What Are Spinal Disorders?

Lumbar Disc Herniation

The spinal cord runs along our spine and provides the functioning of our organs and the movements of our muscles with the nerve roots that branch out bilaterally in each level. The branches that branch out from the waist level control the movement and the sensation of the legs. Our nerves, which are anatomically soft and highly sensitive, are protected by our spine. In addition to protecting the spinal cord, our spine is also the most important part of our locomotor system. Meaning that it is also responsible for both protecting our most valuable cells and ensuring mobility. This mobility is provided by cartilaginous tissues and joints located between the vertebrae which serve as cushions. The cartilage tissues between the vertebrae can wear out and break over time due to reasons such as age, personal habits, profession. The surge of this cartilage tissue towards the spinal cord and nerve roots or when it breaks and compresses the nerve roots is called lumbar disc herniation. It can occur at any age, sex and weight, mainly in the middle age group. Factors such as strenuous working hours in due to one's profession, sedentary lifestyle, rapid weight gain, sudden movements, and excessive weight lifting can cause an increase in cases of lumbar disc herniation. Although lower back pain is a very common condition, only about 1% of all lower back pain is due to lumbar disc herniations. A large part of these can be treated with medications and resting.

Lumbar Vertebrae Displacement

The spine, the most important basic structure that keeps the body erect, is formed by vertebral bones that are arranged in a regular row. The lumbar vertebrae carry the heaviest load on the spine. Congenital structural differences, excessive strain of the lumbar vertebrae, wear and tear caused by old age and trauma result in the vertebrae located in the waist shifting mostly forward and sometimes backwards. Lumbar vertebrae displacement, which first manifests itself with lower back pain, can cause unbearable leg pain if the nerve roots are compressed at the exit points from the spinal canal if not treated. Medical treatment methods such as rest, painkillers, corsets and physiotherapy are primarily used in the treatment of lumbar vertebrae displacement. Patients with a lumbar vertebrae displacement who cannot get results from medical treatment can be treated with surgical methods.

Scoliosis (Spine Curvature)

The curvature of the spine, called “scoliosis”, is a disorder that is mostly diagnosed during the growth period. Scoliosis, which develops as a result of the vertebrae curving to the right or left or rotating around itself due to different reasons, starts at a young age and can seriously affect a person's life if left untreated. Scoliosis, which manifests itself with the curvature of the spine to the right or left, is defined as a disease that seriously reduces the quality of life. While it is very important to take precautions against scoliosis in the early stage, serious health problems can be inevitable if the necessary treatment is not applied.

Kyphosis (Postural roundback)

A normal spine is arranged in all its length when looked from the back, but two curvatures are seen when looked at the spine from two sides. A moderate rounding from the shoulders till the lower area of rib cage named as thoracic kyphosis, and a curvature in opposite direction in the waist area named as lumbar lordosis. These two curvatures are necessary to balance the body and head on pelvis in a normal spine. A normal back locates between the 1st and 12th vertebral bones and has a slight kyphosis between 15° and 45° .When the rounding of the back increases over 45°, this is named as “hyper kyphosis” and it is categorized as postural or structural.

Back Hernia (Thoracic Disc Hernia)

The thoracic area, which is also known as back, consists of 12 vertebral bones. Back hernia occurs as a result of the surging and pushing of the rubberish small pads between the vertebral bones which are named as vertebra on the spinal cord or nerve roots. This area of the backbone is the area which presents the biggest threat for hernia in spite of being rare. Thoracic disc hernia which advances slowly may be confused with the other diseases because of the form of the pain. Therefore, is needed to be cautious while making a diagnosis.

Vertebral and Spinal Cord Tumours

Vertebral and Spinal Cord Tumours are the tumours that hold bones, nerves and the tissues which surround them. Being settled in neck, back, waist and hips, they may be malign or benign. History and clinical examination are vital during the initial assessment which is done by an experienced spinal surgeon.

Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Average life expectancy has been rising as a result of the advancement of technology and improvement of living standards. An increase of health problems regarding aging is existent as a result of this situation. The most prominent of these problems is spinal degenerative diseases which are rising due to aging. Cervical canal stenosis is one of the most frequently encountered diseases of spine.

What Are the Treatments for Spinal Disorders?

Spinal Surgery

We are by your side with the most effective treatment methods for your spinal health.

Hundreds of patients from our country and many parts of the world; scoliosis, kyphosis surgery, as well as spine infections and tumors, waist and neck hernia surgeries are performed successfully, and the patients are discharged in good health. Diagnosis and treatment planning of spinal curvatures in children and adults; Spine surgery specialist team and orthopedics, neurosurgery and physical therapy specialists are determined by the council.

Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT)

VBT is a form of medical procedure used to correct scoliosis by putting a flexible cord on the spine’s convex side. This technique tries to help in retaining the mobility of the spines while encouraging natural growth, unlike conventional spinal fusions that limit movement.  

Who is a Candidate for VBT?  

The most suited candidates for VBT are the children and teenagers with idiopathic scoliosis who: 

• Patients aged between 8 and 15 years old are the most suitable group for vertebral body tethering surgery due to their:
• Have moderate-to-severe scoliosis with a Cobb angle of 30-60 degrees.
• Have flexible curves that ease partially when they bend sideways. 
• Have significant growth potential, which is usually assessed using skeletal maturity markers such as Risser sign or bone age. 

What are the Benefits of VBT Over Traditional Spinal Fusion? 

• Motion Preservation: In contrast to fusion where some parts become immobile VBT retains original spine flexibility.  
• Growth Modulation: The remaining growth potential of the patient is utilized to progressively correct the spinal curvature during the intervention. 
• Reduced Long-term Complications: It is possible that VBT can minimize risks since spinal movements get preserved unlike after a fusion operation.  

What Does the VBT Surgical Procedure Involve? 

The VBT procedure entails the following steps: 

• Anesthesia and Positioning: The patient receives general anesthesia and is placed on their side.
• Thoracic Approach: Surgeons make small cuts then use a thoracoscope to access the spine.
• Placement of Screws and Tether: Screws fix on vertebral bodies located at the convex side while attaching a moving string through holes in them. 
• Tether Tensioning: The tether is tensioned to partially correct the curve as the patient grows further. 
• Closure and Recovery: The operation wounds are closed and postoperative management commences with drugs to manage pain and early mobilization.  

What is the Recovery Process Like? 

• Hospital Stay: It is common for patients to stay at the hospital for about 3-5 days following an operation. 
• Activity Limitations: There should be limited activities during the first few weeks but after 3-6 months one can go back to normal activities slowly. 
• Physical Therapy: Personalized PT programs maintain one’s flexibility as well as strength. 
• Regular Monitoring: The follow-up visits should include X-rays because it helps in observing the progression of curve correction or else adjusting the tension that may be necessary on the tether. 

What are the Risks and Potential Complications of VBT? 

• Hardware Problems: Screws breaking off from the metal plates will lead to tether or screw breakage within the bones themselves. 
• Incomplete Correction: Some individuals may require further surgery if they do not get enough curve correction or if it even gets worse than it initially was. 
• Surgical Risks: Infection can occur in these patients and thus they have to manage it alongside other standard perioperative complications like pain and neurological issues.