Spinal decompression removes the disc material, bone spurs or thickened ligament pressing on spinal nerves, relieving leg or arm pain, numbness and weakness caused by nerve compression. Where the spine is structurally unstable at the decompressed level, fusion stabilises the segment using bone graft or an interbody cage combined with pedicle screws and connecting rods.

At Apex, image-guided spine surgery is a confirmed intraoperative capability navigation supports accurate screw and implant placement throughout fixation procedures. Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery is also available, accessing the spine through a narrow working channel to limit muscle disruption compared to open techniques. For deformity correction procedures, Apex uses cell saver technology blood lost during surgery is collected, processed and returned to the patient, reducing the need for donor transfusion during longer operations. Minimally invasive approaches are used where the anatomy and extent of the procedure permit; complex multilevel disease or severe deformity may require open surgical access.

How the Procedure Can Help

Image-guided navigation supports accurate implant placement, reducing the margin for positional error during fixation. Minimally invasive approaches reduce muscle disruption and post-operative discomfort compared to open surgery. Cell saver reduces transfusion requirements during complex deformity correction.

Risks and Considerations

Fusion permanently eliminates movement at the stabilised segment, increasing mechanical load on adjacent spinal levels over time. This was discussed with every patient before surgery. Fusion consolidation takes months, and activity must remain appropriately restricted during this period. Risks include nerve injury, spinal fluid leak, infection, implant failure, non-union and blood clots.