Hospitals and Cost of Spinal Fusion in Thailand

Spinal fusion surgery is also known as spondylodesis or spondylosyndesis. It is a neuro-orthopedic procedure that involves the fusion of two or more vertebrae to form a single, solid bone. This is done to restrict the movement of the vertebrae. Spinal fusion is recommended for patients who suffer from chronic back pain due to the compression of the spinal cord. It is used to relieve pressure on the spinal cost in the case of degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, kyphosis, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, or spinal fracture.

Spine Surgery in Thailand

One of the most stereotypical problems prevailing in the economy is largely related to the spine. From minor spondylitis to major issues like degenerative disc disease; spinal glitches have penetrated in the society and are on a great high at the moment. Under the same context, bringing up the spine treatments, they are mixed bundle of lavish and rock bottom affair. While some trivial can be treated in a few bucks only, some major may call in for surgery and end up costing over and above thousands of dollars.

What is spinal fusion?

One of the most recognized and working surgeries, spinal fusion is a procedure resorted to, to join two or more vertebrae, to stop movement between these two muscles. In medical terms, it is an orthopedic surgical technique or a neurosurgical procedure, to cure the vertebral dysfunctions. Other surgeries like laminectomy are done prior to this surgery. A graft, usually taken from another part of the body (from the pelvic bones generally) is called an auto-graft and is used to join the two bone together permanently. An ‘allograft" might as well be taken from a bone bank. However, this is the rarest recourse. Synthetic bones are used for the same purpose, but again this happens rarely due to the medicinal constraints attached. Lastly, screws, cages, and plates are used to keep the bones intact and prevent any sort of friction or movement between them, while they are in their healing phase.

How is it performed?

The surgery, like any other major surgery, incepts with a strong dose of anesthesia, to numb the patient, so that he/she feels no pain. An incision is then made to make the spine of the patient visible. Finally, a graft is then used to bring together and permanently attach the vertebrae of the patient. It the graft is held in place by harvesting metal rods, screws, and plates. The stitches are then deployed over the incision, and the recovery phase begins.

Potential risks the patient is subject to

Although the spinal fusion surgery is a safe and salvaging method to get past vexing spinal issues; however, sometimes, depending on the age and health conditions of the patient, it may begin reversing and show adverse effects. This can be in the form of excessive bleeding of the stitches, infection in the surged area, bone graft rejection, nerve injury, damaging of the bones encompassing the freshly surged vertebrae, blood clotting, and chronic, acute pain in the region of interest. On the visibility of such symptoms, one must call up the doctor or the surgeon immediately. Any delay to it may pave the way for another spinal surgery, which might be indispensable and eventually burden your pockets.

Cost Comparison

Spinal fusion cost in Thailand is much more affordable as compared to the Western nations. However, the total cost may depend on several factors. For example, it depends on the approach used to achieve fusion between two or more vertebrae. It may involve the placement of an autograft, allograft, or artificial bone substitute. Additionally, there are different varieties of quality of screws and plates available to strengthen the fused bone. The overall cost also depends on the surgeon’s fees and the hospital charges.