SUCCESSFUL SPINE SURGERY RESTORES MOBILITY IN ELDERLY PATIENT WITH MULTIPLE CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Degeneration of spinal structures is a natural part of aging and, when combined with osteoporosis, can lead to serious conditions such as vertebral compression fractures, degenerative spine disease, and herniated discs. These issues often cause chronic pain and mobility loss. Without timely intervention, patients risk severe complications such as paralysis or loss of bowel and bladder control.

Surgical treatment is indicated when spinal fractures or disc herniation compress the spinal cord or nerve roots. However, for elderly patients with comorbidities, surgery becomes significantly more complex — such as in the case of Ms. C., a 66-year-old woman from Hau Giang, who had type 2 diabetes, essential hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and dyslipidemia.

About 20 days prior to admission, she developed persistent lower back pain radiating to both buttocks and was unable to walk. After initial treatment at a local hospital with no improvement, her family brought her to Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital. Upon examination, imaging and diagnostics revealed lumbar degeneration, disc herniation, and severe spinal cord compression due to an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. A multidisciplinary team at the Neurosurgery & Spine Department decided on surgical intervention as the most effective option.

Dr. Do Anh Vu, MMed, Specialist Level II of Neurosurgery & Spine Department, explained: 

“This was a particularly challenging surgery that required not only experience and technical skill but also extreme focus to avoid damaging nearby structures. Due to osteoporosis, the patient’s L1 vertebral body had completely collapsed, compressing the spinal cord. We had to remove the fractured vertebra, decompress the spinal cord, and insert a large interbody cage to facilitate spinal fusion. Unlike artificial discs, these cages are larger and more rigid, making insertion technically demanding and increasing the risk of nerve root injury. This step had to be carried out with utmost precision”.

In the same operation, the surgical team also performed nerve root decompression and spinal fixation using pedicle screws. To ensure optimal stability in this osteoporotic case, bone cement was injected into the hollow screws, reinforcing the fixation system and improving overall construct strength.

The 5-hour procedure was successfully completed, and the patient began to recover mobility shortly afterward.

The patient’s daughter shared: “We were extremely concerned because of my mother’s underlying conditions — hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease — which could complicate the surgery. But thanks to the dedicated care of Dr. Do Anh Vu, Dr. Duong Duc Anh, and the surgical team at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, the surgery went smoothly. Just three days after the operation, my mother was already walking and stable enough to be discharged. We were confident in our choice, but still amazed at the skill and care of the doctors here”.

Dr. Duong Duc Anh, MMed, added a medical advisory:

“Patients with symptoms like persistent back pain, radiating leg pain, reduced mobility, numbness or tingling, loss of height, or spinal deformity should consult a neurosurgeon or spine specialist promptly. Timely treatment helps prevent irreversible damage”.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital accepts both public health insurance and private health insurance.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital

No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.

Hotline: 18006767

info@nih.com.vn

BRC: No. 0312088602, issued on December 14th, 2012 by the Department of Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Minh City. Medical Examination and Treatment License No. 230/BYT-GPHĐ, issued by the Ministry of Health.