Doctor FOKO'O: Your specialist for all types of spinal surgery in Walloon Brabant
THE SPINAL COLUMN IS MADE UP OF:
Vertebrae;
Discs (cushions) between the vertebrae;
Spinal cord (cervical and thoracic spine);
Nerves that emerge from the spinal cord to innervate the arms (cervical spine) and legs (lumbar spine).
All the problems that arise in the spinal column originate in one of these structures.
As a general rule, non-surgical treatment will always be tried first (painkillers, infiltrations, physiotherapy), with surgery only coming as a last resort.
The aim of surgery is to resolve each pathology at its source.
HERNIATED DISC
Common in the cervical and lumbar spine, a herniation occurs when the nucleus of the disc overflows and compresses the nerve. Intervention by surgery consists of removing the hernia through a small opening, i.e. microsurgery or by camera via an endoscopy.
In the cervical spine, a cage or prosthesis is inserted in place of the disc.
In the lumbar spine, no implant is necessary since the removal of the hernia is usually sufficient to relieve the pain.
NARROWING OF THE SPINAL CANAL
This problem arises when osteoarthritis causes growths (osteophytes), commonly known as "parrot beaks". They block the spinal canal and compress the nerves or spinal cord.
Narrowing of the canal is very common in the lumbar spine. The operation involves opening the spine under a microscope to clean out the canal and free the nerves.
This is the most frequently performed operation on the spine.
SPINAL DEFORMITIES AND SPINAL INSTABILITY PROBLEMS
In these situations, the problem generally stems from a defect in the elements that hold the vertebrae together: the ligaments, joints and discs, or from a malformation.
The most common operation is arthrodesis. It requires the use of implants: screws, plates, cages, etc.
From behind: posterior arthrodesis
From the front: anterior arthrodesis
From the side: lateral or oblique arthrodesis
In combination: uses two or more techniques at the same time
Treatment of spinal compression
He also also has extensive experience in treating spinal compression in the elderly, using:
Vertebroplasty: strengthening the vertebra in cases of osteoporosis
Kyphoplasty: treatment of spinal fractures derived from vertebroplasty
arthrodesis with reinforced screws
BONE TUMOURS OF THE SPINE
These lesions are likely to weaken the vertebra or compress the nerves. In the case of a tumour, the decision to operate on the spine is usually taken after several consultations and after all non-surgical treatment options have been exhausted.
TRAUMATOLOGY OF THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
Treatment of recent or old fractures of the entire musculoskeletal system (upper and lower limbs, spinal column), whether or not they have already been operated on, and fractures that have not fully healed.
