Who are the best spine fusion doctors in Egypt, and what is the cost of the procedure?

The best spine fusion doctor in Egypt – In this article, we will help you find the best spine fusion doctor and address spinal column problems. We will also shed light on the spine fusion procedure and when a patient may need it. Stay tuned to learn more about this matter and make an informed decision that suits your needs.

Best Spine Fusion Doctor in Egypt

Patients seeking spinal fusion surgery often look for the best doctor in the field to help them alleviate the pain that hinders their normal life. In this regard, we recommend Dr. Amr Amal, a specialist in orthopedic and joint surgery at Ain Shams University and a faculty member at Ain Shams University. Dr. Amr Amal stands out for his extensive experience in orthopedics in general and spine fusion in particular, with numerous successful procedures in this area. He is known for his competence, high skill level, and the use of the latest techniques and modern methods in patient treatment. Dr. Amr has his clinic at Dar El Fouad Medical Tower, 4th floor, 418.

What is Spine Fusion Surgery?

Spine fusion surgery, also known as spinal fusion, is a surgical procedure that involves fusing two or more vertebrae in the spine to help patients relieve the pain they experience, typically during movement. The surgical solution is often the best approach, as it stabilizes the targeted vertebrae to alleviate the pressure on nerves, muscles, and nearby ligaments, ultimately reducing pain.

The procedure involves adding bone grafts between the damaged vertebrae in the spinal column, and these grafts can come from the patient’s own source, a donor, or artificial grafts. These bone grafts work to fuse the vertebrae together, making them a single, immobile unit, unlike their previous movable state.

Although spine fusion surgery restricts spinal movement, it does not result in complete loss of mobility, as some may think. It can be performed on various segments of the spine, including the cervical (neck), lumbar (lower back), and thoracic (mid-back) regions.

When Is Spine Fusion Surgery Needed?

Spine fusion surgery is performed to alleviate back pain and restricted daily mobility caused by various conditions, including:

1. Weak or unstable spine due to severe arthritis, leading to excessive movement between vertebrae.
2. Scoliosis, a lateral curvature of the spine.
3. After discectomy surgery, which involves removing a damaged intervertebral disc.
4. Spinal tumors.
5. Vertebral fractures.
6. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal.
7. Degenerative disc disease, resulting from the breakdown of intervertebral discs due to injury or wear and tear.

How Long Does Spine Fusion Surgery Take?

Spine fusion surgery typically takes several hours, ranging from two to three hours. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
2. Preparation of the bone grafts needed for insertion between the targeted vertebrae, which can be sourced from the patient’s own thigh bone or pelvic bone, a donor, or the use of artificial grafts.
3. A surgical incision is made near the vertebrae, depending on the location of the spinal injury. This can be around the cervical or lumbar vertebrae, either through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques using small incisions.
4. After removing the damaged intervertebral discs between the vertebrae, bone grafts are added between the required vertebrae.
5. The vertebrae are stabilized with plates or metal screws to prevent movement until they heal.
6. Finally, the incisions are closed and covered with specialized dressings.

What Is the Success Rate of Spine Fusion Surgery?

The success rate of spine fusion surgery ranges from 60% to 90%, and it cannot be precisely determined because it depends on several factors, including:

1. The reason for the surgery.
2. The patient’s age.
3. The patient’s experience and proficiency with such procedures.
4. The patient’s overall health.
5. The surgical technique used.

Recovery Time After Spine Fusion Surgery

The healing period for bone graft fusion between the vertebrae can take up to 6 weeks, while complete recovery after the surgery generally takes from 3 to 6 months, and sometimes it may extend to 12 months. Afterward, the patient can regain their activity and strength to perform many daily activities they used to do. However, extreme caution is required, and the patient should take precautions and adapt to the new range of motion available for the spine to avoid potential complications, under the supervision of the treating physician.

Physical therapists collaborate with orthopedic surgeons to expedite the patient’s recovery after spinal fusion surgery by rehabilitating the spine to regain motion and increase flexibility gradually. In most cases, physical rehabilitation therapy begins approximately 6 weeks after the surgery.

Tips After Spine Fusion Surgery

There are several tips that patients should adhere to after undergoing spine fusion surgery to expedite their recovery and enable them to resume their normal lives. These tips include the following:

1. Avoid lifting heavy weights. Specialists recommend that the load should not exceed the equivalent of a 4-liter milk carton.
2. Wear back or neck braces as prescribed by the doctor.
3. Stay away from strenuous activities.
4. Avoid using stairs.
5. Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled by the doctor.
6. Maintain regular walking to prevent blood clots and to keep back muscles strong.
7. Avoid bending or twisting the back.
8. Refrain from sports that may strain the back, such as running.
9. Focus on using your knees instead of your back when carrying objects.
10. Consume a healthy diet and avoid unhealthy habits to promote healing.
11. Avoid remaining in one position for an extended period, whether sitting, standing, or lying down.

What Is the Cost of Spine Fusion Surgery in Egypt?

The cost of spine fusion surgery in Egypt ranges from 100,000 to 200,000 Egyptian pounds. However, this price can vary due to several factors that directly influence the cost, including:

1. The extent of damage to the spinal vertebrae.
2. The type of surgical technique used.
3. The type of devices, screws, and plates used during the procedure.
4. Post-surgery patient monitoring.
5. The need for pre-operative tests and imaging.
6. The nature of the spinal injury.
7. The number of years of experience of the surgeon and their skill and expertise.
8. The cost of the anesthesia team.

Why Do Prices for Spine Fusion Surgery Vary from One Center to Another?

In reality, there are several different reasons and factors that can make prices for spine fusion surgery vary from one center to another. Among the most important factors that influence this variation, we can mention:

1. Location of the center: The location and place where the surgery will be performed play a significant role in determining the prices for spine fusion surgery, with substantial differences.
2. Modern Techniques: In general, the use of advanced and modern surgical techniques tends to result in higher prices for spine fusion surgery.
3. Surgeon’s Skill: The surgeon’s skill and experience play a major role in controlling and determining the prices for this procedure.
4. Overhead Costs: It’s natural that there may be various additional overhead costs that significantly impact the final cost of the procedure.

Post-Spinal Fusion Surgery Problems?

Spinal fusion surgery, like any surgical procedure, can result in some problems and complications, which include the following:

1. Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during or after the surgery.
2. Pain at the site of bone graft extraction in the body.
3. Infections: Patients are often prescribed antibiotics before and after the surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
4. The body may reject the bone grafts that have been implanted.
5. Difficulty in breathing due to the effects of anesthesia.
6. Damage to nerves and blood vessels adjacent to the affected vertebrae during the procedure.
7. The possibility of a condition known as pseudoarthrosis, which occurs due to incomplete bone healing between the fused vertebrae. This condition may be more common in smokers, older adults, and diabetes patients.

How Should a Spinal Fusion Patient Sleep?

“Learn about the modern techniques and precise procedures offered by Dr. Amr Amal for spinal fusion to improve your quality of life and mobility.”

After undergoing spinal fusion surgery, patients need to rest their bodies and sleep to accelerate the healing process. They should consult their doctor about the best sleeping position that suits their condition. It is advisable to follow these tips during sleep:

1. Sleep on your back with your head, shoulders, and upper back elevated above the rest of your body.
2. Be careful not to bend your back when getting up from the bed.
3. Use a pillow under your knees to maintain their bend.

When Should You Sit After Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Sitting normally occurs in the third week after surgery. During the first two weeks, the patient should sit at a 90-degree angle between the torso and the thighs. It is advisable for the patient to slightly recline their back to be in a more comfortable position and avoid prolonged sitting to prevent pressure on the spine that could cause damage. The patient should also refrain from lifting their knees higher than the level of their thighs while sitting. When changing positions from sitting to standing, the patient should shift their body towards the edge of the seat and then use their arms on the chair’s arms to assist in standing without bending. If the patient extends their legs while sitting, they should use a cushion or pillow under their knees to relieve pressure on the lower back.

How Much Pain Does the Patient Experience After Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Patients typically experience some level of pain after spinal fusion surgery, which can be managed with various pain medications prescribed by the doctor. Severe pain gradually decreases in the weeks following the surgery, usually within four weeks, and continues to decrease over a period of 3 to 6 months. During this time, physical activity should be gradually increased after consulting with the doctor. Starting with walking for a certain distance is a good way to begin physical activity.

To learn more about the timing of pain relief after spinal fusion surgery, click here!

How to Choose the Best Spinal Fusion Surgeon in Egypt?

Selecting the best spinal fusion surgeon in Egypt is a task that is not at all easy, as it requires several ongoing research steps to find the best doctor. This decision is influenced by many important factors, such as:

1. Doctor’s Skill: Each doctor has a certain ability and skill set, and it’s important for them to utilize their expertise to establish themselves effectively in front of their patients and gather the best possible opinions on this matter.
2. Doctor’s Reputation: Your doctor should have a good reputation among their patients and a plethora of positive reviews, which confirm their level of skill and professionalism in dealing with spinal fusion surgeries.
3. Doctor’s Experience: Try to choose a doctor with significant experience in this field, along with holding several distinguished certifications in this specialty, which greatly impact their knowledge.
4. Techniques Used by the Doctor: It’s essential that the doctor you choose is proficient in various techniques and can handle new devices with ease.

What Type of Bone Graft is Used in Spinal Fusion Surgery?

In reality, there are many methods and types of bones that can be used in spinal fusion surgeries. Often, artificial bone grafts are employed, while in other cases, animal grafts may be used. However, most commonly, an autograft is extracted from the patient’s own hip bones and secured using plates and screws between the vertebrae that need to be fused.

Types of Spinal Fusion Screws

Various types of screws are used during the spinal fusion process, and this diversity provides better treatment options for each patient individually. Some of the most important and prominent types include:

1. Solid Screws
2. Semi-Solid Screws
3. Bolts and Rods

Of course, there are many other types of screws that can be used in spinal fusion, but the mentioned ones are among the most important and prominent types that can be used effectively.