Spine problems rarely stay in the back. Pain that runs down the legs, numbness, or legs that tire after a short walk can slowly shrink a person's day. When surgery is needed, a minimally invasive approach can often do the job through smaller openings.
It isn't the right choice for everyone. The decision depends on what is actually wrong in the spine, which levels are involved and the patient's overall health.
A smaller cut is a bonus, not the goal. The goal is to fix the problem that is causing the symptoms.
At the consultation, Dr. Gaurav Sharma looks at the whole picture and talks through every route: minimally invasive surgery, open surgery, or no surgery at all. That way expectations are realistic from the start.
Minimally invasive techniques are used for nerve compression, spinal stenosis, some slipped vertebrae and certain fractures.
Dr. Sharma also performs open decompression, fusion and deformity surgery, so the method is chosen for the patient rather than the other way round.
In traditional open surgery, a longer cut is made and the back muscles are lifted off the spine to reach the problem. In minimally invasive surgery, the same work is done through smaller openings using special retractors, X-ray guidance and magnification. Less muscle is disturbed, which usually means less pain afterwards and a shorter hospital stay.
Two people with the same back pain can have very different problems underneath, so the technique, the levels treated and the recovery plan always follow the diagnosis. Back pain on its own is not a reason for surgery.
Narrowing of the spinal canal, common after the age of 50. It typically causes pain, heaviness or tingling in the legs on walking, which eases on sitting or bending forward. When it keeps limiting walking despite treatment, a decompression (laminectomy) can relieve the pressure on the nerves.
One vertebra slips forward over the one below it, causing back pain and often leg pain. If the spine is unstable, it may need fixation and fusion, such as minimally invasive TLIF (MIS-TLIF).
A prolapsed disc pressing on a nerve root. Most settle without surgery; for those that don't, endoscopic discectomy or microdiscectomy may be advised.
Wear and tear in the neck can press on nerves or the spinal cord, causing neck pain, pain going down the arm, tingling in the hands or difficulty with fine tasks like buttoning a shirt. Surgery, such as ACDF, is considered when there is spinal cord compression or nerve symptoms that do not settle.
Fractures after road accidents or falls, and in older adults with weak bones. Some heal with a brace and rest; unstable fractures need surgical fixation.
Decompression surgery removes the bone or ligament that is squeezing the nerves. Fusion joins two or more vertebrae with screws and rods when the spine is unstable. With minimally invasive techniques, these operations are done through smaller cuts and with less disturbance to the back muscles, which usually means less pain after surgery and a shorter hospital stay. Not every patient is suitable, and the choice is made after looking at the MRI, X-rays and your symptoms together.
Both neurosurgeons and orthopaedic spine surgeons operate on the spine. Neurosurgeons are trained in conditions of the spinal cord and nerves, so problems such as nerve compression, spinal cord compression and spinal tumours are often seen by them. What matters most is a clear diagnosis and a surgeon who explains the options to you.
The cost depends on the procedure (decompression alone or with fusion), the number of levels, implants used, the hospital stay and physiotherapy. A written estimate is shared after the consultation.
Modern spine surgery is commonly performed, but like any operation it carries risks such as infection, bleeding or nerve irritation. Your individual risks and expected benefits are discussed before you decide.
For minimally invasive decompression it is often 1 to 3 days. Fusion surgery usually needs a few more days. The exact stay depends on the procedure and how comfortably you are walking.
Sometimes, for a few weeks after fusion or fracture fixation. Many patients who have only a decompression do not need one.
Results depend on the condition, how long the nerves have been compressed and your general health. Instead of a single percentage, your likely benefit and risks are explained for your specific case.
Many people manage well with medicines, physiotherapy, weight control and activity changes. Surgery is considered when walking distance keeps reducing, or there is weakness or bladder trouble.
