Overview

Spine surgeries are on the rise worldwide. As of 2021, about 32 million surgeries had been done. The different types of surgeries are lumbar fusion, discectomy, and cervical fusion scoliosis correction is among the most common procedures. Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly popular and represent a significant portion of spine surgeries. Some of the factors that influence spine surgeries are the ageing population, rising obesity rates and increasing awareness of spinal conditions, which contribute to the growing demand for spine surgery globally.

Get a glimpse into the top 10 spine surgeons in the world

Best Spine Surgeons in the USA

1. Dr. Alexander Vaccaro, USA

Areas of Expertise:

• He is rated as the No.1 spine surgeon worldwide
• Complex spinal deformity: Dr. Vaccaro specializes in treating complex spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and spondylolisthesis.
• Spinal trauma: He possesses extensive experience in managing spinal injuries caused by accidents, falls, and other traumas.
• Minimally invasive spine surgery: Dr. Vaccaro is a pioneer in applying minimally invasive techniques for spine surgery, offering less invasive and faster recovery options for patients.
• Spinal cord injury: His expertise extends to treating and managing spinal cord injuries, aiming to improve patients' function and quality of life.

Accomplishments:

• President of Rothman Orthopaedics at Jefferson Health and Chairman of Orthopaedics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
• Dr. Vaccaro currently holds these prestigious positions, overseeing both clinical and academic aspects of orthopedics in these institutions.
• He is also the Vice Chair at Rothman Orthopaedics, Vice Chair of Orthopaedics at Jefferson, and Co-Director of the Spine Fellowship program.
• He is the Co-Director of the Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center of the Delaware Valley, where he treats spinal cord injuries.
• He has earned international recognition for his surgical skills and expertise in complex spinal conditions
• He is dedicated to educating future generations of spine surgeons.
• He has authored over 650 peer-reviewed publications, 300 book chapters, and edited over 54 textbooks
• He is board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery

2. Dr. Todd J. Albert

Experience: 36 years

• Dr. Todd J. Albert is a neurosurgeon and the Chief of Neurological Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. 
• Also Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. 
• He is widely regarded as an expert in neuromodulation, which involves using electrical energy to treat diseases of the brain and nervous system. 
• He has authored numerous papers and chapters on this and has been a frequent speaker at scientific conferences.
• Dr. Albert is a key contributor to the development of new surgical techniques and technologies for treating conditions such as epilepsy, dystonia, and depression.
• Expert in minimally invasive surgical techniques and his contributions to the field of spinal surgery. 

Expertise and Specialties:

• Cervical spine surgery: Dr. Albert has a particular focus on treating disorders of the cervical spine, which is the neck region.
• Minimally invasive surgery: He is a pioneer in employing minimally invasive techniques for spine surgery, offering patients quicker recovery times and less tissue disruption.
• Image-guided technologies: Dr. Albert utilizes advanced imaging technologies to ensure precise and accurate surgical procedures.
• Research and innovation: He actively participates in research, contributing to the development of new treatment options and advancements in spine surgery.

Overall, Dr. Todd J. Albert is a leading figure in the field of spine surgery, renowned for his clinical expertise, academic contributions, and dedication to minimally invasive approaches. His impressive achievements and ongoing involvement in research have significantly impacted the lives of countless patients suffering from spinal conditions.

Best Spine Surgeons in the UK

3. Dr. Ben Okafor

Experience:20 years 

• He is a Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon.
• Works at The Royal London Hospital, London, UK
• Also works at the Barts Health NHS Trust and several private hospitals.
• Specialises in complex spine surgery, clinical assessment, pain management, and second opinions. 
• Expert at complex procedures like spinal fusions, kyphoplasty, disc replacements, and reconstructions.
• Offers diagnoses and treatment plans for various spine conditions, including spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and nerve compression.
• He is famous for his multidisciplinary approach to managing chronic spine pain, incorporating interventional procedures, rehabilitation, and medication management.
• He is actively involved in research and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in spinal surgery.
• He is a member of several professional organisations, including the Royal College of Surgeons, the British Orthopaedic Spine & Scoliosis Society, and the British Orthopaedic Association.

4. Dr. Bobby Anand

Experience :22 years 

• He is a Consultant Spinal Surgeon in the UK
• He is associated with St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
• He focuses on conservative management of spinal conditions and healthy lifestyle changes. 
• Dr. Anand also offers non-surgical treatments such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, and nutritional counselling
• He is board-certified in orthopaedic surgery 
• He has years of experience in performing a variety of procedures related to the spine
• These include herniated discs, minor scoliosis and spinal stenosis. 
• Well known for his expertise in minimally invasive techniques using innovative technologies to provide the best results.
• Has served as a volunteer surgeon for various charitable organisations.

Spine Surgeons in India

In India, the estimated annual surgeries could be between 250,000 and 500,000 annually. The access to and affordability of spine surgery remains a challenge for many in India. Hence we have curated a list of the best spine surgeons in India.

5. Dr. G. Balamurali

Experience: Over 30 years of experience, performing over 10,000 spine surgeries.

• Neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery.
• Founder of the Balamurali Spine Foundation & the Institute of Minimal Access Spinal Surgery.
• Neurosurgeon & Head of Spine Surgery at Kauvery Hospital, Chennai.
• Adjunct Professor of Neurosurgery at Sree Balaji Medical College, Chennai.
• Pioneer in techniques like endoscopic spine surgery and microdiscectomy.
• He is highly regarded for his meticulous surgical skills and excellent patient outcomes.
• Known for his dedication to training and research. He has trained numerous spine surgeons across India.
• Accomplishments:
  • Padma Shri recipient (2010) for his contributions to medicine.
  • Dr. B. C. Roy National Award (2005) for his work in neurology.
  • Authored multiple books and publications in reputed medical journals.
  • Established the Balamurali Spine Foundation, actively involved in charitable work and patient outreach programs.
  • Developed and trained surgeons in minimal access spinal surgery techniques.

6. Dr. Arvind Jayaswal

Experience: 39+ years

• He is a senior consultant for spine surgery.
• He practices at Fortis Hospital, Noida.
• Expertise in treating various spinal conditions.
• Treats Spinal Deformities like Scoliosis, Kyphosis, and early-onset Onset Scoliosis
• Also treats degenerative spinal disorders, covering herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and spondylosis.
• Specialist in Spinal Trauma and Infection by managing complications arising from accidents and infections affecting the spine
• He utilises minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery and less tissue disruption.

7. Dr. Sajan K Hegde, India

Experience: 35+ years

• He is one of the most reputed spine surgeons in India.
• Has decades of experience in handling simple and complex spine operations. 
• Expertise in understanding joint and muscle problems
• Carried out multiple procedures to improve the spine's functions and joints mobilisation.
• Specialised in treating highly complex spine conditions like bone spurs, and degenerative spinal disease. 
• Follows pain-free functioning of the spine through conservative, rehabilitative and surgical interventions.
• Expert in spine disorders, tumours, dysfunctions and fractures
• Specialised in diagnosis of the spinal cord with the help of MRI, CT scan, myelography and electromyogram 

Accomplishments: 

• 1st  Indian doctor to perform deformity surgery using Cotrel–Dubousset system in 1991.
• He pioneered the use of many modern spinal instrumentation systems in India.
• He introduced the use of implants (Mesh cages) in the presence of infections (TB, Fungal, Pyogenic) in 1994.
• Also performed the first lumbar disc replacement in India (2004).
• Was the 1st one to perform the first correction of deformity (infantile scoliosis) using Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) staples in Asia. This technique has been used only in a few centers in Europe & the US.
• Dr. Hegde performed the 1st robotic guided spine surgery in Asia 2012.

8. Dr. Prem Pillai, Singapore

Experience: 30 years in treating spine related medical conditiosn

Carried out 1000+ surgeries

• Specialises in minimally invasive spine surgery, endoscopic spine surgery, disc replacement, and spinal stenosis.
• Pioneer in minimally invasive spine surgery techniques.
• Expert in Minimally Invasive Spine surgery and non-surgical methods for a comprehensive range of spine disorders
• Treats spine injury, back injury, neck injury, spine fractures, spine stenosis, spine spondylosis, spine spondylolisthesis, spine scoliosis, spine disc injury, spine slipped disc, spine disc herniation, disc protrusion and disc bulges; spinal cord injury, spine nerve root injury, spine cauda equina syndrome and spine tumours. 
• Founding Director of the Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Unit, Mount Elizabeth Hospital.
• Director of Spine & Pain Services at Neuro Spine & Pain Center, Singapore.
• Previously worked for Cleveland Clinic Hospital in the USA (ranked as one of the top Hospitals in the USA and the world) 
• Here he became Chief Resident Neurosurgeon and won the Lower Award and then the Pudenz Award for his research. 

Accomplishments:

• Award winning and pioneering Neurosurgeon in the areas of less invasive Spine treatments/surgery
• He has introduced many new technologies and techniques in Neurosurgery to Singapore and the Region (SEA and South Asia) including computer aided/Image guided surgery; 3D Microsurgery, Radiosurgery , Neuro Endoscopy and Pain treatments. 
• Served as a Military Doctor during National Service
• He has served on the Spine committee of the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS)
• He has presented, published and taught at about 100 International/Local Meetings, Workshops, Journals, Abstracts, Textbooks and public forums.  

9. Dr. Naoto Kobayashi, Japan

• His specialisation is in Degenerative spine disorders, lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, minimally invasive spine surgery.
• He is a Professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine.
• He is renowned for pioneering minimally invasive techniques.

10. Dr. Eyup Bakmaz, Turkey

Experience: 27years

• He is an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in spine surgery at the Florence Nightingale Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey.
• He has been practising since 1997 and is highly regarded for his expertise and experience.
• Specialises in Spine surgery, orthopaedics and traumatology.
• Chief Assistant Specialist Doctor at Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty Orthopedics and Traumatology Department.

What are the deciding factors in choosing the best spine surgeon in the world?

These decision making factors include:

• Cross-check the Doctor’s credentials: Ensure that your surgeon has the required education, training, and experience to perform spine surgery.  
• Experience: Consider the surgeon's experience in performing the specific procedure you need. Ask about their overall experience with spine surgery and their patient outcomes.
• Reputation: Seek referrals from your family doctor, friends or family who may have experience with spine surgery.
• Look for online reviews and testimonials, but keep in mind that individual experiences may vary.
• Hospital Affiliation: Check which hospitals the surgeon is affiliated with. 
• Patient-Centred Care: A good surgeon should prioritise your well-being and involve you in the decision-making process. Ensure they consider conservative treatments before recommending surgery and discuss the benefits and risks of each option.
• Technology and Techniques: Inquire about the surgeon's use of the latest technologies and minimally invasive techniques, which can contribute to faster recovery and less postoperative problems. 
• Support Team: Also, consider the support team working with the surgeon, including nurses, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Availability and Accessibility: Determine the surgeon's availability for appointments and how accessible they are in case of emergencies or postoperative concerns.
• Insurance Coverage: Check if the surgeon accepts your insurance plan, and clarify any financial aspects, such as out-of-pocket expenses.
• Surgical Volume: Higher surgical volumes may indicate more experience and expertise.
• Second Opinions: Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion to ensure that the recommended treatment aligns with various medical perspectives.

Get your spine health back on track Schedule an appointment with us today-for contacting expert spine surgeons.

Why are spine surgeries done?

• Herniated Discs: When the soft cushion-like discs between the vertebrae rupture or bulge, it can lead to pressure on spinal nerves, causing pain and discomfort. Surgery may be considered to remove or repair the affected disc.
• Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Surgery may be done to relieve this pressure and create more space for the nerves.
• Scoliosis: Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. In severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective, surgery may be recommended to straighten and stabilize the spine.
• Spinal Fractures: Traumatic injuries, such as fractures or dislocations of the spine, may require surgical intervention to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: Over time, the discs in the spine can wear down, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Surgery may be considered to remove damaged discs and fuse adjacent vertebrae.
• Spinal Tumors: Surgery may be necessary to remove tumors or growths that affect the spinal cord or surrounding structures.
• Infections: Infections of the spine, such as spinal abscesses or osteomyelitis, may require surgical intervention to drain abscesses, remove infected tissue, or stabilize the spine.
• Instability: Conditions that cause instability in the spine, such as spondylolisthesis, may be treated with surgery to fuse vertebrae and restore stability.
• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: In some cases, individuals may continue to experience persistent pain after previous spine surgery. Revision surgery may be considered to address the underlying issue or correct problems from the initial surgery.

FAQs

When is spine surgery recommended?

Spine surgery is typically recommended when conservative treatments (medication, physical therapy) fail to alleviate symptoms. It is also recommended when there is a clear surgical indication based on diagnostic tests and the patient's condition.

What are the common types of spine surgery?

Common types include discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement. 

What are the risks associated with spine surgery?

Risks can include infection, bleeding, nerve damage and anaesthesia complications. 

How long is the recovery time after spine surgery?

Recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient's overall health. It can range from a few weeks to several months. 

Will I need physical therapy after spine surgery?

In many cases, yes. Physical therapy is often recommended to help improve strength, flexibility, and overall function of the spine after surgery.

How successful is spine surgery?

Success rates vary depending on the type of surgery and the individual patient's factors.