Overview

The spine, or vertebral column, supports the body's structure, protects the spinal cord, enables movement, absorbs shock, and maintains balance, serving as a critical anatomical and neurological hub. Improper functioning of the spine due to internal or external damages can cease multiple functions of the affected individual.

However, significant issues such as extreme pain not being treated with the help of medications, spinal infection, spinal infirmities, trauma, and degenerative spine conditions give rise to the need for surgical procedures for treatment. Spinal surgery can be performed by using traditional open surgery method, minimally invasive method, or by using robotic spine surgery.

Causes of Spinal Surgery

Mentioned below are the health conditions that alert a patient about the immediate requirement of spinal surgery for visible improvements:

- Disk Issues- The rubbery cushions between the bones that help to separate them from each other are known as discs. These discs, when are herniated or get wear and tear due to ageing, may strike against the spinal nerve. The individual experiences pain and discomfort. The individual affected by damaged discs may be unable to bend down or sit and stand comfortably for longer hours.
- Bone Overgrowth- The excess bone growth, also known as spurs, lowers the space in the spine for the nerves to pass through the openings. These bony spurs block the space for the nerves to operate and function properly. Often, the affected individual cannot receive signals from the brain and transfer the data from the whole body to the brain.
- Spinal Stenosis- Narrowing of the spinal canal, often due to age-related changes, leading to pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
- Scoliosis- Abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, which can be severe and require corrective surgery.
- Spinal Deformity- Spinal deformity is when the spinal bone curves abnormally. It ceases the function of the spine to move the way it should and disturbs the affected individual from performing routine functions. A surgical procedure helps to correct the spine's posture under such conditions. Surgery is the last resort when other conservative options cannot treat the issue.
- Spinal Tumours- The removal of tumours or masses affecting the spine.
- Infections- Surgical treatment to address spinal infections such as abscesses or osteomyelitis.

Types of Spinal Surgery

Mentioned below are a few types of spinal surgeries that help deal with different spinal issues. These surgeries help in spine mobility and also allow one to resume routine functions with ease:

- Vertebroplasty- The procedure helps to cure compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. The method involves the injection of a bone-glue-like substance in the vertebrae to join the bones together for better spine movement.
- Spinal Laminectomy- It is a procedure of removing bony spurs pressurising the spinal nerves. After removing the excess growth of a bone in the spine, the nerves get the space for proper transfer of information from the brain to all body parts and vice versa.
- Discectomy- The removal procedure of a herniated disk is known as discectomy. The herniated disc causes pain in the vertebrae, leading to the affected individual feeling pain while bending down, walking or standing for longer hours, and performing similar functions.
- Spinal Fusion- Joining two or more vertebrae to stabilise the spine, often used for conditions such as degenerative disc disease or spinal instability.
- Spinal Decompression: Various procedures to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, including laminectomy, foraminotomy, and discectomy.
- Spinal Tumour Surgery- Removal of tumours or masses affecting the spine, often involving partial or complete vertebrectomy.
- Scoliosis Surgery- Correction of abnormal spinal curvature, which may involve spinal fusion and the use of hardware.
- Artificial Disc Replacement- Replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one to maintain motion and relieve pain.

What is robotic spine surgery?

Robotic spine surgery is a procedure of performing spine surgery with the help of an advanced robotic machine with a console displaying 3D images of the patient's condition. The form of surgery helps in following complete accuracy for high success results. A machine has higher precision than a surgeon performing the surgery physically.

How is robotic spine surgery performed?

A robotic surgery done for the spine is one of the highly-chosen forms of surgery. The surgery involves taking images of the patient's area to be operated. The images of the surgical site are displayed in 3D on the medically assisted robotic machine. The robotic machine helps to analyse the patient's current condition and helps to prepare the right pathway for screws to fit. It helps the surgeon maintain perfect accuracy and perform the surgery precisely.

Advantages of Robotic Spine Surgery

Mentioned below are the advantages of robotic surgery helpful in dealing with spinal issues:

- Minimal Blood Loss- High blood loss experienced during a surgical procedure may weaken the patient or cause other issues. In the case of robotic surgery, the robotic arms perform the procedure precisely and carefully to reach the damaged spine without damaging the nearby tissues.
- Less Pain and Scars- A robotic surgery requires smaller incisions to perform the surgery. causes fewer scars followed by less pain. This way, the individual stays calm and relaxed after the surgery, which helps in quick recovery.
- Quick Recovery- One significant advantage of robotic back surgery is the ease of recovery. Less pain, less blood loss, and fewer scars keep a patient calm and relaxed, making it easier for the operated patient to recover quickly.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during a sudden health concern.

Conclusion

Robotic spine surgery is a procedure to perform spinal surgery with the help of advanced technologically assisted machines. The robotic arms help to perform the surgery with precision, which helps in quick recovery and is highly successful.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/minimally-invasive-spine-surgery-miss-and-endoscopic-spine-surgery-ess/
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/back-spine-surgery
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/in-depth/back-surgery/art-20048274