Spine surgery encompasses a range of procedures aimed at addressing various spinal conditions, from herniated discs to spinal deformities, with the goal of alleviating pain, restoring mobility, and improving overall quality of life.
Spine surgery in Singapore may be recommended to treat the following conditions:
This refers to pain, irritation or inflammation in the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back and branches down to each leg. This commonly occurs as a result of a slipped disc pressing on the sciatic nerve.
In between the vertebrae are discs that serve as protective cushions or shock-absorbing pads. When the jelly-like core of these discs bulge or push against the disc’s outer ring, a slipped or herniated disc occurs.
This occurs when space in the spine starts to narrow, thus placing increased pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves that travel from the spinal cord to the muscles.
This is often caused by injuryto the muscles or ligaments that support the back. The pain is usually a result of muscle spasms or tears.
Today, there are two main methods for spine surgery: traditional open surgery and minimally invasive surgery.
This is the conventional method. It usually requires a midline incision and dissection of the paraspinal muscles. At the same time, it offers better access of the surgery site.
his is an alternative to traditional open spine surgery. This utilizes smaller incisions, less cutting of soft tissues and muscle dissection. This surgery may also result in less pain after and faster recovery. However, minimally invasive surgery may not be suitable for everyone, and your spine surgeon will be able to advise you accordingly.
The surgeon uses radiofrequency probes to reduce pain from affected discs, or shrinkage of bulging discs which helps to decompress nerves that are irritated or compressed.
This is a form of minimally invasive spine surgery where the surgeon performs the operation with the help of robotic arms that are precisely guided via a console.
For a detailed and personalised evaluation, contact us at 6262 0555 today.
The type of spine surgery used will depend on the patient’s condition. Common procedures include:
Similar to a welding process, spinal fusion merges two bones in the spine so that they will naturally heal together and form a single bone.
This procedure involves removing portions of the herniated disc to alleviate pressure on the spinal nerve.
This involves removing the lamina, the part of the vertebra that covers the spinal canal. It is done to widen the spinal canal to prevent the cord and spinal nerves from being compressed.
This surgery relieves the pain by replacing a degenerated/damaged disc in the the spine with a prosthetic one.
After undergoing spinal surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital until the doctor clears you for discharge.
During your hospital stay, a tube will be connected to your back to drain the fluid from your wounds. You will also
be given an intravenous (IV) line through which you can directly receive pain relievers, antibiotics and other
medicines. A urinary catheter may also be initially placed to allow you to go to the bathroom without having to move
much.
Once cleared to go home, the doctor will provide at-home care instructions and help you schedule physiotherapy
sessions. For the first weeks you may need to wear a brace, and you will need to avoid doing heavy physical tasks
and household chores, as well as lifting heavy objects. You are advised to sit on a sturdy chair that straightens
your back and allows you to maintain a good posture. Getting enough sleep is key to recovery, too.
Dr Chua is an Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon with over 10 years of specialist experience treating back and neck issues. Dr Chua is skilled in all aspects of spinal surgery using a wide range of evidence-based techniques; and was the recipient of the Depuy-Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association Spine Travelling Fellowship in 2010. Besides his practice, Dr Chua also remains actively involved in the research of spinal cord injury and regeneration and has published in established medical journals.
3 Mount Elizabeth Suite #06-09,
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
