The Spine Service at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital provides comprehensive, patient-centered care for a wide range of spinal conditions. Our team of experienced orthopaedic spine surgeons combines advanced surgical techniques with a multidisciplinary approach to deliver optimal outcomes for our patients.

Our Approach to Spine Care
We believe in personalised treatment tailored to each patient's unique needs. Our spine surgeons work closely with geriatricians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and pain specialists to provide holistic care that addresses not just the surgical aspect, but your overall recovery and quality of life.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery
We specialise in minimally invasive endoscopic techniques that offer smaller incisions, less tissue damage, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
Benefits for Patients:
•    Smaller incisions and minimal scarring
•    Less post-operative pain
•    Shorter hospital stays
•    Faster return to normal activities
•    Reduced risk of complications

Geriatric Spine Care
Our multidisciplinary team provides specialised care for elderly patients with spine conditions, integrating orthopaedic surgery with geriatric medicine to address the unique needs of older adults.
Comprehensive Care Includes:
•    Collaboration with geriatricians
•    Pre-operative optimisation
•    Tailored surgical approaches
•    Post-operative delirium prevention
•    Early mobilisation programmes

Osteoporotic Fracture Management
We offer advanced treatment for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, to provide rapid pain relief and restore mobility.
Treatment Options:
•    Minimally invasive vertebroplasty
•    Balloon kyphoplasty
•    Medical management of osteoporosis
•    Fall prevention programs
•    Bone health optimisation

Our Services

We offer a comprehensive range of spine surgery procedures, from minimally invasive techniques to complex reconstructive surgery, all performed by our experienced spine surgeons.

Multidisciplinary Care Teams
Our spine surgeons are integral members of specialised multidisciplinary care teams at KTPH, including the Hip Fracture Unit and Ortho-Geriatric Service, ensuring comprehensive care for our patients especially those with complex medical needs.

Minimally Invasive Procedures
Our minimally invasive techniques include:
•    Endoscopic discectomy for herniated discs
•    Endoscopic decompression for spinal stenosis
•    Minimally invasive fusion procedures
•    Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty

Decompression Surgery
For nerve compression conditions:
•    Laminectomy for spinal stenosis
•    Foraminotomy for nerve root compression
•    Cervical and lumbar decompression

Spinal Fusion
Stabilisation procedures for various conditions:
•    Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF)
•    Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)
•    Cervical fusion for instability

Fracture Management
Comprehensive treatment for spinal fractures:
•    Vertebral compression fractures
•    Traumatic spine fractures
•    Pathological fractures

Conditions We Treat

Our spine surgery team has extensive experience in treating a wide range of spinal conditions, from common degenerative diseases to complex fractures and deformities.

• Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc)
  When the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the outer casing, it can compress nerves causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
• Spinal Stenosis
  Narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, often causing leg pain, numbness, and difficulty walking, especially in older adults.
• Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures
  Compression fractures of the spine due to weakened bones from osteoporosis, causing severe back pain and loss of height.
• Degenerative Disc Disease
  Age-related wear and tear of spinal discs leading to back pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Spondylolisthesis
  When one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, potentially causing nerve compression and back pain.
• Spinal Deformity
  Abnormal curvature of the spine including scoliosis and kyphosis that may require surgical correction in severe cases.
• Cervical Myelopathy
  Spinal cord compression in the neck region causing weakness, numbness, and coordination problems in the arms and legs.
• Traumatic Spine Injuries
  Fractures and dislocations of the spine from accidents or falls requiring urgent surgical intervention.
• Spinal Tumors
  Both primary and metastatic tumors affecting the spine that may require surgical removal or stabilisation.

Patient Journey

From your first consultation to post-operative care, we guide you through every step of your spine surgery journey with personalised attention and support.

1. Initial Consultation
   Your spine surgeon will review your medical history, conduct a thorough physical examination, and assess imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, or CT scans) to diagnose your condition and discuss treatment options.
2. Diagnostic Evaluation
   If needed, additional tests may be ordered. We'll explain your diagnosis in detail and discuss both non-surgical and surgical treatment options, helping you make an informed decision.
3. Pre-operative Preparation
   Before surgery, you'll undergo pre-operative assessments including blood tests and medical clearance. Our team will optimise your overall health, especially important for elderly patients and those with multiple medical conditions.
4. Surgery Day
   Your surgery will be performed by our experienced spine surgeons using the most appropriate technique for your condition. Family members will be kept informed throughout the procedure.
5. Hospital Recovery
   After surgery, you'll be monitored closely. Our physiotherapists will help you mobilize safely. Most minimally invasive procedures allow discharge within 1-3 days, while more complex surgeries may require a longer stay.
6. Rehabilitation
   A personalised rehabilitation program will help you regain strength and function. Our physiotherapy and occupational therapy teams will work with you to achieve the best possible outcome.
7. Follow-up Care
   Regular follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your recovery, address any concerns, and ensure optimal long-term results. We're committed to your continued well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is endoscopic spine surgery?
   Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive technique that uses a small camera (endoscope) and specialised instruments inserted through tiny incisions. This approach allows the surgeon to treat conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis with less tissue damage, resulting in smaller scars, less post-operative pain, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Most patients can go home the same day or the next day after endoscopic procedures.
2. Am I too old for spine surgery?
   Age alone should not prevent you from receiving necessary spine surgery. At KTPH, we have a specialised ortho-geriatric program where spine surgeons work closely with geriatricians to optimize the health of elderly patients before surgery and provide comprehensive post-operative care. Many older adults benefit significantly from spine surgery with appropriate patient selection, careful pre-operative optimisation, and multidisciplinary post-operative management.
3. How long is the recovery after spine surgery?
   Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and individual factors. Minimally invasive procedures like endoscopic discectomy typically allow return to light activities within 2-4 weeks. More extensive procedures like spinal fusion may require 3-6 months for full recovery. Our physiotherapy team will create a personalised rehabilitation program to help you recover safely and effectively. Most patients see significant improvement in pain and function within the first few weeks after surgery.
4. What is vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty?
   Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat painful osteoporotic compression fractures of the spine. A special bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebra to stabilise it and relieve pain. Kyphoplasty additionally uses a balloon to restore some of the lost vertebral height before cement injection. These procedures can provide dramatic pain relief within days and are particularly beneficial for elderly patients with osteoporotic fractures who have persistent pain despite conservative treatment.   
5. Will I need to stay in the hospital?
   Hospital stay depends on the type of procedure. Many minimally invasive endoscopic procedures are done as day surgery or require only one night's stay. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty patients typically stay 1-2 nights. More complex procedures like spinal fusion may require 3-5 days. Our goal is to get you home safely as soon as possible while ensuring adequate pain control and the ability to mobilise independently or with assistance.
6. When should I consider surgery for my back pain?
   Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments (medications, physiotherapy, injections) have not provided adequate relief after 6-12 weeks, or when there are concerning symptoms like progressive weakness, numbness, or loss of bowel/bladder control. During your consultation, your spine surgeon will carefully evaluate your condition and discuss whether surgery is appropriate for you. Not all back pain requires surgery, and we always explore non-surgical options first when appropriate.
7. Do you accept insurance and Medisave?
   Yes, spine surgery at KTPH is Medisave claimable, and we work with most major insurance providers in Singapore. The exact coverage will depend on your specific insurance plan and the type of procedure. We recommend checking with your insurance provider before surgery. Our patient service officers can also assist you with questions about payment options and financial counseling.
8. What makes KTPH's spine service different?
   KTPH's spine service stands out for our multidisciplinary approach, particularly our specialised ortho-geriatric program for elderly patients. Our surgeons are experienced in the latest minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques. We work closely with geriatricians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient's unique needs. This team-based approach leads to better outcomes, especially for older adults and patients with multiple medical conditions.