Just a few years ago, conservative treatment of spinal injuries was the main focus. Improved diagnostic possibilities (computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) and classifications have contributed to a more differentiated understanding of individual injuries.

Thanks to the development of new surgical techniques and special implants, spinal operations can now be performed much more gently than in the past. Many operations on the thoracic and lumbar spine are now performed percutaneously, i.e. minimally invasively through very small incisions in the skin. New procedures such as the percutaneous cementing of vertebral bodies (vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty) have led to an expansion of indications for the surgical treatment of osteoporosis-related vertebral body fractures.

Computer-assisted surgery (CAS) is another modern tool available to surgeons. A navigation system is used to establish a link between the patient and the patient's X-ray and CT images. The surgeon retains sole control and receives real-time information on the exact position of the instruments, without additional X-ray exposure. This leads to significantly increased accuracy of implant placement and greater safety for the patient with fewer post-operative complications.

We treat all spinal injuries, from the first cervical vertebra to the sacrum, both fresh injuries and late sequelae, regardless of patient age. Increasingly, especially in older patients, concomitant conditions such as degenerative changes, osteoporosis or Bechterew's disease also play an important role. Whether and which surgical techniques are used depends very much on the individual case and requires individual consultation. In many cases, non-surgical treatment is still possible.

In addition to fractures, we also treat tumors and metastases of the spine in close cooperation with the oncology departments of the MHH. In recent years, a steady increase in tumors and bone metastases of the spine has been observed due to improved drug therapies and differentiated early detection. Here too, the range of therapies is broad, from complex operations involving the removal and reconstruction of sections of the spine to minimally invasive stabilization of vertebral bodies using vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.

Degenerative changes to the spine can also lead to a significant reduction in quality of life. In the case of spinal canal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) or degenerative scoliosis (curvature of the spine), for example, modern methods can often achieve a significant improvement in quality of life with minimal invasiveness. Modern, gentle anesthesia procedures and the MHH's intensive care facilities also contribute to the success of the treatment.