Best Spinal Surgery Clinics Abroad

Spine Surgery

Spine surgery is one of the most complex specializations in the world. Our backbone is the main coordinator of our body allowing us to have voluntary control and carry out all the vital life functions. Any injury or spinal disorder can have severely adverse effects on our lifestyle and mobility.

According to a WHO report, around 250000- 5000000 people suffer from spinal cord injury annually. World statistics states that every 80-100 people per million people are suffering from spinal disorders. People suffering from spinal disorders lose their voluntary control, sensory function, and movement.

Also, patients with these disorders and injuries tend to have a shorter life span and a high mortality rate. However modern technologies, surgical techniques, and high-tech equipment have allowed the world to treat these disorders and injuries ensuring patients a healthy and independent lifestyle.

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Disorders and Ailments Associated with Spine

• Degenerative disc disease / Disc slip is mostly an age-related disorder. The disease is common in old age people when usually one or more discs between the two vertebrae get damaged.
• Spinal injury: According to world accident statistics, 20-50 million people suffer from accidents worldwide. In these accidents, they get severe spinal injuries.
• Spinal tumors are abnormal masses of tissues surrounding the spinal cord. The uncontrolled growth of tumors can change into cancer.
• Spinal stenosis usually occurs in the neck and lower back caused by the narrowing of gaps between vertebrae, the narrowing can cause extreme pressure on central nerves that can cause severe back pain and paralysis in extreme cases.
• Herniated disc: The soft disc between the gaps of the vertebrae consists of the central nucleus, an exterior part known as the annulus. A herniated disc is a condition when the nucleus & annulus overlaps.
• Epidural Hematoma in the spinal cord: When blood clots outside the blood vessels around the spine which pushes the spinal cord interfering with its sensory functions.
• Vertebral fracture: When the vertebral body in the spine collapses which can cause extreme back pain and back deformities.
• Bone spurs: The extra spike-like growth on the area of the cervical spine is known as bone spurs.
• Spondylosis is a deformity of the joint of two vertebrae particularly of the neck causing stress on the emerging nerves from the spinal cord.
• Spine Arthritis: A disorder in which a joint becomes swollen, painful, and immovable

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Technologies Used for Spinal Disorders Diagnosis Abroad

To make an accurate and detailed diagnosis of spine disorders, several diagnostic procedures are performed. These procedures include:

• Computed Tomography (CT) is a diagnostic imaging test used to create detailed images of internal organs, bones, tissues, and vessels.
• Discography is an imaging test that is used in detecting and evaluating back pain.
• Electromyography (EMG) is an electrodiagnostic test used to evaluate and record the electrical activity of skeletal muscles
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a test in which radio waves and magnets are used to make the diagnosis.
• Myelogram: This diagnostic test helps to look for issues of the spine like herniated disc, spine tumors, spondylosis, etc.
• Osteoscintigraphy: A bone scan that provides pictures of the target area (spine in the current case) and is useful to detect changes that do not appear in X-rays etc.
• Lumbar puncture: A test in which a needle is inserted between the lumbar bones to remove the CSF and analyze it to rule out chances of spine tumors and other disorders.

The different types of spine surgery offered abroad.
1.Spinal column with implant
2.Spinal fixation system using titanium bracket
3.Surgery for Ankylosing Spondylitis
4.Spine fixation through brackets

How is Spine Surgery Done Abroad?

Earlier, spinal surgery was done through a long incision in the back. But now spine surgeons abroad carry out operations through a minimum incision of 2-3 cm. At the same time, the surgeon does not dissect the muscles of the back but gently pushes them apart with a retractor, which also reduces the volume of surgical trauma.

For better visualization of the operating field, the surgeon uses a special microscope with multiple magnifications. Thanks to this, it is possible to better identify the structures of the spine: cartilage, nerve roots, small vessels.

During the operation, an endoscope can be used, which allows one to look into an area that is closed for direct viewing. In addition, during the operation, doctors use modern intraoperative imaging systems (O-arm, Loop-X, etc.).

The image from the scanner is processed and displayed on the screen. The doctor, seeing on the screen a detailed image of the spine, will be able to remove worn-out anatomical structures with maximum accuracy or install a fixing structure.

Procedures for Spinal Surgery Abroad

The surgeons choose different surgical options depending on the patient's spine condition and needs. The most common surgical procedures are discussed below.

Endoscopic Spinal Surgery

• Depending on the surgeon's preference, the surgery can be performed with local or general anesthesia.
• Doctors use real-time X-ray imaging or special navigation systems to visualize the area. The person lies on their stomach on the surgery table, and the area of their back that needs treatment is cleaned.
• Small cuts are made on the back, and small dilators are put in to make a way to the spine. They spread and move the muscles during incision.
• Special surgical tools are put into the endoscope for spine procedures, such as herniated discs, releasing pressure on nerves, or fusing bones.
• After the surgery, the specialized tools and endoscope are removed, and the incision is closed.
• Simple procedures can be done in just half an hour, but complex spinal surgeries might take a few hours. This procedure is done as an outpatient, which means patients can usually go home the same day.

Laminectomy

• It is a spinal procedure that helps to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, performed using local anesthesia.
• The surgeon makes an incision over the affected area, and the lamina is removed to reduce compression in the spinal canal.
• It usually lasts from 1 to 3 hours. After the surgery, you must stay in the hospital for a few days.

Artificial Disc Replacement

• ADR is a surgical technique to fix damaged or degenerated spinal discs, which is done by replacing a broken or worn-out spinal disc with an artificial disc implant. It can be performed as an alternative to spinal fusion surgery.
• A small incision is made in the patient's stomach or neck, depending on where the damaged disc is located. The artificial disc is gently placed in the area between the bones in the spine.
• After that, the incision is closed. The operation usually lasts about 2 to 3 hours, and the patient needs to be hospitalized for three days.

Lumbar Spinal Fusion

• This surgical technique helps stabilize the lower back (lumbar spine) by joining two or more vertebrae.
• During surgery, the doctor makes an incision over the compressed part of the spine and removes the damaged disc.
• After that, the surgeon uses a bone graft or artificial bone to fuse bones. Metal rods or plates can be used for support.
• The surgery usually lasts 2 to 4 hours, and the patient is hospitalized for five days.

Foraminotomy

• This helps release pressure on the nerves in the spine by enlarging the neural foramen.
• During the operation, the doctor makes a small cut in the back or neck, and a piece of bone or tissue pressing on the nerve is taken out, making more room for the nerve to move out of the spinal column.
• The surgery usually takes 1 to 3 hours and is performed as an outpatient. However, some patients require a stay of 1 day for post-surgical management.

Spinal Decompression

• This surgical approach helps to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It can be performed through laminectomy, discectomy, or spinal fusion. The surgeon chooses the best option depending on the patient's condition.
• It can be performed using a minimally invasive method, which results in a short hospital stay and quick recovery. Usually, the procedure takes 1 to 3 hours.
• The length of hospitalization varies on the complexity of the procedure; however, it ranges from 3-5 days.

Discectomy

• It is a surgical removal of a portion of the spine's herniated or damaged intervertebral disc. The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia.
• During surgery, the surgeon cuts a small opening in the person's back and removes a damaged disc to reduce the pressure on nerves.
• The operation usually lasts for 1-2 hours. Most patients can leave the hospital on the same day as an outpatient procedure.

Vertebroplasty

• It is performed to fix broken bones in the spine caused by tumors by using a special type of cement. The cement dries fast, making the vertebra stable and reducing pain.
• The process usually lasts 30 minutes to an hour for each vertebra being treated. The patient is monitored for a few hours. If a patient needs rehabilitation services, the clinics offer those services, which relieves many patients.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation After Spine Surgery Abroad

Spine Surgeons abroad will recommend certain rehab therapies after the surgery as it can help to speed up your recovery. Here are a few guidelines on what to expect after your spine surgery:

• To maintain a healthy spine, performing exercises that enhance body mobility and boost muscle strength is necessary. Physical therapy and rehabilitation aid in maximizing the benefits of spinal surgery and improving your well-being.
• The rehabilitation team and your surgeon will customize the plan to suit your body's needs and enhance mobility.
• Initially, the focus is on basic movements such as walking, sitting and standing, which can be adjusted with mild stretching exercises to improve muscle mobility, and range of motion and to reduce pain.
• In some cases, the rehabilitation specialists suggest occupational therapy to help you handle daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and cooking.
• The doctors will evaluate your functional capabilities to determine whether hospitalization is necessary or outpatient physical therapy is sufficient.
• You may need to wear a brace or cast to immobilize your spine and aid in healing. The duration can range from a few weeks to several months.

Why are Spinal Surgery Clinics Abroad Popular?

Several facts make spinal surgery abroad one of the most in-demand. Some of which are:

1. The availability of the latest surgical options like robotic, laser, endoscopic, and AOSpine surgeries, operating microscopes with 20x magnification; thin spinal endoscopes; intraoperative imaging systems; neuronavigation systems, etc.
2. Spinal surgeons who have experience of no less than 15 years and are trained at some of the finest institutes worldwide. They can deal with any disease of the spine: from disc herniation to tumors. Also, they perform operations mainly in a minimally invasive way using modern medical technology.
3. Use of minimally invasive spine surgery options since it helps the patient to maintain the function of the spine doesn’t require big incisions due to which there are no scars on the patient’s back and most importantly the procedure is pain-free with a quick recovery and minimal chances of post-op complications.
4. In case a patient needs some sort of rehab services the clinics offer those services which is a relief for many patients.

Best Countries for Spinal Surgery

Spinal Surgery in Turkey

Spinal surgery is one of the priority areas of Turkish clinics. Turkish Spine Surgery Centers have: operating rooms equipped with modern CT imaging systems and equipment for spinal neuronavigation. The operations are performed by reputable surgeons - who are members of the European and American Societies of Spinal Surgeons.

The statistics of international patients visiting and recommending Turkey for spinal surgery are very high, patients from around 35 countries come to Turkey for spinal surgery. The hospitals have the best spinal surgeons with well-equipped technology. They are doing continuous research and development to improve their services.

Top Spine Surgery Clinics in Turkey

Hisar Intercontinental Hospital

One of the most developed and demanded sectors of the hospital is the spine surgery department. The use of modern methods of treatment makes it possible to achieve success even in the most severe cases. The clinic offers minimally invasive surgical interventions for the treatment of spine disorders with the help of robotic surgery.

LIV Ulus

Liv Ulus is a multidisciplinary clinic that opened its doors in 2013 and is equipped with the most innovative equipment.

The percentage of complications and infection of surgical wounds in the surgical treatment of disorders is very low at the hospital. For spine operations, the latest methods of laparoscopic and robotic surgery are used.

Acibadem Hospital Group

Spine surgery is performed under the neurosurgery department, they provide accurate diagnoses and excellent treatments. To treat disc disease and degenerative spinal disease the doctors perform procedures such as cervical, lumbar, thoracic discectomies, vertebrectomy, laminectomy, spinal stabilization surgery.

They also treat spinal traumas and injuries such as spinal fractures by providing facilities for urgent surgeries like spinal cord compression. They provide surgical management of spinal AVM and also deal with spinal tumors.

Best Spine Surgeons in Turkey

• Dr. Erden Erturer: Dr. Erden Ertuner is an experienced orthopedic surgeon at the LIV Ulus Hospital. His areas of expertise include spinal surgery, orthopedics, traumatology, etc. Dr. Ertuner is a member of reputed spinal surgery organizations like Marmama Spine Group and the Turkish Spinal Association.
• Dr. Emre Acaroglu: Dr. Emre Acaroglu is an orthopedic surgeon at the Memorial Ankara Hospital. He is an expert in the treatment of spinal stenosis, scoliosis in adolescents, and adult spinal curvature. Dr. Emre is a member of esteemed organizations which include: AOSpine, Scoliosis Research Society, Turkish Spine Society, and Eurospine. Moreover, he is the Founder of the Ankara Spine Society.

Spinal surgery in Israel

Spine surgery centers in Israel have experienced and well-developed departments for the treatment of scoliosis and kyphosis. They have skilled and experienced specialists serving their patients with comprehensive care.

They use advanced techniques and custom-planned procedures for each of their patients. They promise to provide after-care to their patients which include physical exercise and rehabilitation after spine surgery. Services offered by spine surgery centers in Israel are:

• Laminectomy
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Lumbar fusion
• Bone fixation, fracture treatment

Famous Spine Surgery Hospitals in Israel

Sheba Medical Center

One of the best and largest hospitals in the world is known for its affordable care, treatments, and advanced research. It is known as the Israel city of health. Spine Deformity Center at Sheba Medical Center Israel is known for its best services in transforming thousands of lives.

They provide all the top-notch medical facilities and perform various advanced procedures known to the world to treat different types of spine disorders.

Hadassah hospital

It was opened in 1934 and has around 1000 hospital beds. Hadassah spinal surgery is not only famous in Israel but all around the world. The Spine surgery department at Hadassah hospital is experienced in all the procedures of spine surgery.

Many international patients choose this hospital due to the expertise of its spine surgeons plus the staff helps the international patients with accommodation and transportation.

Also, the hospital's international service center helps the patients with their visa processing and travel. Around 3500 patients from around the world get their spinal surgeries done at the department.

Famous Spine Surgeons in Israel

• Dr. Zvi Lidar: Dr. Zvi Lidar is a neurosurgeon with a particular interest in the treatment of back and spine issues. He uses techniques like cervical and lumbar spine fixation surgery, lactumectomy, and discectomy for spine-related issues. Dr. Lidar is a member of professional organizations like the Israeli Association for the fight against diseases of the spine and the Israeli Association of Spine Surgery
• Dr. Morsi Khashan is a senior spine and neurosurgery specialist at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov). He has expertise in herniated and degenerative disc treatments.
• Dr. Vadim Bluvstein is a certified spine surgeon and rehabilitation specialist at Loewenstein Hospital and provides rehabilitation services for spine injuries, hernias and nerve compression.

Spine Surgery in Germany

German spinal surgery clinics perform a wide range of spinal surgeries. These hospitals have the greatest experience in the treatment of this condition. German spine surgeons successfully perform microsurgical removal of intervertebral tumors under the control of functional neuromonitoring. Some of the renowned German Spine Centers are:

Rechts der Isar

The Spine Surgery Department at Rechts der Isar is a Level 1 Spinal Clinic in Germany. The department offers treatment to patients suffering from spinal degenerative, trauma, and tumors related diseases. Rechts der Isar is equipped with state-of-the-art and minimally invasive techniques for spinal surgeries. These include:

• Vertebroplasty
• Thoracoscopy
• Microsurgical removal of intraspinal
• Disc prosthetics
• Kyphoplasty, etc.

Helios Hospital Kerfeld

The Spine Surgery Department at Helios Krefeld offers treatment for degenerative diseases of the spine, stenosis, spinal disc hernia, etc. using minimally invasive techniques.

All surgeries are performed under modern microscopes to prevent damage to the nearby regions. In addition to this computer, navigation is routinely employed for surgeries to add more accuracy to the procedure. Diagnostics and treatment procedures available at Helios Krefeld Spine Surgery Department are

• Disc prosthesis
• Kyphoplasty
• Fluorescence microscopy
• Intraoperative neuromonitoring
• Vertebroplasty, etc.

Famous Spine Surgeons in Germany

• Dr. Bernhard Meyer is the Director of the Spinal Clinic. He is a member as well as President of leading Spine Surgery Societies like the German Society for Spine Surgery, Eurospine, etc.
•  Dr. Micheal Stoffel is the leading spinal surgeon at Helios Krefeld. He has numerous certifications related to Excellence in Spinal Surgery & Master in Spine Surgery from DWG and Expert in performing complex spine surgery from DNCG.
• Prof. Dr. Ralf Hempelmann is a senior spinal surgeon at Helios Endo Klink Hamburg and has served for over 29 years. He successfully treats spinal tumors using endoscopic tumor removal methods.
• Dr. Jens Gulow is a spinal surgeon at Helios Park Hospital Leipzig. He has experience for over 25 years and has expertise in spine fixation, spinal deformities, spinal tumors, and repairing fractures.

Spine Surgery in Spain

Spanish spine surgery clinics have the best experience in the field of spinal surgery. Spine surgeons prefer minimally invasive techniques using modern operating microscopes with multiple magnifications.

In addition, in many cases, they use innovative surgical techniques to offer patients with spinal diseases the best possible results. Some of the best spine surgery centers in Spain include:

Quironsalud Group of Hospitals

Teknon Medical Center and Quironsalud Barcelona Hospital from the Quironsalud Health Group are considered as the leading clinics when it comes to spine surgery. The Spine Surgery Department at both Teknon Hospital and the Quironsalud Barcelona are well-equipped to make spine surgery safe for patients.

Spinal surgeons at Quironsalud use O- arm, intraoperative imaging, and Medtronic S8 neuronavigation to ensure patient safety. For the treatment of spine issues, spinal surgeons use techniques like tubular approaches, percutaneous procedures, spine endoscopy, lumbar disc replacement, etc.

Dr. Rudolf Morgenstern is an expert spinal surgeon at Teknon Medical Center. He is an expert in performing minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery techniques. Dr. Morgenstern is an accredited surgeon for performing kyphoplasty.