Chennai: A 37-year-old woman from Mahabalipuram had been suffering from low backache for the past one year and when the pain restricted her movements, she consulted a doctor who diagnosed her with severe cord compression, and advised open surgery.
“When she visited us, we explained about minimally invasive, scar-free surgery. After the surgery, she is doing well and is free from pain now,” says Dr VenkaÂtesÂhwara Prasanna, consultant neurosurgeon at Fortis Malar hospital.
Technological advancement has now ensured hope for spinal patients and with cutting-edge technique, like minimal access spinal technology (MAST), there are various advantages, including quick recovery time.
Though MAST has been there for a decade, the new technique has picked up only recently, say surgeons.
“In the conventional and open surgery, we are weakening the already weak muscles. In MAST, through incision that is less than or just 1.5 cm, the spine disorder is treated,” said the neurosurgeon, adding that apart from quick recovery, it’s scar-free.
Spinal procedure performed using MAST is beneficial for numerous conditions and it’s a boon because earlier such intricate surgeries were rare.
Surgeries are considered an option for conditions like vertebral fractures, osteoporosis-linked spine instability, abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis), slipped or ruptured discs, spinal stenosis (narrowing of spine due to arthritis) among many.
“The implant cost is Rs 60,000 and, compared to open surgery, the cost is approximately Rs 75,000 more,” he says, adding smoking and osteoporosis add more problems to the already weakened back muscles. Women are more prone to back problems and they should start exercising to strengthen the weak muscles, he said.
