SpInal Surgery

Spine Surgery (Spinal Column Surgery)

Spine surgery includes the diagnosis and treatment of various congenital or acquired spinal conditions. These include scoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine), kyphosis (hunched back), Scheuermann’s kyphosis, spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage), spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), and degenerative spinal conditions due to aging.

Additionally, it involves the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis (bone loss), vertebral fractures treated via vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, spinal trauma, dislocations, infections, tumors involving the spine, and more.

Scoliosis

• Idiopathic scoliosis
• Neuromuscular scoliosis
• Poliomyelitis (polio)-related scoliosis
• Congenital scoliosis

Kyphosis (Humpback)

• Congenital kyphosis
• Postural kyphosis
• Scheuermann’s kyphosis

Other Spinal Conditions

• Spinal stenosis (narrow canal)
• Spinal injuries and fractures
• Spinal stress fracture without spondylolysis
• Spondylolisthesis (spinal slippage)

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is one of the most common spinal deformities. It is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine greater than 10 degrees, measured from a virtual straight line through the center of the spine. This curvature involves a rotational component, making it a three-dimensional deformity of the vertebrae.

Causes of Scoliosis

Scoliosis may result from trauma, congenital malformations, or neurological and muscular disorders. It often emerges in childhood during periods of rapid growth. Clinical signs are typically noticed by parents and include:

• Uneven shoulder alignment
• Asymmetrical hips
• Visible rib or back protrusions

What is Kyphosis?

Kyphosis is an orthopedic disorder characterized by excessive forward curvature of the spine. While the spine appears straight from the back, curvatures become visible from the side. The upper back (thoracic spine) develops an exaggerated outward curve (hump), while the lower spine may curve inward.

The normal upper back kyphosis angle ranges up to 45–50 degrees. Any angle beyond this threshold is considered pathological. Severe kyphosis can lead to complications involving the lungs, spinal nerves, and internal organs, causing chronic pain, numbness, or deformity.

Diagnosis of Spinal Conditions

Advanced imaging and diagnostic tools are used to evaluate spinal conditions:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
• X-rays

Treatment Options in Spine Surgery

• Bracing or casting: Applied in early stages to prevent curve progression.
• Instrumentation and spinal fusion: Surgical stabilization of the spine using rods and screws.
• Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: Minimally invasive procedures used to treat compression fractures and restore vertebral height.

Lumbar Disc Herniation (Lumbar Hernia) Treatment

Lumbar herniation treatment is most effective when managed by a multidisciplinary team including surgeons, physiotherapists, pain specialists, and nutritionists. In early stages, non-surgical treatment methods — also known as conservative treatments — are preferred.

Conservative Treatments

• Physical therapy
• Pain management
• Exercise and rehabilitation programs

When conservative treatment is ineffective or the herniation progresses, surgical intervention is considered.

Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Hernia

The aim of lumbar herniation surgery is to relieve nerve compression caused by the herniated disc. This pressure is the source of lower back pain and leg weakness. The most common surgical method is discectomy or partial discectomy, in which the protruding portion of the disc is removed.

Conclusion

Spine surgery offers critical solutions for patients suffering from spinal deformities, herniations, trauma, and degenerative diseases. Early diagnosis and tailored treatment — whether conservative or surgical — significantly improve quality of life and mobility.