Cervical Spondylolisthesis Treatment in Turkey
About Cervical Spondylolisthesis
Key Highlights
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Directly addresses the root cause of nerve compression and spinal instability.Aims to provide significant and long-lasting relief from chronic neck pain, arm pain (radiculopathy), and neurological symptoms.Stabilizes the cervical spine to prevent further slippage and potential neurological damage.Can improve overall neck mobility and function once fusion is solid, though some motion is sacrificed at the fused segment.Modern techniques often involve minimally invasive approaches, leading to smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and potentially faster recovery.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe or progressive neck pain and stiffness that does not respond to extensive non-surgical treatments (e.g., physical therapy, medications, injections).
- Neurological symptoms such as persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating into the shoulders, arms, or hands (cervical radiculopathy).
- Signs of spinal cord compression (myelopathy), including difficulty with balance, walking, or fine motor skills in the hands.
- Progressive slippage (instability) of the vertebra observed on sequential X-rays, indicating a risk of worsening nerve damage.
- Traumatic injury causing an unstable cervical spondylolisthesis.
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough medical evaluation, including a detailed history, physical exam, and neurological assessment.
- Undergo necessary imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to precisely plan the surgery.
- Discuss all current medications with the surgeon; you may need to stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) and certain supplements several days before.
- Cease smoking, as it significantly impairs bone healing and increases complication risks.
- Arrange for help at home during the initial recovery period and plan for time off work.
- Follow pre-operative fasting instructions (typically no food or drink after midnight before surgery).
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Nerve or spinal cord injury, which could potentially worsen pain, weakness, or numbness, or in rare cases lead to paralysis.
- Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness (more common with anterior approach due to manipulation near the esophagus and vocal cords).
- Hardware-related issues: Discomfort, loosening, or breakage of screws, plates, or cages.
- Pseudarthrosis: Failure of the bone graft to fuse properly, which may require additional surgery.
- Adjacent segment disease: Increased stress on the vertebrae above and below the fusion, potentially leading to future problems.
- Persistent pain or failure to relieve symptoms.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital Stay: Typically 1-3 days for monitoring pain, neurological status, and mobility initiation.
- Immediate Post-Op: You will be encouraged to sit up and walk with assistance very soon after surgery, often on the same day.
- Pain Management: Pain is managed with medications; a soft or hard cervical collar may be prescribed for support and to limit motion.
- Activity Restrictions: Avoid bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects (usually nothing over 5-10 lbs) for several weeks. Follow specific guidance from your surgeon.
- Rehabilitation: A physical therapy program is usually started a few weeks after surgery to restore strength, flexibility, and proper movement patterns.
- Long-Term: Full bone fusion can take 3-6 months or longer. Follow-up X-rays will monitor healing progress. Most patients can return to light office work within a few weeks, but full recovery for strenuous activities may take 6-12 months.
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Typical hospital stay:
1-3 days
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Expected recovery time:
6 weeks to 6 months for full fusion and activity resumption
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cervical spondylolisthesis in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cervical spondylolisthesis in Turkey include Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Liv Hospital Ankara, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cervical spondylolisthesis. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cervical spondylolisthesis compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Cervical Spondylolisthesis in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing cervical spondylolisthesis.
Istanbul, Turkey
140 Doctors
Follow-up visit for my cervical disc...
Follow-up visit for my cervical disc replacement. Dr. Dwivedi remembered my daughter's board exam results and asked about them first. His staff coordinated with insurance for my scans - clinical excellence matched by human touch.