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Disc protrusion in the lumbar spine
A ruptured disc between the vertebrae of the spine may put pressure on the dural sac and nerve roots, causing one or more of the following symptoms:
severe back pain without or with lower limb irradiation, stiffness, restriction of movement, numbness and weakness in the lower limb, partial paralysis of one or both limbs, problems with sphincter function, and difficulties in sexual function.
In general, the last symptoms on this list are the most severe and require surgical intervention.
A herniated disc is usually caused as a result of lifting heavyweight, excessive physical exertion, incorrect posture or sitting position, as a result of trauma and etc.
Microsurgical treatment of disc protrusion in the lumbar spine
During the operation, using a high magnification microscope and microsurgical
tools including a diamond micro-drill, removal of the protruded disc is performed.
The operation is carried out with precision while maintaining the stability of the structure and without the need for fixation.
The nerve root is then released from the scar tissues.
Microsurgical treatment of a protruded disc is expected to eliminate or alleviate the pain and lead to a significant improvement in the patient's function and quality of life.
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Failed back surgery syndrome
Failed back surgery syndrome is a condition in which surgery for protruded disc treatment, fixation or treatment of canal stenosis, has not been successful.
This condition is most often manifested by severe lower back pain, occasionally with radiation to the lower limb.
A major cause of failed back surgery syndrome is pressure on the nerve roots which is usually created by scars from the connective tissue, disc remains or fixation.
Surgical intervention is recommended only if there is no improvement in the patient's
condition after conservative treatment.
Microsurgical treatment of failed back surgery syndrome
During the operation, using a high magnification microscope and advanced
microsurgical tools, the injured nerve roots, and the dural sac are carefully and precisely released from the connective tissue scars or from disc remains that have not been completely removed.
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Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda Equina Syndrome is characterized by severe damage to the function of the nerve roots in the lower part of the spinal canal, in the area located below the end of the spinal cord.
Common typical symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome are:
Intense and persistent neuropathic pain, sensory disturbances and weakness in the lower extremities, difficulties in motor function, disturbances in the sphincter and sexual function.
Causes of this syndrome:
external injury, local inflammation or arachnoiditis, tumor or displacement or fracture of a vertebra. Those that develop within the spinal canal, yet outside the spinal cord itself - meningioma, and those that develop from the nerve sheath - schwannoma.
Tumors characterized with cauda equina nerves are schwannoma, neurofibroma, and ependymoma. Due to pressure caused by the tumor on the spinal cord or cauda equina nerves, symptoms such as back pain, weakness, numbness in the limbs, problems with sphincter function and difficulty in walking may occur.
Microsurgical treatment of Cauda Equina Syndrome
During the operation, using a high magnification microscope, microsurgical tools, and electrophysiological monitoring, the dural sac and nerve roots are released from pressure caused by a herniated disc, tumor, scar tissue or arachnoiditis.