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Spinal Cord Reconstruction Surgery | Spine Reconstruction Surgery

Spinal Column Reconstruction

Spinal Cord Reconstruction Surgery | Spine Reconstruction Surgery

Spinal Column Reconstruction, also known as Spinal Reconstruction Surgery, is a type of correction procedure to address deformities or disorders associated with the spinal cord.

  • Pre-procedure: Specialists will recommend that you undergo certain diagnostic tests based on your symptoms and medical history. Our specialists will also advise you to stop smoking or take certain medications before surgery.

  • Procedure: Anaesthesia or sedation of appropriate dosage is administered based on individual parameters. The spine is stabilised with screws or rods to support the areas above and below the damaged vertebrae. The affected vertebrae are removed with appropriate techniques, followed by a realignment of the spine. Spinal fusion is then performed by inserting a bone graft to promote the fusion of the vertebrae above and below the removed section. The procedure is done either traditionally, minimally invasive, or robotic-assisted, depending on the complexity of the condition. The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures.

  • Post-procedure: The patient is then transferred to the recovery room until you wake up from anaesthesia or sedation and for further observation.

At Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, Kolkata, the Department of Spine Care is adept at utilising state-of-the-art techniques, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and surgical outcomes. 

FAQ's

Spinal Column Reconstruction addresses several conditions, some of which include:

  • Narrowing of the spine, called spinal stenosis
  • Curving of the spine (scoliosis)
  • A rounded spine that looks hunched over is referred to as kyphosis
  • Degenerative disk disease causes narrowing of space between discs
  • Spondylolisthesis is a condition characterised by one vertebrae slipping out of place into the adjacent vertebral body.
  • Trauma-related vertebral injury
  • Injury due to osteoporosis
  • Spinal tumours of early, advanced, and recurrent stage
  • A herniated disk is a problem that occurs due to the protrusion of the jelly-like centre of the spinal disk through a crack in the tougher exterior

Various types of Spinal Column Reconstruction Surgeries are performed by spine specialists, some of which include:

  • Minimally Invasive Spinal Column Reconstruction Surgery
  • Artificial Disc Replacement
  • Endoscopic Surgery
  • 3D Spine Printing for surgical planning and minimising operative time
  • Stereotactic Spine Radiosurgery
  • Kyphoplasty
  • Spinal Fusion Surgeries, such as Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) and Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)

The duration of Spinal Column Reconstruction Surgery depends on the type of surgery performed, the size and location of the affected area of the spine, the surgical technique employed, and the severity of the underlying condition. Minimal invasive surgery takes less time, while procedures such as Spinal Fusion usually take between 4 and 6 hours. The duration of the surgery also depends on how experienced and skilled the surgeons are. At Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, Kolkata, our spine surgeons are tremendously experienced in handling challenging spine cases, ensuring successful results with minimal complications.

General anaesthesia or sedation will be administered during Spinal Column Reconstruction Surgery to minimise any pain or discomfort. Nevertheless, you can expect post-operative pain after surgery, which our specialists will address by prescribing pain medications. Our specialists will also recommend physical and occupational therapy post-surgery to improve your daily activities, mitigate pain, and evaluate surgical progress. If you experience prolonged pain, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Rarely, pain after surgery may require revision surgery.

You may be discharged from the hospital after one to two days post-surgery and provided with personalised instructions to enhance your recovery. Recovering from Spinal Column Reconstruction Surgery is a gradual process, and within a few weeks post-surgery, you can resume your normal routines and day-to-day activities. Moreover, you can return to sedentary jobs within a few weeks to a few months, depending on your work and individual factors. However, for more physically demanding jobs, it might take several months to return to work. Full recovery may take around 12 to 24 months. Although complete recovery is expected, individuals may experience some reduction in flexibility and mobility due to fused vertebrae.

Risks and complications associated with Spinal Column Reconstruction Surgery include:

  • Infection
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Blood clots or thrombosis
  • Poor wound healing
  • Injury to blood vessels
  • Anaesthesia-induced allergies
  • Pain at the site where bone graft is inserted
  • Dural tear, leading to cerebrospinal fluid leak
  • Failure to fuse
  • Loosening, or migration of screws, cages, and other materials used to secure the vertebrae
  • Pulmonary complications
  • Psychological problems
  • Urinary tract and gastrointestinal infections

It is important to know that complications that manifest during Spinal Column 

Reconstruction Surgery outweighs the benefits of the procedure. Specialists at our Department of Spine Care will assure and promptly treat any risks that may arise during the interventions.

General post-recovery instructions you should follow after undergoing Spinal Column Reconstruction Surgery include:

  • Taking pain medication and other medicines prescribed by our specialist

  • Performing exercises instructed by occupational and physical therapists

  • Refraining from performing strenuous or vigorous activities

  • Wearing a temporary back brace at all times or other equipment such as grabbers or a cane to support your spine while walking

  • Walking slowly and gradually increasing your pace

  • Adhering to instructions regarding bathing or showing while making sure the incisions do not get wet

  • Avoiding smoking, drinking, or chewing tobacco, as it could hinder your recovery process