A spine specialist or a spine surgeon sub-specialises in performing operations and procedures to treat spinal conditions. This surgeon may be a neurosurgeon or an orthopaedic surgeon. NUH treats spinal conditions of both paediatric (child) and adult patients. Patients who consult a spinal surgeon may have a deformity of the spine, back pain or pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the lower limb (radiculopathy/sciatica).
Some of the conditions seen by our spine surgeons include:
Degenerative spinal disorders
(e.g. lumbar spinal stenosis, prolapsed discs, degenerate discs and spinal instability)
Spinal Infections
Primary and secondary tumours of the spine
To investigate your condition, the following investigations may be performed:
Conventional X-rays
EOS Imaging: a low radiation form of weight bearing x-ray used to study the overall alignment of the whole body and spine
CT Scan: A non-invasive procedure that uses X-rays to produce a three-dimensional image of the spine, which is used to study the bony anatomy of the vertebrae for surgical planning and diagnosis
MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields and radio-frequency waves to create an image of the spine and allows the surgeon to study the vertebrae, disc, spinal cord and nerves in detail.
Most patients with spinal conditions can be managed through non-surgical approaches. Recommendations may include physical therapy, lifestyle modification, medication, acupuncture and spinal injections.
Surgery is considered only when non-surgical interventions prove ineffective, there is a progression of symptoms, or the patient's condition is not responsive to non-surgical treatments.
The goals of surgical treatment are to relieve symptoms, correct spinal deformities and stabilise the spine. The use of minimally invasive techniques has led to a reduction in post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays and quicker return to daily activities. These include techniques such as, minimally invasive approaches, tubular procedures and endoscopic procedures.
We also offer motion-preserving procedures such as disc replacements in the cervical and lumbar spine. State-of-the-art technologies, including operative microscopes, intraoperative neuromonitoring and intraoperative imaging/navigation systems such as the O-arm, contribute to improved patient safety.
Should you have any enquiry or wish to arrange a consultation with our spine surgeons, please contact us at:
University Spine Centre
Contact: +65 6908 2222
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
