KARACHI: Latest trends in spinal surgery discussed
KARACHI, Oct 29: Road accidents and relevant trauma fast emerging as major cause of deaths and morbidity in developing countries makes necessary application of all available and updated medical interventions to improve life quality.
This was observed by the experts while addressing the inaugural session of the two-day workshop on “Changing trends in spinal surgery: total disc replacement in neck and back”, organized by the Liaquat National Hospital in collaboration with Lille University Hospital, France, on Saturday. The event is being attended by 25 neurosurgeons from across the country.
Following presentations and lectures, foreign and local experts also demonstrated procedures to plant artificial disc in spine for the first time.
Dr Salman Sharif, Dr Ejaz Aslam and Dr Rafay Zafar from Liaquat National Hospital and Dr Amjad Shad from Wailsgrova Hospital, Coventry, the UK, in their respective presentations reminded that the modern neurosurgery was evolving fast with the help of extensive anatomical knowledge and cutting edge technology.
They particularly referred to the artificial cervical disc, a cervical in vertebral disc prosthesis designed to permit motion similar to normal cervical functional spinal unit. The artificial disc was stated to be intended to treat stable cervical degenerative disc without fusion, thereby providing the patient with the capability for motion at the treated level. Cervical disc is indicated for use in skeletally mature patients (at least 21 years old) undergoing primary surgery for treatment of mechanically stable degenerative disc diseases of the cervical spine, they said.
Some potential advantages of the surgery were stated to include maintenance of range of motion; reconstitution of the disc height and spinal alignment; maintenance of mechanical characteristics and avoidance of complication from instrumentation or postoperative bracing.
Referring to artificial lumbar disc, which is indicated at any vertebral level, the experts said it held immense value in treatment backache or leg pain, also of degenerative disc disease, defined as back pain of dysgenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies.
The very artificial disc was mentioned to be a two-part implant made of cobalt-chrome molybdenum alloy. It was elaborated that each of the two components had one polished articulating side and one roughened hydroxyapatite-coated bone contacting side.
Additionally the disc’s design which incorporates a posterior centre of rotation, potentially restores normal movement of the spine. The hydroxyapatite coating was said to further encourage bony in growth and long term stability.
About artificial cervical disc, the surgeons said they were being used since 2000 and that to date thousands of surgeries had used globally.
Dr Salman Sharif on the occasion mentioned that LNH skills lab and neurosurgery at LNH was promoting the concept of lifelong learning by utilizing the latest technology to connect neurosurgeons, residents, health-care professionals and other surgeons to world class experts and faculty.
He mentioned that neurosurgery department at the Liaquat National Hospital had already conducted over 10 workshops with sawbones, cadavers and models, adding that besides this over 40 research papers had been presented in national and international meetings by the department. — APP
KARACHI, Oct 29: Road accidents and relevant trauma fast emerging as major cause of deaths and morbidity in developing countries makes necessary application of all available and updated medical interventions to improve life quality.
