International Patient Enquiries |
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Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
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Spine surgery is commonly undertaken for back and/or leg pain arising from
- ‘pinched nerves’ in back [due to either a prolapsed disc or bone spurs]
- mechanical instability of the spine where one bone of the spine moves abnormally over its neighbour [due to degeneration of spine and spondylolisthesis]
 In the first case, surgery is aimed at decompressing the affected nerves by removing the prolapsed portion of the disc or bone spurs. For the latter, surgery is aimed at stabilising the spine by fusing the spine [by applying bone chips between the affected segments and using screws and rods to hold the segments together].
While traditional spine surgery is good at achieving the aims, the recovery process is painful and can be prolonged due to the long incision and large exposure required for the surgery.
Advancement in technologies and techniques have allowed the same surgeries to be performed via smaller incisions. The same aims can also be achieved just as effectively while minimising damage to the muscles and other soft tissues. The overall benefits are shorter hospitalisations [as short as one day for decompression surgery and three days for fusion surgery] and quicker return to functions and work. In this technique, x-rays are used to guide the insertion of tubes to reach the spine and visualisation is achieved with the use of a microscope and special cameras. The nerves are decompressed with specially modified instruments. If necessary, screws and rods are inserted using x-ray and computer guidance. |
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Who it is for
Such surgeries may be suitable for patients with low back pain and/or leg pain that interferes with normal activities and work; and for which other treatments such as physiotherapy and medication have failed. The orthopaedic surgeon will perform a thorough examination of your back and nerves, including x-rays and MRI scans, before deciding on whether surgery is indicated and which type of surgery is most appropriate for your specific condition. |
Our treatment centre
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of Singapore General Hospital (SGH) |
The SGH Advantage
First in the Region
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| Singapore General Hospital is the first hospital in Southeast Asia to perform minimally invasive spine surgery and to-date has one of the best experiences in various minimally invasive surgical techniques. |
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Dept of Experience
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| Singapore General Hospital is a leading hospital in the Asia Pacific for spine surgery, with over 300 such surgeries performed a year. |
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Positive Outcomes
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| Results of these surgeries are independently assessed by a team of physiotherapists and technicians and have been presented in many international scientific meetings. Success rates approach 90%, depending on the specific condition. |
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Regional Referral and Training Centre
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| Singapore General Hospital’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is recognised as a tertiary referral centre for managing difficult spine problems such as cervical spine disorders, spine deformaties and tumours, osteoporosis fractures in the very old, and previous failed spine surgeries. The Hospital regularly conducts courses and has trained hundreds of surgeons from around the world. |
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Find a Doctor
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Related Videos
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Other Orthopaedic Surgery Procedures
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Call our 24-hr hotline:
+65 6326 5656 |
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