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.
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
- 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.
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 of Spine Surgery in Chennai
Chennai has emerged as a preferred destination for advanced spinal care, offering patients access to world-class surgical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs. Whether undergoing conventional procedures or minimally invasive techniques like laser spine surgery in Chennai, patients benefit from improved safety standards, faster recovery, and cost-effective care.
1. Access to Highly Experienced Spine Surgeons: Chennai is home to several renowned spine specialists who are trained in advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted spine surgeries. These surgeons have extensive experience in managing complex spinal disorders. Their expertise ensures accurate diagnosis, personalized surgical planning, and improved patient outcomes in spinal cord surgery in Chennai.
2. Availability of Advanced Surgical Techniques: Modern hospitals in Chennai offer a wide range of surgical options, including microdiscectomy, spinal fusion, laser spine surgery, and artificial disc replacement. These techniques aim to reduce surgical trauma and speed up recovery. Laser spine surgery in Chennai, in particular, has gained attention for its precision and reduced postoperative discomfort, making it suitable for selected cases of disc herniations and spinal stenosis.
3. Comprehensive Preoperative and Postoperative Care: Hospitals in Chennai emphasize holistic care through detailed preoperative evaluations, which help reduce surgical risks and improve recovery. Postoperative rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy and pain management, help patients regain strength, mobility, and overall quality of life.
4. Shorter Recovery Time with Minimally Invasive Procedures: Minimally invasive and laser spine surgeries require smaller incisions, cause less damage to surrounding muscles and tissues, and lead to reduced hospital stays. Patients can return to their normal activities much sooner compared to traditional open surgeries, which typically involve longer recovery periods.
5. Affordable Spine Surgery Cost in Chennai: Compared to many metropolitan cities and international locations, the spine surgery cost in Chennai is highly competitive while maintaining excellent medical standards. This affordability makes Chennai a preferred choice for both domestic and international patients seeking high-quality spinal care without excessive financial burden.
6. World-Class Medical Infrastructure: Chennai’s leading hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art operation theatres, intraoperative neuromonitoring systems, and advanced imaging technologies. These facilities ensure greater surgical precision and safety. Patients also benefit from the presence of multidisciplinary teams, including neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, anesthetists, and rehabilitation specialists.
7. Personalized Treatment Plans: Spine surgery in Chennai is tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Surgeons take into account factors such as age, lifestyle, severity of the condition, and long-term goals when planning the treatment. Whether it is spinal cord surgery in Chennai for trauma, degenerative disease, or deformity correction, patients receive individualized attention for optimal recovery.
Risks and Complications of Spine Surgery
While modern spine surgery in Chennai has advanced with the introduction of minimally invasive techniques like laser spine surgery in Chennai, all surgical procedures carry certain risks. Understanding these complications helps patients make informed decisions and take necessary precautions before and after the procedure. The nature and severity of risks depend on the type of spinal cord surgery in Chennai performed, the patient’s health condition, and the complexity of the spinal disorder.
1. Infection: Infections can occur at the surgical site, around the spinal cord, or within the bone graft area. Despite sterile techniques and antibiotics, there remains a small risk of postoperative infection. Superficial infections may be treated with antibiotics, while deeper infections might require additional surgical cleaning and prolonged medication.
2. Nerve Damage: Spine surgery involves working close to delicate spinal nerves and the spinal cord. There is a potential risk of nerve injury, which may lead to temporary or permanent numbness, weakness, or pain in the limbs. Advanced monitoring techniques used during spinal cord surgery in Chennai help reduce the risk of nerve injury, although it cannot be completely eliminated, especially in complex surgical procedures.
3. Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis): Surgery increases the risk of developing blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis). If left untreated, these clots can travel to the lungs and cause a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism. Preventive measures include early movement after surgery, blood-thinning medications, and compression devices to promote healthy blood circulation.
4. Hardware Complications: In spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement, surgical implants such as screws, rods, or cages may shift, loosen, or break over time. This can cause pain or failure of the spinal construct. In some cases, revision surgery may be required to correct hardware-related problems, increasing the overall spine surgery cost in Chennai.
5. Non-Union or Failed Fusion: In spinal fusion surgery, the vertebrae may fail to fuse properly, a condition known as pseudoarthrosis. This results in continued spinal instability and pain. Smokers, diabetics, and individuals with osteoporosis are at higher risk for this complication, and they may need revision surgery to achieve fusion.
6. Dural Tear (Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak): Accidental tears in the protective covering of the spinal cord (dura) can lead to cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Patients may develop symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or irritation of the surrounding nerves. Most dural tears are repaired during the surgery itself, and patients are monitored closely during recovery to prevent infection or further leakage.
7. Persistent or Recurrent Pain: Although many patients achieve pain relief, some may continue to experience chronic back or nerve pain due to scar tissue formation, incomplete decompression, or new degenerative changes. Physiotherapy, pain management, and sometimes additional procedures, including laser spine surgery in Chennai, may be needed for long-term relief.
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.
Common Surgical Spine Treatments
| Surgical Treatment | Detailed explanation | Key Advantages |
| Discectomy & Microdiscectomy | – Removes herniated or damaged disc material pressing on spinal nerves.- Microdiscectomy is a less invasive form, using smaller incisions and precision instruments. | – Relieves nerve compression.- Shorter recovery in microdiscectomy.- Common for lumbar disc herniations. |
| Spinal Fusion Surgery | Permanently joins two or more vertebrae to eliminate movement between them.- Used for spinal instability, scoliosis, or degenerative disc disease. | – Stabilizes the spine.- Reduces pain from movement.- Available in open or minimally invasive options in spine surgery in Chennai. |
| Artificial Disc Replacement | – Damaged spinal disc is replaced with an artificial implant, preserving motion at the disc level.- Alternative to spinal fusion. | – Maintains spinal flexibility.- Reduces risk of stress on nearby discs.- Becoming popular in Chennai’s modern spine centers. |
| Laser Spine Surgery | – Uses laser technology to remove disc tissue or relieve nerve pressure with minimal invasion.- Laser spine surgery in Chennai is gaining demand for precision treatment. | – Smaller incisions and faster recovery.- Less soft tissue damage.- Suitable for certain types of herniations and stenosis. |
| Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty | – Treats spinal compression fractures caused by osteoporosis.- Involves stabilizing the fracture with medical-grade bone cement. | Provides immediate pain relief.- Restores vertebral height in kyphoplasty.- Minimally invasive approach reduces hospital stay. |
| Endoscopic Spine Surgery | – Minimally invasive surgery using a small camera (endoscope) and tubular instruments.- Effective for disc herniations and some spinal tumors. | – Reduces muscle and tissue trauma.- Shorter hospital stays and quicker return to daily activities.- Widely available in Chennai’s advanced spine clinics. |
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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