencing it?

The success of spine surgery can be determined based on various factors:

• The patient’s overall health.
• Specific spine conditions being treated
• The surgical technique employed

The factors influencing the success of surgery include proper patient selection, surgeon’s experience, adherence to postoperative care, and addressing underlying health issues.

5. Is thoracic spine surgery dangerous?

Performing thoracic discectomy poses increased risks due to the proximity of vital organs like the heart and lungs within the thoracic cavity. Sometimes surgery involves inherent risks, such as infection and nerve damage. This procedure is associated with an elevated risk of complications, including pulmonary issues and the potential for irreversible spinal cord injury.

6. Can you have spine surgery if you have osteoporosis?

Surgery becomes difficult for patients with osteoporosis due to their advanced age and associated anesthesia risks. Moreover, the weakened bone structure in osteoporosis can complicate procedures involving bone fusions and instrumentation requiring careful consideration and specialized techniques to ensure optimal outcomes.

7. What is the duration of different types of spinal surgery required?

Different Procedure requires different durations:

• Microdiscectomy: It takes nearly 1 to 2 hours, with a hospital stay of 1 to 2 days and a recovery period of 4 to 6 weeks.
• Laminectomy: It takes almost 1 to 3 hours with a Hospital stay ranging from 1 to 3 days, and recovery may take several weeks to months.
• Spinal Fusion: Surgical time can vary widely depending on the complexity of the procedure, ranging from 2 to 8 hours. 2 to 5 days hospital stay, with a recovery period of several weeks to months.
• Disc Replacement Surgery: Usually takes 1 to 3 hours, Hospital stay is 1 to 3 days, and recovery may take several weeks to months.
• Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty: Each procedure usually takes 1 hour per vertebra treated. Hospital stay is generally 1 day, and recovery time is relatively quick.

8. Can one live a normal life post-spinal surgery?

Yes, many individuals can lead normal lives after spinal surgery. The success of the surgery and the ability to resume normal activities depend on factors such as the type of surgery, overall health, and adherence to rehabilitation. Following medical advice, engaging in rehabilitation exercises, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle contribute to a successful recovery and improved quality of life post spinal surgery.

9. What are the reasons for the lack of recovery in some patients after spine surgery?

The reasons for the lack of recovery in some patients after spine surgery are:

• Underlying Health Issues.
• Surgical complications, such as infections or improper wound healing, may impede recovery.
• Non-compliance with Rehabilitation: Failure to follow postoperative rehabilitation plans, including exercises and physical therapy, can hinder recovery.
• Severity of Spinal Condition: In advanced or severe spinal conditions, complete recovery may be challenging.
• Individual Variations: Each person’s body responds differently to surgery, and individual factors like genetics and overall health play a role.

10. How can one enhance the chances of a successful surgical outcome?

To enhance the chances of a successful surgical outcome, one should do the following:

• Select an experienced Surgeon
• Follow Preoperative Guidelines such as medication, fasting, and lifestyle management.
• Maintain Overall Health with regular exercise, a balanced diet, Proper sleep
• Communicate Openly by discussing your medical history or any concerns that you have.
• Adhere to Postoperative Care by scheduling follow-up appointments
• Participate in Rehabilitation by actively participating in recommended rehabilitation programs.
• Address Concerns Promptly if you experience any unusual symptoms or concerns during recovery.

11.  If someone has been advised to undergo spine surgery, is it okay to delay the surgery?

Delaying spine surgery to some extent may be considered safe if seeking a second opinion, focusing on maintaining stability and managing symptoms. It’s important to have a detailed evaluation by a spine specialist to make an informed decision. However, delaying excessively could worsen the condition.

12. Are there any age or health restrictions for undergoing spine surgery?

Yes, In some cases, eligibility for spine surgery can be affected by age and underlying medical conditions.

13.  Are there any potential risks and complications associated with spine surgery?

During spine surgery, there is a risk of complications including infection, nerve damage, and anesthesia-related issues, with the degree of risk varying based on the patient’s health status and the surgery’s complexity.

14. What is the role of rehabilitation Post-spine surgery?

Rehabilitation post-spine surgery plays an important role in aiding recovery and restoring function. It focuses on restoring sensory motor integration at the spinal level, strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall mobility. Moreover, physical rehabilitation center helps manage pain, prevents complications, and facilitates the return to daily activities and function. It is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, sometimes braces and assistive devices along with other electrotherapy modalities to optimize outcomes.

15. How long rehabilitation is required after surgery?

The duration of rehabilitation after surgery varies depending on the type of procedure, individual patient factors, and the extent of rehabilitation needed. In general, rehabilitation may be needed for several weeks to months following spine surgery. The aim is to gradually improve strength, mobility, function, and return to community living with progress monitored closely by rehab experts to ensure optimal recovery.