Spine Surgery

Spine Surgery | Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Spinal Diseases

Spine surgery is an important medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of the spine and spinal cord.

Many spinal disorders can develop over time as the vertebrae wear down with age. In addition, overuse or improper strain, genetic factors, trauma, and certain acquired diseases can also lead to spinal problems.

Conditions that can affect the spine include herniated discs in the lower back and neck, degenerative spinal diseases, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, intraspinal tumors, and spinal fractures. These conditions may present with different symptoms and, in some cases, require surgical treatment.

At Daviva Health Group, Spine Surgery procedures are performed using experienced specialist physicians and modern surgical technologies. Patient-specific approaches are adopted in the diagnostic and treatment processes to protect spinal health and improve quality of life.

Spine surgery covers the diagnosis and surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation, cervical disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and spinal deformities. Explore to learn about spinal surgery methods, the recovery process, and detailed information.

What Is Spine Surgery? Surgical Treatment of Spinal and Spinal Cord Diseases

Spine surgery is a medical field specialized in the surgical treatment of diseases of structures related to the nervous system, such as the spine, spinal cord, and nerve roots. This field lies at the intersection of different disciplines such as orthopedics and traumatology and brain and nerve surgery (neurosurgery), and includes both conservative (non-surgical) and surgical treatment methods.

The main aim of spine surgery is to restore spinal function, reduce pain, and improve patients' quality of life by using personalized and as minimally invasive surgical approaches as possible. Thanks to advanced surgical techniques, spine operations can now be performed more safely, the risk of complications can be reduced, and recovery may be faster.

The most common degenerative and structural spinal diseases in spine surgery include lumbar disc herniation, cervical disc herniation, spinal stenosis, osteoporotic, traumatic or oncologic spinal fractures, spinal tumors, spinal deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis, spinal instability, and vertebral slippage known as spondylolisthesis.

A multidisciplinary approach is adopted in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases, and the goal is to protect spinal health by creating a patient-specific treatment plan.

Which Diseases Does Spine Surgery Cover?

Spine surgery covers the diagnosis and surgical treatment of many diseases affecting the spine, spinal cord, and nerve roots. The most common diseases within the scope of spine surgery are summarized below.

Lumbar Disc Herniation

Lumbar disc herniation occurs when the structure of the discs between the vertebrae deteriorates. The disc’s jelly-like core (nucleus pulposus) may protrude outward as the surrounding fibrous layer weakens or tears, and may compress the nerve roots.

This condition;

• Low back pain
• Pain radiating to the hip and legs
• Numbness and tingling
• Muscle weakness. In advanced cases, surgical treatment may be required.

Cervical Disc Herniation

Cervical disc herniation occurs when the discs between the cervical vertebrae are damaged and put pressure on the nerve roots. The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, and herniation of the discs in this region can cause neck and arm pain.

The symptoms seen in cervical disc herniation include:

• Neck pain
• Pain radiating to the arms and shoulders
• Numbness and weakness in the arms
• Limited movement due to nerve compression in advanced cases

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, causing pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. It usually occurs due to age-related degenerative changes. The main symptoms of spinal stenosis are:

• Low back or neck pain
• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Pain and balance problems while walking

Treatment may include medication, physical therapy, and, when necessary, surgical methods such as minimally invasive microsurgical decompression.

Spinal Curvatures

Spinal curvatures are deformities that occur as a result of the spine's normal anatomical structure being disrupted. This condition can lead to postural problems, pain, and in some cases respiratory or neurological problems.

Scoliosis

A spinal deformity caused by the spine curving sideways and rotating around its own axis.

Kyphosis (Hunchback)

A condition in which the spine curves excessively forward, especially in the thoracic region. It may develop due to osteoporosis or during adolescence.

Lordosis

It occurs when the spine curves excessively forward in the lower back region and may cause the lumbar curve to become more pronounced.

Spinal Fractures

Spinal fractures usually occur due to trauma such as traffic accidents or falls, or as a result of weakened bones due to osteoporosis. The treatment plan is determined according to the type and severity of the fracture. In some cases, surgical stabilization methods may be applied.

Spinal Tumors

Spinal tumors are benign or malignant growths that can develop in the vertebrae or around the spinal cord. These tumors can press on nerve tissue, causing pain, neurological deficits, and limited movement. The aim of surgical treatment is;

• To remove as much of the tumor tissue as possible
• To protect the spinal cord and nerve roots
• To stabilize the spine when necessary.

Today, thanks to advanced surgical techniques and neuromonitoring systems, the treatment of spinal tumors can be performed more safely.

When Is Spine Surgery Needed? Conditions Requiring Spine Surgery

Spine surgery is not the first choice for most spinal diseases. First, medication, physical therapy and rehabilitation, exercise programs, and other conservative methods are applied. However, if symptoms persist despite these treatments or serious conditions threatening the neural tissues develop, surgical treatment may be necessary.

The main situations in which spine surgery may be recommended are as follows:

• Chronic or severe back, low back, or neck pain that does not improve despite medication
• Pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness radiating to the legs or arms
• Progressive spinal deformities such as scoliosis and kyphosis
• Spinal instability (vertebral slippage – spondylolisthesis)
• Spinal tumors or masses causing pressure on the spinal cord
• Serious neurological symptoms such as impaired bladder and bowel function

In such cases, spine surgery may be performed to reduce pressure on the nerves, stabilize the spine, and improve the patient's quality of life. The surgical decision is made by the specialist physician after evaluating the patient's clinical condition, imaging findings, and general health status.

What Methods Are Used in Spine Surgery?

The method to be used in spine surgery is determined according to the type of disease, the degree of damage in the spine, and the patient's overall health status. Thanks to advanced surgical techniques, spine operations can now be performed more precisely, safely, and with minimally invasive methods. The most commonly used methods in spine surgery are summarized below.

Microsurgery

Microsurgery is a precise surgical technique used in spine operations. In this method, the surgical microscope and special microsurgical instruments are used to examine neural tissues and structures around the spinal cord under magnified view.

Microsurgery is especially preferred in the following situations:

• Lumbar and cervical disc herniations
• Spinal stenosis
• Nerve root compression

With this method, the tissues pressing on the nerves are removed through small incisions and the pressure on the nerve is reduced.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery includes modern surgical techniques performed through small incisions in the spine (usually 1–3 cm). In these methods, spine operations are carried out using advanced imaging systems and special surgical instruments.

The advantages of minimally invasive surgery are as follows:

• Smaller incisions and less tissue damage
• Less postoperative pain
• Less blood loss
• Lower risk of infection
• Faster return to daily life
• Smaller and more aesthetic surgical scars

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is a surgical stabilization method applied in cases where there is instability in the spine. In this procedure, two or more vertebrae are surgically joined to form a solid spinal structure. During the surgical procedure, the vertebrae are fixed with the help of screws, metal rods, and special cage implants.

Spinal fusion is most commonly performed in the following situations:

• Vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis)
• Severe degenerative spinal diseases
• Spinal instability

Over time, the vertebrae fuse and a stable structure forms in the spine, reducing complaints such as pain.

Disc Prosthesis (Artificial Disc)

Disc prosthesis is the procedure of placing an artificial disc implant in place of a damaged or worn spinal disc. This method may be preferred especially in disc diseases that do not respond to conservative treatments. A disc prosthesis usually consists of:

• Two metal plates
• A special plastic core structure that allows movement between them.

The most important advantage of this method is that it preserves spinal mobility. Unlike spinal fusion, movement continues in the segment where the disc prosthesis is applied, helping the patient maintain daily life activities more naturally.

Preoperative Evaluation and Diagnostic Process in Spine Surgery

Before spine surgery, a comprehensive evaluation is performed to establish the correct diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment method for the patient. The diagnostic process begins with the specialist physician listening to the patient's medical history and performing a detailed physical examination.

During the physical examination, symptoms such as low back or neck pain, limited movement, muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, reflex changes, and postural problems are assessed.

Various imaging and diagnostic tests are used to reach a definitive diagnosis:

• X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT): Used to examine the bony structure of the spine and detect fractures, calcification (osteoarthritis), and spinal deformities.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Preferred for detailed evaluation of spinal discs, nerve roots, and the spinal cord.
• Electromyography (EMG): Used to identify nerve damage or nerve conduction problems.

Based on these evaluations, whether surgical treatment is necessary and which surgical method will be used are determined according to the patient's condition.

Recovery Process and Rehabilitation After Spine Surgery

The recovery process after spine surgery is as important a stage as the success of the operation itself. After surgery, patients following the doctor's recommendations and going through a controlled recovery process help the spine heal properly.

The first few weeks after surgery are a period that requires special attention. During this period:

• Gradual return to daily activities
• Avoidance of heavy lifting
• Avoidance of prolonged driving
• Limiting movements that may strain the spine are recommended.

During the first four weeks after surgery, it is important to reduce the load on the spine. Starting from the fifth week, movements may be increased under the doctor's supervision. Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs are usually started in the weeks after surgery, with the aim of strengthening the muscles and regaining mobility.

Recovery time may vary depending on the patient's age, overall health status, and the surgical method used. Complete recovery in some patients may take up to one year. During this process, exercises that strengthen the back and abdominal muscles help protect spinal health in the long term.

What Should Be Considered to Protect Spinal Health?

To protect spinal health and reduce the risk of spinal diseases, it is very important to pay attention to daily living habits. With some simple yet effective measures, the risk of low back and neck pain, disc problems, and postural disorders can be reduced.

The main recommendations that may help protect spinal health are as follows:

• Exercising regularly: Walking, swimming, and exercises that strengthen the back and abdominal muscles support the spine and maintain muscle balance.
• Developing proper posture habits: It is important to maintain the spine's natural curves while sitting, standing, and working.
• Avoiding prolonged inactivity: People who work at a desk should stand up and move at regular intervals to reduce the load on the spine.
• Maintaining an ideal weight: Excess weight can increase the risk of spinal problems by placing extra strain on the lumbar spine in particular.
• Lifting heavy loads with proper technique: Bending the knees and keeping the load close to the body helps protect the spine.