Treatment of spinal injuries and diseases at Swiss Medical Network

Spinal surgery

The spinal surgery department deals with injuries and diseases of the spine and spinal cord. It is the interface between various disciplines, such as orthopaedics and neurosurgery. The spinal surgery department covers both conservative and surgical treatments.

Back pain can have a variety of causes. We provide sensitive and competent advice for acute and chronic complaints such as inflammatory diseases (rheumatism), degenerative processes (osteoarthritis of the vertebral joints), tumours, osteoporosis, injuries and fractures of the spine, herniated discs and curvature of the back (kyphosis/scoliosis).

Treatments
FAQs
Your spine specialists | Swiss Medical Network

Your specialists in spinal surgery

Routine processes in spinal surgery are the basis for successful treatments. Our experienced surgeons have many years of experience and will treat you personally and competently.

Most common injuries and illnesses

Click on the desired speciality to obtain further information on diagnosis, therapy and treatment options.

Herniated disc
Scoliosis and kyphosis – curvature of the spine
Osteoporosis – fractures in the spine
Spinal tumours and metastases on the spinal column
Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Sections of the spine

The spinal column consists of 24 movable building blocks (vertebrae) and serves as a mobile support for the body by bearing the weight of the upper extremities, trunk, neck and head. The vertebrae are connected to each other by ligaments and intervertebral discs. The spinal column includes seven cervical vertebrae, twelve thoracic vertebrae and five lumbar vertebrae as well as the spinal cord. The sacrum and coccyx form the transition to the pelvis.

Treatments

Depending on the diagnosis, our clinics offer various treatment options for problems with the spine, from conservative, pain-relieving therapies to surgical interventions.

Conservative therapies 

  • Neurostimulation
  • Infiltrations with painkillers and/or cortisone
  • Physiotherapy
  • Infrared and heat therapy
  • Massage
  • Muscle-building or medical training therapy

Surgical therapies

  • Intervertebral disc surgery
  • Vertebral fracture surgery
  • Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty (cementing techniques)
  • Endoscopic spinal surgery
  • Stabilisation using screw and rod systems
  • Use of implants to stabilise the injury
  • Expansion of the narrow spinal canal / nerve decompression

FAQs

Is back surgery dangerous? 

This cannot be answered in general terms: it depends on the type of surgery performed and the reason for the surgery. Surgery near the spinal cord always carries a certain risk. Therefore, establishing the right indications, considering all the factors, and choosing an experienced surgeon are very important. After all, complications such as pain, infection or nerve damage can occur with any operation. Doctors will provide you with detailed information about each specific complication and how it might be prevented or resolved.

How long do you have to stay off work after spinal surgery?

It depends on the type of surgery and the reason for it. The type of work you do also plays a role. Depending on the procedure, you may not be able to return to work for up to eight weeks for light work and up to six months for heavy physical work. In certain cases, unfortunately, it may be retrain for a different role, as the strain on the back has to be permanently reduced.

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Spine treatments at Clinique de Genolier

Doctors with this specialisation

Privatklinik Bethanien

Prof. Dr. med. Guido Wanner

Specialisation
Orthopaedic surgery, Spinal surgery, Scoliosis and kyphosis – curvature of the spine, Osteoporosis – fractures in the spine, Spinal tumours and metastases on the spinal column, Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal, Cervical spondylotic myelopathy, Slipped disc in the cervical spine – cervical disc herniation, Herniated disc in the thoracic spine, Herniated disc in the lumbar spine, Intervertebral disc prosthesis | Artificial intervertebral disc, General surgery View more
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Privatklinik Bethanien

PD Dr med Constantin Klöckner

Specialisation
Orthopaedic surgery, Spinal surgery, Pain therapy
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Privatklinik Bethanien

Dr. med. Bertrand Actor

Specialisation
Neurosurgery, Spinal surgery, Pain therapy, Scoliosis and kyphosis – curvature of the spine, Osteoporosis – fractures in the spine, Spinal tumours and metastases on the spinal column, Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal, Cervical spondylotic myelopathy, Herniated disc in the thoracic spine, Slipped disc in the cervical spine – cervical disc herniation, Herniated disc in the lumbar spine, Intervertebral disc prosthesis | Artificial intervertebral disc View more
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Privatklinik Bethanien

Dr. med. Hans-Jürgen Becker

Specialisation
Neurosurgery, Pain therapy, Spinal surgery, Scoliosis and kyphosis – curvature of the spine, Osteoporosis – fractures in the spine, Spinal tumours and metastases on the spinal column, Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal, Cervical spondylotic myelopathy, Herniated disc in the thoracic spine, Slipped disc in the cervical spine – cervical disc herniation, Herniated disc in the lumbar spine, Intervertebral disc prosthesis | Artificial intervertebral disc View more
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Privatklinik Bethanien

PD Dr med Carl Izumi Muroi

Specialisation
Neurosurgery, Spinal surgery, Scoliosis and kyphosis – curvature of the spine, Osteoporosis – fractures in the spine, Spinal tumours and metastases on the spinal column, Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal, Cervical spondylotic myelopathy, Herniated disc in the thoracic spine, Slipped disc in the cervical spine – cervical disc herniation, Herniated disc in the lumbar spine, Intervertebral disc prosthesis | Artificial intervertebral disc View more
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Privatklinik Bethanien

Cav. Dr. med. (I) Alessandro Rustia

Specialisation
Neurosurgery, Spinal surgery, Pain therapy, Scoliosis and kyphosis – curvature of the spine, Osteoporosis – fractures in the spine, Spinal tumours and metastases on the spinal column, Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal, Cervical spondylotic myelopathy, Herniated disc in the thoracic spine, Herniated disc in the lumbar spine, Slipped disc in the cervical spine – cervical disc herniation, Intervertebral disc prosthesis | Artificial intervertebral disc View more
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News

Ein gelungener Auftakt: Erster Publikumsvortrag des Jahres

16.01.2025
Privatklinik Bethanien

Podcast: Osteoporose, die schleichende Knochenerkrankung

13.11.2023
Privatklinik Bethanien

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Our specialists have many years of experience. We guarantee a quick, professionally competent clarification and consultation as well as treatment according to the most modern possibilities.
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