Overview
Spine surgery
Spine surgery is one of the most delicate areas in orthopaedics, as the vertebral column houses the spinal cord and nerve roots governing limb sensation and motor function. Prof. Colao assesses and treats pathologies of the entire spine — cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral — with an approach that always prioritises preservation of neurological function and the patient's quality of life. The most frequently treated conditions include symptomatic disc herniations, vertebral canal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, osteoporotic vertebral fractures, deformities such as scoliosis and kyphosis, and post-traumatic instability. Diagnosis relies on advanced imaging — MRI, CT scan, functional X-rays — integrated with targeted neurological assessment. The therapeutic path is built around each patient: the great majority of cases respond to conservative approaches such as structured physiotherapy, ultrasound-guided epidural infiltrations and pharmacological therapy. Surgical intervention is indicated in cases resistant to conservative treatment, in the presence of progressive neurological deficits, or when quality of life is significantly compromised.
Techniques
Surgical and conservative approach
Surgical treatment, when indicated, uses mini-invasive techniques that reduce trauma to paraspinal muscle tissue and accelerate post-operative recovery. Microdiscectomy allows removal of the herniated disc nucleus through small incisions, with rapid healing and short hospital stay. Percutaneous vertebroplasty is indicated for osteoporotic vertebral fractures to restore vertebral body height and reduce acute pain. Ultrasound-guided epidural infiltrations are a precise tool for radicular syndromes resistant to pharmacological therapy. In cases of instability or severe stenosis, vertebral stabilisation with pedicle screws and interbody cages ensures decompression of neural structures and restoration of sagittal alignment.
The information has educational value and does not replace specialist medical examination.