What is Spine Surgery?

Spine surgery is the surgical branch concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and structural deformities occurring in the spine.

It covers surgical procedures used in the treatment of advanced spinal diseases that do not improve with medication or physical therapy methods. The aim is to reduce pain by eliminating nerve compression, restore mobility, and increase the quality of life of patients.

Today, thanks to minimally invasive methods, patients recover in a shorter time, and the risks of infection and complications are reduced.

The most frequently performed spine surgery procedures include; lumbar hernia surgery, cervical hernia surgery, and surgery for spine fractures due to trauma.

Correct surgical interventions performed by specialist physicians significantly increase the quality of life of patients.

Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk

Brain, Nerve, and Spine Surgery

Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk has pioneered many surgical techniques published in international journals in the field of spine and endoscopic surgery, and has significantly contributed to the advancement of endoscopic surgery with the new surgical methods he developed. He has shared his experiences with his colleagues through live surgical trainings organized in Turkey and abroad; he has stood out in the subjects of scoliosis and endoscopic spine surgery.

Multidisciplinary Team in Spinal Health

Spine Surgery is a multidisciplinary structure.

• Brain and Nerve Surgery
• Orthopedics and Traumatology
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
• Radiology
• Anesthesia / Intensive Care
• Oncology
• Neurology
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Psychology
• Algology (Pain Management)

Why is Spinal Health Important?

The spine is the most important supporting structure that allows the body to stand upright. The spinal cord, through which nerves from the brain pass, is protected here. Therefore, spinal health directly affects not only posture, but also mobility, the musculoskeletal system, and even the functions of internal organs.

When spinal disorders are neglected, they can lead to chronic pain, restriction of movement, and serious decreases in quality of life.

Spinal Health Problems and Treatment Methods

Daily life habits, posture disorders, traumas, or the aging process can lead to various health problems in the spine. When these diseases are diagnosed early, the treatment process becomes more successful.

Treatment Methods:

Choosing the right treatment methods for existing disorders is as important as protecting spinal health. At this point, the specific surgical areas applied in our center are;

• Pediatric Deformity Surgery (Scoliosis Surgery): Aims to correct scoliosis and similar spinal curvatures that occur during childhood and adolescence.
• Adult Deformity Surgery: Covers the surgical treatment of spinal curvatures such as scoliosis and kyphosis seen in adults.
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: This method, performed with small incisions, ensures faster recovery for patients and less risk of complications.
• Endoscopic Spine Surgery: Enables more comfortable treatment of diseases such as lumbar and cervical hernia with camera-supported modern surgical techniques.

Health Problems:

Daily life habits, posture disorders, traumas, or the aging process can lead to various health problems in the spine.

• Lumbar Hernia (Lumbar Disc Herniation): One of the most common spinal problems. It occurs when the fibers in the outer part of the spinal discs tear and the jelly-like substance inside leaks out. This condition can put pressure on the spinal nerves, causing severe pain in the lower back, hips, and legs. It can lead to restricted movement and even nerve damage.
• Cervical Hernia (Cervical Disc Herniation): A condition that occurs when the discs between the spine bones in the neck area become damaged and protrude towards the spinal canal or nerve canal, putting pressure on the nerves.
• Narrow Canal (Spinal Stenosis): A disorder that occurs when the spinal canal in the lower part of the spine (lumbar region) narrows for various reasons, putting pressure on the nerves.
• Trauma-Related Spine Fractures: Traumas such as falls, traffic accidents, or impacts from height can lead to spine fractures. It can manifest with severe back or lower back pain, restriction of movement, and neurological findings.
• Spinal Cord Tumors: These are benign or malignant masses that develop inside or around the spinal cord. Symptoms include back and lower back pain, numbness, weakness, and walking disorders.
• Scoliosis (Spinal Curvature): Expresses a curvature of over 10 degrees to the side of the spine; it is a truly three-dimensional curvature. It is a serious spinal disorder that can occur at any age. It is seen as an S or C-shaped curve. It mostly occurs during the rapid growth period in adolescence.
• Kyphosis (Hunchback): The condition where the upper part of the spine bends abnormally forward. This condition can lead to a rounded appearance of the back and posture deformity.

When spinal diseases are diagnosed early, the treatment process becomes more successful. It is possible to protect spinal health with regular exercise, correct posture habits, and expert control.