The Spine Center (Spine Surgery) treats diseases and injuries of the spine as part of the specialty of Brain and Nerve Surgery (Neurosurgery). Surgical procedures are performed to improve the function of the spine and improve patients' quality of life. In our center, a multidisciplinary approach is adopted in which all aspects of spine diseases are addressed. Spine surgery plays an important role in the treatment of spine-related pain and injuries and aims to improve the quality of life of our patients.
What is Spine Surgery?
Spine surgery or spinal surgery is part of the specialty of Brain and Nerve Surgery (Neurosurgery). It is a surgical intervention to treat diseases and injuries of the spine. These surgeries are performed to improve the function of the spine and improve the quality of life of patients.
Spine surgery or spinal surgery plays an important role in the treatment of spinal pain, nerve compression and spinal cord injuries. Surgeons in this field are professionals with a high level of expertise and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal diseases. Spinal surgery, both in emergencies and planned operations, helps patients lead a healthier life.
What are Spine Diseases?
Spinal diseases are various conditions that affect the structure and function of the spine. These diseases can be serious enough to require spinal surgery. The most common spine conditions are:
Disc herniations (herniated discs in the neck, back and lower back): A disc herniation is a condition in which the discs between the vertebrae, which act as shock absorbers, slip or rupture and put pressure on the nerve roots. These herniated discs can occur in the neck, back and lumbar regions. While cervical disc herniations (cervical herniated discs) affect the neck and arms, lumbar disc herniations (lumbar disc herniations) affect the waist, hips and legs.
Spinal Canal Stenosis (Spinal Stenosis): Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spinal canal narrows and this narrowing puts pressure on the nerves. It is usually associated with the aging process and can cause pain, numbness and weakness in the neck, arms, lower back and legs.
Scoliosis Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. It usually occurs during adolescence and may require surgical intervention in severe cases.
Along with cosmetic concerns, scoliosis can cause posture disorder, back and lower back pain in advanced stages.
Kyphosis Kyphosis is an abnormal forward curvature of the spine. It is also known as "hunchback" and usually creates a rounded appearance in the shoulders and back. It can cause pain and limitation of movement.
Spinal Infections: Spinal infections are bacterial or viral infections that cause inflammation of the spine or spinal cord. These infections can cause severe pain and neurological problems.
Spinal Tumors: Spinal tumors are benign or malignant tumors that form in the spine or spinal cord. These tumors can damage the structure of the spine and the nervous system and may require surgical intervention.
What are spinal tumors?
Spinal tumors are abnormal cell growths located in the spine and spinal cord. Like any tumor, they require a multidisciplinary approach. Radiologic evaluation, oncologic staging and the need for chemotherapy or radiotherapy after surgery are planned after meticulous evaluation by surgeons and oncologists. The spine center plays an important role in this process.
It is divided into two main categories:
1. Primary Spine Tumors
Primary spinal tumors originate from cells of the spine or spinal cord. These tumors are usually rare and can be benign (benign) or malignant (malignant).
2. Metastatic spine tumors
Metastatic spinal tumors are cancers that start in another part of the body and spread to the spine. These tumors are more common and are usually caused by cancers of organs such as lung, breast and prostate.
What are the main surgical methods used in spine diseases?
Various surgical methods are used in the treatment of spine diseases. These methods are determined according to the type and severity of the disease and the general health status of the patient. Spinal surgery is a frequently used approach in the treatment of spinal diseases. The main surgical methods applied in the treatment of spinal diseases in our spine center are as follows:
Lumbar Microdiscectomy: Lumbar Microdiscectomy is the removal of damaged or slipped discs between the lumbar vertebrae using a microscope through a 3-4 cm disc. This method aims to relieve pain and other symptoms by reducing pressure on the nerve roots.
Anterior Cervical Microdiscectomy and Fusion (ACDF): ACDF is a microsurgical method used in cervical disc herniations (neck hernias). From the anterior neck
Through a small incision, the disc structure of the cervical spine is accessed and removed with the help of a microscope and the nerve is relieved. A small cage is placed in the vacated space to maintain the stability of the spine.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (Endoscopic Surgery): In suitable patients, many spine diseases that were performed with a microscope can now be performed with an endoscope. Through a less than 1 cm incision, an endoscope and camera are inserted into the problem area. The spine is treated through this small hole. Postoperative muscle and bone pain is less and the healing process is faster. It is popularly referred to as "closed surgery" due to the small incision of less than 1 cm with the naked eye.
Laminectomy Laminectomy is the removal of the bony structure called the laminae at the back of the vertebrae to widen the spinal canal. In cases of spinal stenosis such as spinal stenosis, this procedure reduces pressure on the nerve roots and provides relief to the patient. In selected cases, the laminae of both sides can be removed by entering from one side with the help of a microscope without screwing the spine (stabilization).
Spinal Stabilization: Spinal stabilization is the process of joining two or more vertebrae with screw and rod systems. This method is used to increase spinal stability and reduce pain. Bone grafts and metal implants are usually used during fusion, using bone grafts, cages and special implants in patients with extreme instability.
Scoliosis surgery Scoliosis is the curvature of the spine by more than 10 degrees. In advanced cases, surgery is required. Correction surgeries are performed on the spine with the help of screws and rods.
Kyphosis surgery: Kyphosis (hunchback) is the forward curvature of the spine due to aging or rheumatic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis. Surgery is required in advanced cases. Kyphosis correction surgeries are performed with screw and rod systems and the patient is able to look more upright and forward after surgery.
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat spinal fractures. In these procedures, a special cement is injected into the spine to stabilize the fracture and relieve pain. Kyphoplasty can also help restore trunk height with an adjunct, such as a balloon, inserted into the spine.
Spinal Cord Stimulation: Spinal cord stimulation is the insertion of a device that sends electrical impulses into the spinal cord. It helps to restore the electrical conduction of the spinal cord in patients with spinal cord damage such as trauma or tumors. It provides a base for subsequent physiotherapy procedures to proceed more successfully. It is also used for chronic pain associated with spinal diseases or tumors.
Sacral Cord Stimulation: Sacral cord stimulation can be used in selected patients who are incontinent as a result of spinal cord damage. An electrode placed in the sacrum is connected to a battery under the skin. Electrical impulses from the battery
stimulates the muscles that control urination and defecation. Together with pelvic floor exercises, it helps the patient to hold urine and large bowel movements.
The Spine Center (Spine Surgery) adopts a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal diseases. The rehabilitation processes of patients after surgery are meticulously monitored and it is aimed to maximize their quality of life.
How are spine diseases diagnosed?
Diagnosis of spine diseases requires a detailed evaluation. The methods used in the diagnostic process are as follows:
Patient History and Physical Examination: The diagnostic process begins with listening to the patient's complaints and performing a physical examination. The doctor evaluates the location and intensity of the pain and other symptoms.
Imaging Methods: Imaging methods such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are used in the diagnosis of spinal diseases. These methods show the structure of the spine and possible abnormalities in detail.
Laboratory Tests: In some cases, blood tests may be performed to assess conditions such as infection or inflammation.
Biopsy: A biopsy allows a tissue sample to be taken for pathological examination in cases of suspected tumor or infection. This method is important for making a definitive diagnosis and in some cases may be necessary before spinal surgery or spine surgery.
What are Non-Surgical Pain Treatments?
Spine surgeons are physicians who specialize in the treatment of spinal diseases and in many cases, they also play an important role in non-operative pain management and treatment. The main pain management methods used by spine surgeons are
Injection Therapies
Spine surgeons can use various injection treatments to relieve pain. These treatments include the following:
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Relieves pain by reducing edema in the nerve roots.
- Facet Joint Injections: Used to reduce pain in the facet joints, the junction of the two vertebrae.
- Sacroiliac Joint Injections: Relieves pain from the sacroiliac joint.
Nerve Blockages
Nerve blocks are the process of temporarily disabling the nerves that transmit pain. This method provides relief by blocking pain signals.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is the process of destroying the nerves that cause pain with heat energy. This method provides long-term pain control.
When should emergency operations be performed in spine surgery?
Emergency operations in spine surgery are necessary when life-threatening conditions arise that may cause permanent damage. These emergencies include spinal cord compression, cauda equina syndrome, spinal fractures, spinal infections, and rapidly growing tumors.
It is vital that patients experiencing loss of strength in the arms or legs, incontinence or inability to urinate seek medical attention immediately. A specialized spine surgeon can perform the necessary surgical intervention in emergencies with the right diagnosis and treatment methods.
