Advancements in spinal surgery are an integral pillar of medical development. Many scientists and medical professionals are striving for innovation, aiming to make this type of surgery less risky and more seamless to recover from.
In this article, we explore new advancements in spinal cord injury surgery, what this means for future development and how Aspire Law can help you with your rehabilitation process.
The risks
The sensitive nature of your brain’s relationship with your spine is why undergoing spinal surgery can be considered high-risk for individuals.
These parts of the body are integral for so many of your cognitive and physical functions. As a result, any surgery concerning your spinal cord will be risky, with there being a small margin for error.
Pushing boundaries
The invasive nature of spinal surgery, the recovery times and the level of aftercare during the rehabilitation process can all cause complications.
Doctors and scientists in this sector are striving to explore the different ways in which this surgery can be completed, not only making the surgery itself slightly easier for the surgeons, by enhancing their focus and precision but also in the hopes of improving the outcomes for people with spinal cord injuries.
New developments
Over the course of the 21st century, there have been many advancements in the approach to spinal surgery. These innovations have been making this type of surgery increasingly safer, more effective, and more accessible for people with spinal cord injuries.
Below we detail the range of spinal surgery developments that have happened in recent years.
Less invasive surgery
There’s been a recent shift towards minimally invasive surgeries, or MIS, for patients with a spinal cord injury.
Through making smaller incisions, not only does this development mean that less soft tissue needs to be dissected in order to target the affected area, but it also enables a lower risk of infection and faster recovery times.
The benefits also stretch to a reduced reliance on stronger drugs for managing pain, such as narcotics, which are highly addictive and can lead to other complications.
3-D printed spinal implants
Developments that involve 3-D printing technology are newly being implemented in spinal surgery. 3-D printed cages are implanted around the patient’s spinal cord and can lead to improved stabilisation and fusion rates.
Due to the highly adaptable quality of 3-D printing, this technology can be completely tailored to the patient’s specific anatomy.
The personalisation of healthcare is a key topic that will impact the future of spinal surgery.
Spinal monitoring during surgery
Latest technological advancements now allow for the spinal cord to be visually monitored during surgery, using ultrasound imaging.
Traditionally, it has been difficult to monitor the spinal cord in this way, as ultrasound relies on sounds and echoes to build comprehensive images of the targeted area. Surrounding organs, such as the heart and lungs, produce too much noise, which can disrupt the signals.
However, this new development is less sensitive to these noises, enabling the ultrasound technology to create a clear picture of the spinal cord. This also means that factors, such as blood flow, can now be detected, enabling doctors and surgeons to analyse whether the treatment is working.
Augmented reality
The use of augmented reality in healthcare is a new and exciting development that will become a game-changer for the industry.
As opposed to using the standard multiple monitor approach and other related equipment being required in the operating room during spinal surgeries, augmented reality (AR) will enable the same visual perspective to be achieved through a low-cost headset.
Not only will this diminish the overall footprint of the surgical suite it will also ensure patients will receive better care, which, of course, is always the goal.
Pulse platform
A new system called the Pulse platform, from Nuvasive, is designed to help surgeons offer “quicker, more precise and safer surgery” can be achieved. The NHS Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham is the first hospital in Europe to use this innovative technology that will transform how spinal surgeries are performed.
The benefits of this advancement are that it’s less invasive and reduces radiation exposure from the imaging by up to 80%. This enables faster recovery times and better patient outcomes, according to the NHS.
Health benefits
There are many health benefits to the advancements in spinal surgery, including enhanced precision, improved outcomes, personalised treatment and real-time monitoring, to name just a few. As we progress into the future, this type of surgery will only become safer and easier for surgeons to carry out, making it beneficial for both patients and surgeons.
It’s important for us to reiterate that, even with these new developments, spinal surgery is always going to be risky. There will always be the possibility that something will go not according to plan and cause subsequent complications.
However, it is exciting to see the advancements in surgery and how they are changing how this type of surgery is administered, making it increasingly safer.
The rehabilitation process with Aspire Law
Our specialist team of leading spinal cord injury lawyers will help you regain your independence after your spinal cord injury.
For assistance with your compensation claim and any support with your rehabilitation, don’t hesitate to contact us today to find out more.
