WHAT IS SPINAL SURGERY?

Spinal surgery is a highly specialized medical discipline that deals with the surgical treatment of patients with disorders and pathologies of the spine and spinal cord.

ANATOMY AND FUNCTION OF THE SPINAL COLUMN

The spinal column, also known as the vertebral column, is the main support of the human body. In addition to its supporting function, the spinal column performs other important functions, one of protection and one of motor function.

It consists of around 57 individual parts, 47 of which allow movement in different directions. It consists of

24 mobile vertebrae , plus the sacrum and coccyx, in each of which five vertebrae have developed together over the course of evolution

23 intervertebral discs , located between the vertebrae and acting as shock absorbers.

These functional units enable the spine to move in many directions: it can bend and lengthen, bend laterally and rotate at all levels. Movement in all directions is made possible by muscles arranged around the spine. Muscle disorders or injuries can lead to a loss of sagittal balance in the spine.

Although the structure of the various mobile vertebrae is the same, they differ in size in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions. The coccyx and sacrum deviate from this standard structure: they have grown together and are therefore immobile. Several taut ligaments hold the vertebrae together. This enables the spine to perform static tasks such as walking upright.

Each individual vertebral body is a solid structural unit, each with a spinous process pointing backwards and two transverse processes on the sides. A central cavity in each vertebral body allows the formation of the vertebral canal, a tube composed of layered vertebral bodies. The spinal cord, one of the human body’s most important information systems, passes through the spinal canal. The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and the spinal cord. This is what makes spinal surgery so risky.

Today, many diseases and circumstances require spinal surgery.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN DISEASES?

The following spinal diseases are often treated surgically:

• DISK HERNIA
• Herniated disc
• Herniated disc

In everyday life, the spine is often subjected to incorrect loading, resulting in overloading of the intervertebral discs. Conventional therapies such as painkillers, physiotherapy and massage can help. However, these therapies often provide only short-term relief. Because of the intense pain, many sufferers opt for spinal surgery on the intervertebral disc.

Many intervertebral disc operations can be performed minimally invasively. These procedures offer many advantages over conventional spine surgery.

A herniated disc is a leakage (herniation) of the nucleus pulposus through a fissure in the annulus of the intervertebral disc.

Disc herniation can be :

• Contents
• Expelled hernia
• Migrated hernia

Pain is caused by compression of the nerve root by herniated nucleus pulposus material.

SPINAL CANAL STENOSIS

Spinal stenosis is a condition caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal.

The dimensions of the spinal canal change with age, due to degenerative processes, reducing the space available for nerve structures (nerve roots, spinal cord).

Stenosis of the spinal canal, which causes compression of nerve structures, leads to neurological disorders, the most characteristic of which is “neurological claudication”, i.e. reduced autonomy when walking.

Even spinal stenosis can be resolved by minimally invasive spinal surgery.

DISC DEGENERATION

Disc degeneration refers to a reduction in the water content of vertebral intervertebral discs. As a result, the discs are no longer able to perform their function properly, particularly when walking, running or jumping. The distance between the vertebral bodies is reduced and, as a result, compression of the nerve structures can occur, with pain radiating to the limbs.

Degenerative disc disease can be caused by a number of factors, including strenuous work and poor posture.

Degenerative disc disease is a normal condition of the aging process, which can lead to spinal stiffness and pain, particularly in the lumbar region.

SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

Spondylolisthesis is a pathology characterized by the forward sliding of a vertebra in relation to the underlying vertebra. There are various causes that can give rise to this disorder:

Spondylolysis;

Degeneration of vertebral structures;

Repeated trauma to the spinal column;

Post-surgical instability

Infections (Pott’s disease, also known as tubercular spondylitis or spinal tuberculosis).

Pain is caused by instability of the vertebra and mechanical degeneration and instability, which can also lead to disc degeneration.

In spinal surgery, the displaced vertebra is fixed to the neighbouring vertebrae using screws and rods. To prevent these from breaking, an additional metal or plastic frame is placed around the sliding vertebra. After this operation, the spine becomes stiff.

To ensure proper healing, the patient must wear a support corset for around three months or, if necessary, remain in bed. The corset can then be put back in place, and physiotherapy can begin.

Spine surgery in Turkey

Turkey has become a popular destination for spine surgery, attracting patients from all over the world. Turkish clinics offer high-quality care at costs that are often more affordable than in Europe or North America. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and highly qualified surgeons in Turkey specializing in the various pathologies of the spine. Patients also benefit from personalized service and rigorous post-operative follow-up. However, for successful spinal surgery in Turkey and before making a decision, it is essential to be well informed and to compare the different offers, taking into account the establishments’ certifications and the surgeons’ experience.