Spine Procedures & Surgery for Spine Pain
Dealing with spine pain can be a challenging and life-altering experience. For those who have exhausted non-surgical treatments without finding relief, spine surgery becomes a consideration.
Below are the endoscopic procedures that we can perform at Achieve Spine. We will provide more in-depth information about each procedure and surgery in the later part of this page.
Endoscopic Decompression
(free up spinal canal and nerves from compression)
- Lumbar
- Lumbar Endoscopic Unilateral Laminotomy
- Bilateral Decompression (MIS Decompression with endoscopic procedure)
- Lumbar unilateral biportal endoscopic decompression
Discectomy
(remove prolapsed disc)Transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy under local anesthesia and sedation
Interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy
Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic discectomy
Fusion
Uniportal Endoscopic Fusion
Biportal Endoscopic Fusion
Cervical
Posterior Endsocopic Cervical Decompression For Cervical Nerve root impingement
Thoracic
Transforaminal Endsocopic Thoracic Discectomy
Endoscopic Thoracic decompression
Open Procedures
Cervical
- Anterior Cervical Disc Replacement (Cervical Arthroplasty)
- Anterior Cervical Decompression And Fusion ( ACDF)
- Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and fusion (ACCF)
- Posterior Cervical Laminectomy
- Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty
- Posterior Cervical Laminectomy and fusion
- Cervical Tumor Surgery
- Cervical Deformity Correction
Thoracic and Lumbar
- Posterior open lumbar decompression
- Scoliosis and deformity correction
- Posterior lumbar interbody fusion
- Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
- Anterior lumbar interbody fusion
- Lateral Lumbar Interbody fusion
- Lumbar disc replacement ( lumbar arthroplasty)
- Tumor resection and reconstruction surgery
- Fracture fixation
- Vertebroplasty
- Kyphoplasty
Pain Procedures
Cervical
- Cervical nucleoplasty
- Nerve root blocks
- Epidural steroid injection
- Facet joint radiofrequency ablation
- Medial branch block
- Medial branch radiofrequency ablation
Thoracic and Lumbar
- Lumbar nucleoplasty
- Lumbar disc-fx
- Epidural steroid injection
- Nerve root blocks
- Facet joint radiofrequency ablation
- Medial branch block
- Medial branch radiofrequency ablation
- Endoscopic approach radiofrequency ablation
What causes pain in the spine?
Spinal pain can be caused by conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, fractures, tumours, and more. To develop a successful treatment approach, you must identify the root problem.
What causes pain in the spine?
Spine surgery aims to alleviate pain, restore functionality, and rectify structural issues within the spine. Spine surgeries are broadly categorised into two types: minimally invasive spine surgery and open surgery.
The various forms of spine surgery treat spinal disorders, each requiring a different strategy to produce the best results.
Minimally invasive spine surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery or endoscopic procedure utilises techniques to achieve the same outcomes as traditional open surgery with smaller incisions.
This type of surgery requires minimal incisions, each measuring only one centimetre in length. The surgical site is visualised and guided by a tube with a light and camera at its tip, called an endoscope.
The patient may also undergo the procedure while awake under local anaesthesia or sedated under epidural or general anaesthesia.
Some advantages of minimally invasive spine surgery are:
- Smaller incisions: The incisions are smaller, resulting in less trauma to surrounding muscles and tissues.
- Reduced blood loss: Minimally invasive techniques often lead to less blood loss during surgery.
- Faster recovery: Patients generally experience a quicker recovery with less postoperative pain.
- Shorter hospital stay: In many cases, patients can be discharged sooner than with traditional open procedures.
Reduced risk of infection: The smaller incisions reduce the risk of postoperative infections.
Examples of minimally invasive spine surgery
Lumbar endoscopic unilateral laminotomy: This procedure involves the removal of a small portion of the lamina (the bony arch on the vertebra) and the protruding bone and ligament pressing on spinal nerves. It is performed on one side of the spine to relieve pressure on nerves.
Endoscopic discectomy: An ultraminimally invasive endoscopic approach involves using one or two portals of small incisions. In this spine surgery, a portion of the herniated disc which is compressing the nerve is removed under direct endoscopic magnified visualization, minimising disruption to surrounding tissues and preserving as much bone and joints. Only the disc fragment compressing the spinal nerves are removed, we are careful in preservation of as much normal disc as possible.
Uniportal endoscopic fusion: This involves a fusion of spinal segments using a minimally invasive, uniportal (single incision) or biportal ( double incision) endoscopic approach. Fusion is joining two or more vertebrae to stabilise the spine.
Posterior endoscopic cervical decompression: Endoscopic decompression of the cervical spine is performed from the posterior (back) aspect. It removes bone or soft tissue to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord or nerves in the cervical (neck) region. This is an alternative motion preserving procedure to treat neck , arm pain and neurological symptoms due to compression of cervical spinal nerves and spinal cord.
Transforaminal endoscopic thoracic discectomy: This procedure addresses herniated thoracic (mid-back) spine discs. The herniated disc material is removed through a transforaminal approach, entering the neural foramen.This is an alternative to open chest/thoracic surgery to remove thoracic disc.
These examples highlight the diversity of minimally invasive spine surgeries tailored to specific spinal conditions and locations.
Open surgery
Open surgery refers to traditional surgical procedures in which a surgeon makes an incision to access and visualise the surgical area. Unlike minimally invasive techniques that use smaller incisions and specialised instruments, open surgery allows for direct and unrestricted access to the targeted anatomy.
This approach is often employed when the complexity of the procedure or the need for extensive visualisation and manipulation requires a wider view of the surgical field. Here are some characteristics of open surgery.
- Large incisions: To expose the surgical area, a large incision in the skin and underlying tissues is made.
- Direct visualisation: The surgeon has a direct and clear view of the surgical site, allowing for precise manipulation of tissues, organs, or structures.
- More significant tissue disruption: Because of the larger incision and more extensive exposure, open surgery may involve more disruption to surrounding tissues, muscles, and blood vessels than minimally invasive procedures.
- Longer recovery time: Patients may experience more postoperative pain and may require a more extended hospital stay.
- With the advancement of minimally invasive spinal surgery and endoscopic techniques, in our centre, we tend to reserve serious and revision multiple level cases for open surgeries.
Examples of open surgery
Anterior cervical disc replacement: In this open surgery, the damaged or herniated disc in the cervical spine is accessed from the front (anterior) of the neck. An artificial disc replaces the disc, maintaining motion at the treated spinal segment.
Posterior open lumbar decompression: An incision is made in the back (posterior) of the lumbar spine to access and decompress the spinal canal.
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion: The spine is accessed from the back (posterior). It involves removing a disc, placing a bone graft in the intervertebral space, and securing the vertebrae with screws and rods to promote fusion and stability.
Tumour resection and reconstruction surgery: This complex surgery removes tumours affecting the spine and surrounding structures. Tumours in the spine can originate in the spine or metastasised from other parts of the body. The surgery aims to achieve complete or partial removal of the tumour, relieve compression on neural structures, and reconstruct any resulting spinal instability.
Pain procedures
Pain procedures refer to various medical interventions and interventions performed to manage or alleviate chronic spine pain. These procedures are often considered when more conservative treatments, such as drugs and therapy, have not provided sufficient relief.
Pain procedures can be diagnostic, therapeutic, or a combination of both. They are typically part of a comprehensive pain management plan developed with healthcare providers, including pain specialists and physiotherapists.
Examples of pain procedures
Cervical nucleoplasty: Cervical nucleoplasty treats chronic neck and arm pain caused by disc herniation or other disc-related issues in the cervical spine.
Nerve root blocks: Nerve root blocks are diagnostic and therapeutic procedures used to identify and alleviate pain from a specific nerve root in the spine.
Epidural steroid injection: Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are commonly used to relieve pain associated with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or radiculopathy by reducing inflammation around spinal nerves.
Lumbar nucleoplasty: Lumbar nucleoplasty treats chronic low back pain and leg pain caused by disc-related issues in the lumbar spine.
Lumbar medial branches facet radiofrequency ablation: Lumbar medial branches treats chronic low back pain and leg pain caused by disc-related issues in the lumbar spine.
What are the potential risks associated with spine surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, spine surgery carries potential risks and complications. These may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve injury
- Blood clots
- In rare cases, failure to relieve symptoms
Discuss these concerns with your surgeon and weigh them against the potential benefits.
What types of spine conditions can be treated with surgery?
Spine surgery can effectively address a range of conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, fractures, tumours, and deformities. Proper diagnosis by a spine specialist is essential to determine the most suitable treatment.
Who is a candidate for spine surgery?
Not everyone with spine pain is a candidate for surgery. Suitable candidates typically have persistent pain that did not improve with conservative treatments. A thorough evaluation by a spine specialist helps determine candidacy.
How long does a spine pain surgery typically last?
The duration of spine surgery varies depending on the type and complexity of the procedure. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter operating times than more extensive open surgeries.
What is the recovery time for spine pain surgery?
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery and individual factors. Minimally invasive procedures generally have shorter recovery periods, with some patients resuming normal activities within a few weeks. Open surgeries may require a more extended recovery.
Spine surgery in Singapore
Spine surgery, whether minimally invasive or open, offers hope for individuals struggling with persistent spine pain. Proper diagnosis, consultation with a spine specialist, and a thorough understanding of your options are crucial steps toward finding relief and improving your spinal health.
Achieve Spine and Orthopaedic Centre specialises in spine surgeries, offering personalised treatment plans in Singapore. Our experienced spine surgeons are committed to ensuring optimal outcomes and your satisfaction.
Address your spine pain by booking a consultation with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surgery is a consideration if conservative treatments fail to alleviate persistent spine pain and improve the quality of life.
A spine specialist will decide, based on a thorough evaluation, considering factors like the type and severity of the condition, overall health, and the failure of non-surgical treatments.
Spine surgery can address conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, fractures, tumours, and deformities.
Yes, alternative treatments include physical therapy, medication, injections, and lifestyle modifications. Surgery is typically considered when these options are ineffective.
The duration varies based on the type and complexity of the surgery. Minimally invasive procedures generally have shorter operating times.
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery, ranging from days to a few weeks for minimally invasive procedures to more extended periods for open surgeries.
Lifestyle changes may include modifications to activity levels, posture, and ergonomics to support the healing process and prevent future issues.
Age alone is not a restricting factor. The decision depends on overall health, the specific condition, and the patient’s ability to tolerate surgery.
The timeline varies, but some patients can return to work or regular activities within a few weeks, especially with minimally invasive procedures.
Costs vary based on the type of surgery and location. Consulting with the healthcare provider is essential to understand the actual cost.