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.

The spine can become damaged by inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism or tumours. Degenerative processes such as osteoarthritis in the vertebral joints also lead to back pain. In old age, further complaints such as osteoporosis (bone loss) with spontaneous vertebral fractures, deterioration of the intervertebral disc, or curvature of the spine (kyphosis/scoliosis) may appear.

Treatments
FAQs
Your spine specialists

Your specialists in spinal surgery

Our team of highly qualified surgeons have many years of experience. The success of our treatments is based on a set of routine processes in spinal surgery. Our team will advise you in detail on all aspects of the field.

Most common injuries and illnesses

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

Treatments

In our clinics, we offer you a wide range of therapy and treatment options, 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

Sections of the spine

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

Schmerzklinik Basel

Dr. med. Juliet Kahnt

Specialisation
Spinal surgery, Orthopaedic surgery
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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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