SERVICES INCLUDE
Spinal Pathologies
What is spinal pathology?
Spinal pathology refers to spinal conditions or disorders that may affect the spine and spinal cord, such as degenerative diseases, congenital malformations, and spinal tumours.
- Degenerative diseases
Degenerative spine diseases affect the spine and may cause loss of normal spinal structure and/or function. They are caused by age, and repetitive strains, sprains and overuse of the back, which may gradually cause degeneration of the spine's discs. This occurs when one or more discs between the spine's vertebrae deteriorate or break down, which will cause pain. Treatment for degenerative diseases includes laminectomy or spinal fusion.- Laminectomy – this is a surgical procedure where Dr Modikeng makes an incision on your back over the affected vertebrae. She will then use surgical instruments and remove the lamina or a portion of the spine to create more room for the nerves and reduce inflammation. After the procedure, the neurosurgeon will stitch close the incision.
- Spinal fusion – this is a procedure where Dr Modikeng makes an incision in either your neck, back or in your abdomen. She then places a bone graft between the vertebrae to hold the bones together. The graft may be put in place with the use of metal plates, screws or rods.
Congenital spine abnormalities are medical disorders that affect the spine. These disorders occur or develop very early in life, and some are born with them. Some of the congenital malformations cause abnormal alignment of the spine, and some affect the spinal nerves, which may lead to difficulties in moving the arms or legs, bathroom issues or pain. Congenital malformation treatment depends on the condition. Treatment may include braces or corrective surgery.
- Spine tumours
Spinal cord tumours are growths that develop in the spinal canal or within the bones of the spine. A spinal cord tumour also called an intradural tumour, develops in the spinal cord or on the covering of the spinal cord (dura). A vertebral tumour is a tumour that affects the bones of the spine. Symptoms of spinal cord tumours may include pain at the site of the tumour, feeling less sensitive to pain, heat and cold and loss of bowel or bladder function. Other symptoms may include difficulty in walking, muscle weakness and back pain that may get worse at night. Tumours may be treated with surgery. It involves Dr Modikeng making an incision on your back and resecting the tumours with surgical instruments. Other procedures such as spinal fusion and laminectomy may be done as well.
