The Spinal Foundation is a registered charity in the UK, founded by a leading surgeon, Martin Knight.
We have been developing endoscopic laser surgery techniques for 15 years. These techniques allow for "minimally invasive" spinal surgery to treat patients with persistent back and neck pain.
3800 patients have been treated to date. Similar techniques are in use in other countries, including the USA, but NICE has not yet fully supported this technique in the UK, because there has not been a "randomised clinical trial". We are applying for funding for a trial.
There is support from innovators and international opinion leaders for this method which is considered by many to be the “future” of spinal surgery.
Here you'll find some patients' stories:
http://www.spinal-foundation.org/article.asp?id=360
Minimally-invasive ("keyhole") spinal surgery is suitable for patients who
- Have long-term back or neck pain
- Have been treated with painkillers and physiotherapy (and sometimes, traditional surgery) but are still in pain
- Have tried lifestyle and other changes, to no avail.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are a UK patient with persistent back pain despite over-the-counter medication, you should first consult your family doctor for advice.
Minimally-invasive spinal surgery can be beneficial for some patients because
- It is a simple procedure with usually just an overnight stay in hospital
- It does not normally require a general anaesthetic or a blood transfusion, unlike traditional surgery
- It uses a technique to identify the source of the pain in order to reduce/eliminate it.
Although not an 'official' NHS technique, many patients in the UK have been treated on the NHS and it is possible to apply to have minimally-invasive spinal surgery on the NHS in the UK. Please contact us for advice on this:
http://www.spinal-foundation.org/article.asp?id=151
The Spinal Foundation is funded by public donation. If you believe in our work and would like to see it continue, please consider making a donation:
http://www.spinal-foundation.org/donate
If you wish to comment on what we do, please do so here on the Wall. PLEASE NOTE - any posts we know to be innaccurate or misleading or any advertising for profit will be deleted. Thank you.
SAFETY NOTE: All surgery (and other treatment) carries risks. Not all treatments are suitable for everyone. You should consult the appropriate medical expert before embarking on any course of medical or surgical treatment.
(read less)The Spinal Foundation is a registered charity in the UK, founded by a leading surgeon, Martin Knight.
We have been developing endoscopic laser surgery techniques for 15 years. These techniques allow for "minimally invasive" spinal surgery to treat patients with persistent back and neck pain.
3800 patients have been treated to date. Similar techniques are in use in other countries, including the USA, but NICE has not yet fully supported this technique in the UK, because there has not been a...
(read more)
