Advances in spine surgery make procedures safer: Expert

Bhubaneswar, Sept 9: Prof. (Dr.) Shankar Acharya, a leading spine surgeon, emphasized that advances in medical technology, improved treatment protocols, and enhanced training have significantly increased the safety of spine surgeries. Speaking at a training session for spine surgeons held at the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital on Sunday, Dr. Acharya highlighted that the success rate of spine surgeries now stands at approximately 95 percent, dispelling concerns about the risks involved.

The training, organized by the Association of Spine Surgeons of India (ASSI), featured Prof. (Dr.) Acharya, who is the current head of the spine surgery department at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi and a former ASSI President. He noted that spine issues are now common among both the young and elderly due to lifestyle factors, poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, and conditions like diabetes that can lead to spinal infections.

Dr. Acharya also pointed out that spinal cord injuries from road accidents are particularly concerning as they often result in permanent disabilities. He mentioned that the first week of September is designated as Spinal Cord Injury Week to raise awareness about such issues.

The event was also addressed by Prof. (Dr.) Pusparaj Samantasinhar, Medical Superintendent of IMS and SUM Hospital, and Dr. Subrat Mohapatra, Organizing Secretary of the program and Associate Professor of Orthopedics at the hospital. Prof. (Dr.) Madanmohan Sahu, Chairman of the Odisha Spine Society, and Dr. Abhishek Srivastava, Organizing Chairman of the event, were also present. Approximately 200 doctors attended the training program.