Spinal Surgery

The spine is made up of a series of bones called "vertebrae"; between each vertebra are strong connective tissues which holds one vertebra to the next, and acts as a cushion between the vertebrae. The disc allows for movements of the vertebrae and lets people bend and rotate their neck and back. The type and degree of motion varies between the different levels of the spine: cervical (neck), thoracic (chest) or lumbar (low back). The cervical spine is a highly mobile region that permits movement in all directions. The thoracic spine is much more rigid due to the presence of ribs and is designed to protect the heart and lungs. The lumbar spine allows all movements flexion, extension, bending sideways and rotations, thus subjecting it to wear and tear over the stable pelvic platform and becomes a junction of mobility and stability giving rise to painful conditions.

Spinal Fusion
Fusion is a surgical technique in which one or more of the vertebrae of the spine are united together ("fused") so that motion no longer occurs between them. The concept of fusion is similar to that of welding in industry. Spinal fusion surgery, however, does not weld the vertebrae during surgery. Rather, bone grafts are placed around the spine during surgery. The body then heals the grafts over several months - similar to healing a fracture - which joins, or "welds," the vertebrae together.

There are many potential reasons for a surgeon to consider fusing the vertebrae. These include: treatment of a fractured (broken) vertebra; correction of deformity (spinal curves or slippages); elimination of pain from painful motion; treatment of instability; and treatment of some cervical disc herniations.

Dr. K. K. Singh started his career as a spinal surgeon here in the Caribbean at the Spinal Unit in Mona Rehab Centre under the late Prof. Sir John Gold of the University of West Indies in Jamaica and continued his education by visiting various spinal surgery centres in England and USA to stabilize spinal injuries and to correct common spinal deformities like scoliosis which is the side ways curvature of the spine.

Modern fusion of the spine requires highly skilled surgical work which includes the placement of Pedicle Screws and stabilizing of the deformity caused by segments of the spinal column with-out affecting function and motion of the individuals' life style.