Spine Surgery

Spinal microsurgery has been a particular speciality interest since the pioneering days of the 1970's when some of the first microsurgical operations on the spine were performed in Bristol. Now most neurosurgical procedures on the spine should be done with microscopic or endoscopic assistance.

SPINE ARTHROPLASTY
 
Sometimes after disc removal, especially in the neck, it may be appropriate to insert a mobile artificial disc to allow normal spinal movement to continue. This is an exciting new development and personal experience suggests that it will soon become a treatment of choice.

MICRODISCECTOMY
 
Disc removal in the neck and lumbar region is now a quick, safe and over 90% effective treatment often performed as a one day admission. The incision is only 2-3cm long and the microscopic approach makes it relatively pain free.

SPINAL MICRODECOMPRESSION
 
'Slipped discs' are not the only reason for pain from the spine. More common are 'degenerative disorders' where chronic arthritis causes bone and joint hypertrophy which presses on nerves. Planning and executing surgical treatment for this is one of the most complex areas of spinal surgery. It requires careful examination and excellent imaging techniques. Surgery then requires bone and ligament removal without destabilising the spine. Again, the use of microsurgical techniques has improved the results of treatment.

SPINAL TUMOURS
 
Because of the confined space in the spinal canal, the removal of spinal tumours always requires great care and microsurgical experience. Tumours in the spinal cord itself usually require removal by laser to minimise the chance of damage.

Spinal disorders that may require surgery include fractures, instability, kyphosis and scoliosis, disc prolapse, spinal stenosis, syringomyelia, rheumatoid subluxation, extradural and intradural tumours, spinal cord tumours and cysts, arachnoiditis, vascular malformations and haemorrhages, epidural abscess.