SERVICES
Spine Surgery
Spinal surgery offers a range of surgical procedures to treat degenerative spinal conditions, traumatic injuries, or spinal tumours. Dr Xulu, with his expertise, will assess each patient's condition and determine the most appropriate surgical approach. Whether it's a traditional open surgery or a minimally invasive technique, the choice is always made with the patient's condition and eligibility in mind, empowering them with knowledge and options.
What types of conditions is spinal surgery performed to treat?
A spinal tumour is an abnormal mass of cells inside or near the spinal cord or spinal column. These cells develop abnormally quickly, forming a tumour.
What types of spinal surgeries does Dr Xulu perform?
Pain in the lower back is a common, uncomfortable occurrence that can fortunately be treated non-operatively. However, back surgery is an appropriate form of treatment for severe nerve compression or musculoskeletal injuries.
For example, back surgery is performed to treat the following:
- The herniated spinal disc arises from damage to the discs that cushion and protect the spinal bones.
- Spinal stenosis: A condition that occurs when the spinal canal begins to restrict, which increases pressure on the spinal cord and enveloping nerves.
- Spondylolisthesis: A degenerative disorder that develops when one or several bones in the spine slip out of position.
- Fractures of the vertebrae: These injuries occur due to breaks in the bones of the spine. A degenerative disorder like osteoporosis may increase the risk of this.
Types of back surgery include:
- Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are two procedures combined to treat vertebral compression fractures. The procedure entails an injection of bone cement, which is glue-like in nature and solidifies and reinforces the bone.
- Spinal laminectomy/spinal decompression involves the removal of the vertebral wall and bone spurs in order to create enough room in the spinal column to alleviate pressure on the nerves.
- Discectomy is the surgical resection of a herniated disc that increases pressure on the nerve root and spinal cord.
- Foraminotomy involves making a bony hole where the nerve root leaves the spinal canal to reduce the risk of bulging discs or thickened joints due to age, which increases pressure on the nerves.
- Spinal fusion is a surgical process that involves removing a spinal disc between the vertebrae and joining the adjacent vertebrae utilising metal devices or bone grafts that remain fixed through the use of screws.
- Synthetic disc replacement is surgery to replace a badly damaged spinal disc.
Spine surgery
frequently asked questions
Can you still lead a normal, active lifestyle after spinal surgery?
In most cases, people can still lead a normal, active lifestyle after spinal surgery. While the recovery process may vary depending on the type of injury, Dr Xulu will provide a detailed postoperative report, offering hope and optimism for a return to normalcy.
What are the most common signs of a slipped/herniated disc?
- Pain on a single side of the body
- Numbness
Is spinal fusion a major procedure?
Yes, spinal fusion is an extensive medical procedure that may involve some risks, such as nerve damage and infection. Dr Xulu executes each surgery meticulously, ensuring risks are kept low.
The essence of neurosurgery is where the surgeon's skill, the patient's hope, and the faith in medical science converge to bring about life-changing outcomes. It's a reminder that in the face of fear, hope and faith can lead to miraculous results.
