Spine Surgery in India: Advanced Technology and Affordable Treatments

An individual may need a spine surgery when other alternative treatments such as physical therapy, medical management and noninvasive methods have failed to provide relief from pain and immobility. Spine surgery immensely helps with common issues such as slipped discs, narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), curved spine (scoliosis), fractures, infections, tumors, or degenerative disc disease.

This blog explores some of the most common types of spine surgeries, conditions that warrant the need for a surgical intervention and what to expect before and after the procedure.

What are the clinical indications for spine surgery?

Spine surgery is needed when alternative treatments such as physiotherapy, steroids and medications do not work effectively. Although there are many conditions that may require the need for a spine surgery, the following are some of the most common indications for spine surgery:

• Long-term back pain or neck pain that doesn't go away with non-surgical treatments, often caused by problems such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
• When nerves in the spine get pinched, leading to numbness, weakness, or pain that spreads to the arms or legs, usually from herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
• Conditions such as scoliosis (curved spine) or kyphosis (excessive curve) that cause pain, restrict mobility, or even breathing difficulties.
• Problems such as fractures or infections that make the spine unstable.
• Injuries such as fractures or dislocations in the spine that need to be fixed to prevent serious issues like paralysis.
• Pain or nerve damage caused by tumors or infections.
• Severe pain in the back or neck that restricts the person from performing normal activities such as walking, sitting, or working, making surgery necessary to help restore normal movement and function.

Common Types of Spine Surgery

Depending on the actual issue of the patient, the actual type of procedure that is best suited for the patient is advised. The following are some of the most common types of spine surgeries:

• Discectomy: This surgery involves the removal of a part of the disc from the spinal cord, which relieves pressure on the nerves that is causing pain and weakness. This is also known as spinal decompression surgery.
• Laminectomy: A piece of lamina is removed out from the vertebrae to provide space for the spinal cord or nerves. This helps treat spinal stenosis, where the spine narrows and puts pressure on the nerves.
• Spinal Fusion: In this surgery, two or more bones are fused close together and maintained in a stable position. This method is used to treat slipped vertebrae, severe arthritis, degenerative disc disease and conditions such as scoliosis and kyphosis.
• Foraminotomy: This surgery widens the space where nerves leave the spine. It reduces pain and weakness in the nerve.
• Artificial Disc Replacement: This surgery replaces the damaged disc of the spine with an artificial disc. This process helps to keep the spine flexible while reducing the pain due to degenerative disc disease.
• Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty: It is a procedure to treat spinal fractures, caused by weak bones, such as osteoporosis. This consists of injecting the special bone cement into the bone to relieve pain and stabilize the spinal column.

How can spine surgery help?

Spine surgery can be a transformative option for individuals suffering from excruciating back pain caused by conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or spinal deformities. By addressing the root cause of the pain, such as decompressing nerves, stabilizing the spine, or correcting structural abnormalities, surgery often provides significant relief and improves mobility.

Some of the key benefits of getting spine surgery done include the following:

• It helps reduce or even eliminate chronic back or neck pain, especially from issues such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease.
• It helps improve movement and flexibility, making it easier to do daily tasks such as walking, sitting, or bending, especially for conditions like scoliosis or other spine deformities.
• By relieving pressure on pinched nerves, spine surgery can stop further nerve damage and reduce symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
• With less pain and more mobility, patients can go back to work, sports, and other activities they couldn’t do before because of their pain.
• It helps stabilize the spine, preventing additional injuries or complications, especially in cases of fractures, instability, or tumors.
• It fixes abnormal curves in the spine, such as those in scoliosis or kyphosis, leading to straighter posture and less discomfort.
• In some cases, surgery can prevent future problems or permanent disability caused by nerve damage or severe spinal issues.

Latest Advancements in Spine Surgery

Spine surgery has undergone remarkable advancements in recent years, driven by cutting-edge technologies and innovative techniques that aim to enhance precision, reduce recovery time, and improve patient outcomes. These developments have revolutionized the treatment of complex spinal conditions, offering safer and more effective solutions to patients suffering from chronic pain, mobility issues, or debilitating injuries.

In India, renowned hospitals and medical centers have adopted these advancements, making the country a global hub for high-quality, affordable spine care. Below is a detailed overview of the latest techniques and technologies shaping spine surgery, with a focus on their applications in leading Indian hospitals.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)

• Reduces incision size, blood loss, and recovery time.
• Techniques include microdiscectomy, percutaneous screw fixation, and endoscopic spine surgery.

Robotic Spine Surgery

• Robots like ExcelsiusGPS and Renaissance assist in highly precise navigation and instrumentation.
• Enhances accuracy in placing screws and other implants.

3D Navigation and Imaging Systems

• O-arm Imaging and StealthStation Navigation allow surgeons to visualize real-time 3D anatomy during surgery.
• Used for complex cases involving deformities or tumors.

Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)

• Replaces damaged discs with artificial ones, maintaining spine flexibility and motion.
• Latest discs include M6-C and Prodisc C Vivo.

Laser Spine Surgery

• Utilizes laser energy to remove herniated disc material with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
• Popular for conditions like sciatica and bulging discs.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

• Enables treatment of disc herniation and stenosis through keyhole incisions using endoscopes.
• Benefits include faster recovery and reduced hospital stays.

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

• Implantable device that sends electrical signals to the spinal cord to manage chronic pain.
• Used for conditions like failed back surgery syndrome and neuropathic pain.

AI-Assisted Preoperative Planning

• Artificial intelligence aids in creating personalized surgical plans, improving outcomes.
• Systems like Surgimap are gaining traction in Indian hospitals.

Biologics and Regenerative Medicine

• Use of stem cells, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) to promote healing and regeneration.
• Incorporated in hospitals focusing on cutting-edge treatments, such as Medanta and Artemis Hospitals.

Hybrid Spine Surgery

• Combines techniques like fusion and motion-preserving technologies for complex spinal issues.
• Emerging as a tailored solution in hospitals with advanced surgical teams.

Intraoperative Neuro-Monitoring (IONM)

• Tracks nerve activity during surgery to prevent potential damage.
• Commonly employed in complex spine surgeries at top-tier Indian hospitals.

Advances in Spinal Implants

• Introduction of titanium cages, expandable interbody devices, and 3D-printed implants for better spine stability and integration.
• Used in hospitals with advanced orthopedic and neurosurgery departments.

Are there any risks of spine surgery?

Just like any other procedure, spine surgery carries some minor risks. However, the chances of them happening is less than one percent. Some of the rare complications include the following:

• Infection or heavy bleeding, which might need more treatment.
• Blood clot formation, especially in the legs, which needs to be treated through medical management.
• Some surgeries may harm the nerves, causing numbness or weakness.
• Extensive pain after the surgery that needs to be managed with analgesics.

Expectation after the Surgery

• Hospital stay: After the surgery, you may stay in the hospital for a few days to be monitored and start recovery.
• Early movement: You’ll be encouraged to move around soon after surgery to prevent issues such as blood clots.
• Pain relief: Pain will be managed with medications, either as pills or injections.
• Physical therapy: Physiotherapy begins right after surgery to help you move, strengthen muscles, and improve posture.
• Wound care: Patients will receive clear instructions on how to care for your wound and watch for signs of infection.