If you are suffering from any spine disorders and looking for spine surgery in Chennai, then Bharath Orthopaedics is the perfect destination. Dr. L. Bharath is a senior spine surgeon in Chennai who is internationally trained with 15 years of experience in orthopaedic surgery.
Spine surgery in Chennai is a complex process that involves orthopaedic and neurological expertise besides outstanding standards of care. This is exactly what we provide at Bharath Orthopaedics with spine surgery physiotherapy and healing for a rapid recovery.
What Does Spine Surgery Mean?
Spine surgery is a medical procedure performed to address spinal conditions, including chronic back pain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and spinal cord injuries. The goal of spine surgery in Chennai is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore functionality.
There are different types of spine surgeries, including:
- Laser Spine Surgery in Chennai – A minimally invasive procedure that uses laser technology to remove tissue pressing on nerves.
- Spinal Cord Surgery in Chennai – A surgery aimed at treating injuries or disorders of the spinal cord.
- Scoliosis Surgery in Chennai – A specialized procedure to correct spinal curvature and improve posture.
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery – Uses small incisions to reduce recovery time and surgical risks.
Patients looking for spine surgery in Chennai should consult an experienced spine specialist to determine the best treatment approach.
Anatomy of a Disc
An intervertebral disc is a strong ligament to connects one vertebral bone to another. The discs are the shock-absorbing cushions that are located between each vertebra of the spine.
Each disc has a strong outer ring of fibers, the annulus fibrosus, and the nucleus pulposus.
The annulus is the strongest area of the disc to help the ligament connect with each vertebra together. The nucleus, or center of the disc, is hydrated often to serve as the main shock absorber.
Spinal Disc Problems
Disc Injury
The annulus can either tear or rupture anywhere around the disc and gives severe back pain. If it tears, and when no disc material is ruptured, an annular tear can be excruciating as the outer fibers carry pain signals frequently.
It takes time to heal with scar tissue over a timespan but it is more prone to future tears or injury. If the annulus tears, the central nucleus can squeeze. It is a piece of the disc from the center or exterior portion that breaks off and extends outward.
A disc herniation is defined as a displacement of disc material that is beyond the normal confining disc space. The other terms include disc bulge, disc protrusion, disc herniation, ruptured disc, and slipped disc which simply implies that the disc material has left the normal disc space leading to severe back pain. This can be diagnosed by an orthopaedic surgeon or spine specialist by treating it with simple back pain tests benefits of spine surgery.
Back Pain
Back Pain due to a herniated disc may be diagnosed by the best spine surgeon in Chennai after a complete history and comprehensive physical exam by spine specialists & spine doctors. In addition, several diagnostic tests can be used. Imaging studies at the Virginia Spine Institute are usually the first step in understanding spine pathology.
These include bending and standing X-rays for evaluating spinal stability, alignment, and disc space height. Your Spine doctor will determine whether additional tests are needed. An MRI is the standard imaging test to assess disc and nerve pathology. An EMG is used for identifying the particular nerves affected and to assess the potential level of nerve impairment.
Spondylosis
Degenerative Disk Disease (DDD) or Spondylosis is the sluggish disintegration of the plate between the vertebrae. Generally, it doesn’t require a medical procedure. It is normally made do with calming prescription, physiotherapy for knee pain, and exercise for hamstring strain.
Slipped Disc
At the point when the inward, gentler piece of the circle swells out through a shortcoming in the external piece of the plate, it is known as a prolapsed plate.
Different Types of Spine Surgery
When problems occur with the spine, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spinal fractures, spine surgery may be necessary to correct the issue and relieve pain and discomfort. There are several different types of spine surgery, each with its own benefits and risks.
- Discectomy: This is a common procedure used to treat a herniated or bulging disc in the spine. During a discectomy, the surgeon removes the damaged portion of the disc to relieve pressure on the nerves and reduce pain.
- Spinal Fusion: This procedure is used to treat conditions that cause instability in the spine, such as scoliosis or spinal fractures. During a spinal fusion, the surgeon uses screws, rods, or plates to connect two or more vertebrae together, creating a single, solid bone.
- Laminectomy: A laminectomy is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves caused by spinal stenosis. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the lamina, a portion of the vertebral bone, to create more space in the spinal canal.
- Foraminotomy: This spine surgery in Chennai is used to treat a pinched nerve in the spine. During a foraminotomy, the surgeon removes a portion of the bone around the intervertebral foramen, the opening through which nerves exit the spinal cord.
- Artificial Disc Replacement: This is a newer surgical option for treating a herniated disc. Instead of removing the damaged disc and fusing the vertebrae together, an artificial disc is inserted between the vertebrae to maintain motion and flexibility in the spine.
- Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: These surgical procedures are used to treat spinal fractures which are caused by osteoporosis or other conditions. During vertebroplasty, a special cement is injected into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it. During kyphoplasty, a small balloon is inserted into the vertebra and inflated to create space, then the cement is injected to stabilize the bone.
- Cervical Disc Replacement: This procedure is used to treat a herniated disc in the neck. Similar to artificial disc replacement, an artificial disc is inserted between the vertebrae to maintain motion and flexibility in the neck.
- Microdiscectomy: This is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat a herniated disc. During a microdiscectomy, a small incision is made, and the surgeon uses specialized tools to remove the damaged portion of the disc.
Spine Surgery Procedures Followed
Under the supervision of our senior specialist Dr. L. Bharath, we at Bharath Orthopaedics provide improved Spine Surgery and spine treatments for a herniated disc for treating pains without surgery using the following methods:
- Physical therapy
- Epidural steroid injections
- Psychological treatments
- Medication
Physical Therapy
The best spine surgeon in Chennai prescribes physical therapy for calming the pain and inflammation, to improve core strength, spinal strength, mobility, and coordination, and help achieve routine activities which are termed as a range of motion assessment to determine the severity of the patient’s impairment.
Epidural Steroid Injections
An epidural steroid injection is a common procedure to treat irritations of the spinal nerves. It is termed ESI where a small amount of ‘cortisone’ is injected into the spinal canal.
Cortisone is a strong anti-inflammatory medicine that is given to ease pain and decrease nerve inflammation caused by irritated nerve roots. The beginning of the nerve or the nerve root gets irritated by a bulging intervertebral disc, disc contents, or ruptured disc or bone spur, which directly touches the spinal nerve.
Dr. L. Bharath, the best spine surgeon in Chennai states that the treatment is not always beneficial but provides short-term help to decrease the pain.
Psychological Treatments
Coping, relaxation, and distraction are the different skills that are used to help patients to manage their chronic low back pain.
Medication
Certain medications are used after spine surgery in Chennai to alleviate spinal pain, which includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or Aleve, nerve medications, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and opioids.
This method is commonly followed by the best spine surgeon in Chennai and can be used to control pain, inflammation, muscle spasm, and sleep disturbance. These can involve steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, pain medications, and muscle relaxers to help to control pain and reduce inflammation.
Benefits and Risks of Spine Surgery in Chennai
Each of these spine surgery options has its own benefits and risks, and the decision to undergo surgery should be made in consultation with a qualified spine surgeon. If you consult the best spine surgeon in Chennai, they can help you with the following benefits that include:
- Pain relief.
- Increased movements.
- Faster recovery.
- Free from muscle damage.
- Quality of life is improved.
- Ability to get back to ordinary life.
Likewise, like any surgical procedure, spine surgery carries risks such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and anesthesia complications. Specific risks associated with spine surgery include spinal cord injury, paralysis, and failure of the surgical hardware used to stabilize the spine. It is important to discuss potential risks with a qualified spine surgeon prior to undergoing any surgical procedure.
Understanding spine surgery
Spine surgery refers to medical procedures performed on the spine to treat various conditions that affect its structure and function. These operations aim to relieve pain, restore mobility, and treat spinal disorders. Common types include discectomy (disc removal), laminectomy (removal of part of the vertebral bone), spinal fusion (joining of vertebrae), and artificial disc replacement. Surgeons may use traditional open techniques or minimally invasive approaches, depending on the condition.
Prior to spine surgery, a comprehensive assessment is carried out to determine the most appropriate procedure for the patient’s specific needs, taking into account factors such as the severity of the condition and general health.
Spinal surgery treatment
Spine surgery is a medical procedure used to treat various spinal conditions and relieve associated symptoms. The choice of treatment options depends on the particular issue at hand. Common spine surgeries include
- Discectomy: Removal of a herniated or damaged disc.
- Laminectomy: Removing part of the vertebral bone to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
- Spinal fusion: Joining of two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
- Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty: Procedure to treat compression fractures of the vertebrae.
- Foraminotomy: Widening of the space where nerve roots exit the spine.
- Artificial disc replacement: Substituting a deteriorated disc with a synthetic alternative.
These operations are used to treat conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, fractures, and deformities. The choice of procedure depends on the diagnosis and the patient’s overall health. Advances in technology have also led to minimally invasive options, reducing recovery time and post-operative discomfort. Prior to surgery, a thorough assessment is carried out to determine the most appropriate approach for optimal results.
Cost for Spine Surgery in Chennai
Many patients are concerned about the cost of spine surgery. Bharath Orthopaedics’ mission is to make healthcare more affordable and accessible. Costs for spine surgery in Chennai vary depending on the severity and type of your condition.
Some common spine surgeries, such as discectomy (removal of a herniated disc), laminectomy (removal of the lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves), or spinal fusion (joining two or more vertebrae together), have generally high success rates. These procedures often provide significant relief from pain and improve the patient’s quality of life.
However, success rates can vary. For instance, the success rate of a discectomy for a herniated disc causing leg pain (sciatica) is typically reported to be around 80-90%, with most patients experiencing relief from leg pain. On the other hand, the success rate for spinal fusion surgeries can range from 60% to 90% depending on the specific indication.
What is the Success Rate of Spine Surgery?
The success rate of spine surgery in Chennai varies depending on the type of procedure, patient health, and the severity of the spinal condition. On average:
- Laser Spine Surgery in Chennai has a success rate of around 80-90% due to its precision and minimally invasive nature.
- Spinal Cord Surgery in Chennai has a success rate of approximately 75-85% for conditions like spinal cord decompression and fusion.
- Scoliosis Surgery in Chennai has a success rate of nearly 90% in correcting spinal curvature and improving quality of life.
Factors that affect the success rate include:
- Post-surgical rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
- The severity of the spinal condition.
- The experience of the surgeon.
Is Spine Surgery a Permanent Surgery?
While spine surgery in Chennai can provide long-term relief, it is not always considered a permanent solution. Some patients may require additional treatments or lifestyle modifications to maintain spinal health.
Key points to consider:
- Laser Spine Surgery in Chennai offers long-term relief but may require additional procedures if new spinal issues arise.
- Spinal Cord Surgery in Chennai can restore function, but nerve damage or degeneration may affect long-term results.
- Scoliosis Surgery in Chennai is typically a permanent correction, but follow-up care is essential to prevent complications.
Post-surgical care includes:
- Avoiding high-impact activities that may affect recovery.
- Regular physiotherapy to strengthen spinal muscles.
- Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce spinal strain.
While spine surgery in Chennai can provide long-term relief and improvement in many cases, it’s important to understand that it may not completely eliminate the possibility of future issues. Factors such as the underlying condition, the patient’s overall health, lifestyle choices, and the natural aging process can contribute to the potential for ongoing or new spine-related problems.
Surgical Alternatives to Treat Back Pain and Reduced Function
Not all spinal conditions require surgery. There are several non-surgical alternatives available in Chennai that can help manage pain and improve mobility.
Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Physical Therapy – Strengthening exercises to improve posture and flexibility.
- Chiropractic Care – Spinal adjustments to relieve pressure on nerves.
- Pain Management Techniques – Medications, nerve blocks, or epidural injections.
- Hydrotherapy & Yoga Therapy – Gentle movements and water-based exercises to ease spinal discomfort.
When is Surgery Necessary?
- Chronic pain that affects daily function may require Laser Spine Surgery in Chennai.
- If non-surgical treatments fail to relieve symptoms.
- Severe spinal deformities like scoliosis require Scoliosis Surgery in Chennai.
- Progressive nerve damage necessitating Spinal Cord Surgery in Chennai.
Conclusion
To summarize, it is important to keep in mind that every surgical option comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, before making the decision to undergo spine surgery, it is crucial to consult with a qualified spine surgeon, such as Dr. L. Bharath from Bharath Orthopaedics, who can help carefully evaluate you and provide an appropriate spine surgery in Chennai based on the individual circumstances.
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