Conditions Treated
Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a chronic degeneration of the bones (vertebrae) of the neck (cervical spine) and the cushions between the vertebrae (discs).
Progressive worsening of neck pain and stiffness may be an indicator of cervical spondylosis. It can lead to pressure on your spinal nerves which can cause pain down the arms and hands (cervical radiculopathy) or pressure on the spinal cord leading to numbness and weakness in both arms and legs (cervical myelopathy) which can be detected early by a change in handwriting or altered gait.
This condition may be managed by surgical decompression by anterior (from the front) or posterior (from the back) approaches with or without fusion.
Fig 1.a & Fig 1.b - Kyphosis with severe cervical myelopathy. Fig 1.c - Anterior multilevel corpectomy and reconstruction.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is the Greek word for 'curvature'. Scoliosis causes the spine to curve laterally (to the side), usually in the shape of an "S" or "C". The magnitude of the curve is measured in degrees with respect to the apical (most deviated) vertebra.
This can occur due to congenital anomalies (present at birth), adolescent age (growth-related), or in adults (due to degenerative changes). Physical signs may include uneven shoulders, one hip lower than the other, a rib hump when bent over at the waist, and leaning to one side.
If left untreated, it may lead to progressive deformity and secondary systemic complications like difficulty in breathing due to restrictive lung disease. Whatever the patient's age, the goal is to stabilize the spine to prevent the progression of curvature and to correct the deformity.
Traditionally, Scoliosis is treated with posterior instrumented fusion surgery. Apollo Institute of Spine Surgery is the only center in India at present to offer Non-fusion scoliosis correction which preserves spinal mobility.
Fig 2.b & Fig 2.c - Cervical disc replacement for severe disc prolapse
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a Greek term meaning 'slipping of the spine'. It is a common condition with abnormal forward movement of one vertebra over the vertebra below.
Most often, this forward slip of the vertebra occurs in the lumbar area (L4-5, L5-S1) of the spine. This slippage and herniation of the disc causes pressure on the nerve roots between the affected vertebrae, causing pain and dysfunction.
Surgical procedure to relieve the pressure on nerve roots, correction of slippage, prevention of further slipping and restoration of spinal balance is the key.
Fig 3.b & Fig 3.c - Cervical disc replacement for severe disc prolapse. Fig 3.c - Complete correction with instrumentation
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is very common affecting half of the population and becomes increasingly prevalent as we age. It is a kind of 'wear and tear' disease similar to osteoarthritis of the knee.
Although it can occur at any spinal level, it is most common in the lumbar spine (low back). DDD can cause the discs to flatten losing their normal height. Common surgical procedure involves fusion of the involved level, options in multiple level involvement include fusion at one level with motion preservation at the adjacent level, preserving motion and preventing further degeneration.
Fig 4.a & Fig 4.b - Discogram positive at L4-L5 and at L5-S1. Fig 4.c - Lumber disc replacement at L4-L5 with ALIF at L5-S1V
Types of Procedures
Artificial Disc Replacement Technique
Artificial Disc Replacement technique has now been internationally approved for clinical practice and the best spine surgeons in Apollo Hospitals, Chennai have already performed this surgery on a few patients.
The advantage of this procedure is that it returns back the motion in the affected spinal segment and the patient can lead a near-normal life without any limitations.
Fig 5.a
Degenerated disc L4-L5 with severe mechanical back and leg pain. Posterior disc replacement. One of the first spine centres in the world to use this technique.
Other spinal problems like fractures, infections (tuberculosis), and tumors of the spine demand meticulous handling and timely intervention. Parts of the Spinal column are either damaged or destroyed necessitating surgical removal.
It is of vital importance to reconstruct the lost segment and also prevent neurological damage. These are the areas that require vast experience to optimize the results.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Spine surgery is no more open surgery where a long incision is utilized to allow the surgeon to view and access the anatomy.
It has presently advanced to be treated with a minimally invasive surgical technique avoiding significant damage to the muscles around the spine.
The technological advances in minimally invasive (Keyhole) surgery using special retractor systems and instruments enable surgery to be performed through small incisions which in turn aid in the rapid rehabilitation of the patient.
Minimal access surgery for disc prolapse and nerve compression pathology are performed at the Apollo Institute of Spine Surgery.
Robotic Assisted Spine Surgery
Spine surgery has transformed from traditional methods through Robotics to state-of-the-art, guided instrumentation techniques. This enables procedures that provide consistent accuracy and safety.
The Apollo Institute of Spine Surgery is one of the few centers in the world with cutting-edge technology and an illustrious experience in the same. Apollo Hospitals in Chennai have introduced an advanced third generation ExcelsiusGPS Robotic guidance system in Spine surgery.
This has not only made their spinal surgeries extraordinarily safe but it has made far-fetched surgeries like complex spinal deformities, revision spinal surgeries, doable with a high level of precision.
Cervico-Thoracic Kyphosis Deformity Corrected with Robotic C7 PSO
33 years old male presented with stiff neck and restricted forward gaze unable to perform his occupation, was diagnosed with ankylosed cervicothoracic spine. He was operated using Robotic guided cervicothoracic stabilisation and deformity correction with C7 PSO.(Right side images shows the postoperative correction)
L2 Spondylodiscitis treated with Single-Position Lateral Robotic Surgery
15 year old girl diagnosed with L2 spondylodiscitis underwent single position lateral Robotic posterior stabilization with anterior reconstruction for the time in Asia.
ExcelsiusGPS™ is a revolutionary robotic navigation system. The system is designed by surgeons to be intuitive and streamline the surgical workflow.
Real-time tracking of instruments and implants, along with audible, visual, and tactile feedback, enables confidence in the system throughout the procedure.
Technologies Used
Robotic Guidance
The system allows surgical instruments to be positioned and screws to be placed through a rigid robotic arm that aligns precisely with the surgeon’s plan for a particular procedure.
Robotic Navigation using ExcelsiusGPS™
ExcelsiusGPS provides real-time visualization of instrument positioning and screw placement with respect to patient anatomy.
Imaging Compatability
This technology is compatible with variety of imaging systems to provide surgeons with much greater accuracy through superior visualisation of their work.
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Yes, Book Now.FAQs
1. What is the cost of endoscopic spine surgery in India?
The cost of endoscopic spine surgery can be best ascertained based on the procedure, implant, complication etc. A reasonable estimate for an around 7000 USD
2. How much does Lumbar spine mri cost?
The approximate cost of lumbar spine MRI is 230 USD.
3. How much does MRI cervical spine cost india?
The cost of MRI cervical spine is approximately 230 USD.
How much does spine surgery cost in india?
The cost of spine surgery in India is subject to patient condition, procedure, etc. One can expect to spend a minimum of 2000 USD for spine surgery.
5. How succesful is spine surgery in india?
The success rate of spine surgery in India is seventy to ninety percent depending on the patient's condition. The high tech procedures employed at Apollo Insititute of Spine Surgery have a high accuracy rate of 80% to 90%.
6. How long is recovery from spine surgery?
Recovery time at Apollo Chennai with advanced technology, is mobilization on the same day and discharge within 2-3 days. The total healing period to have full functionality including physical activities like marathons, hiking , cycling etc can take 2-3 months after a severe deformity correction. Please consult with the Apollo Chennai doctor to evaluate your clinical condition
7. Can you live a normal life after spinal fusion?
Yes, you can. Depending upon the patient the recovery period after spine fusion is from 3 to 6 months. About 90% of patients who undergo the procedure are able to get back to their normal lives.
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