News 33 years of the Spine Unit for an overall view of the spine
The Schulthess Klinik Spine Unit is celebrating its 33rd anniversary this year. Multidisciplinary care for spinal column patients has always been the focus here.
Treating back pain can involve many different medical disciplines that need to work together to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient. This fact has long been recognised by the Schulthess Klinik Spine Team which is why the Spine Unit was set up in 1987 – the first interdisciplinary team unit of its kind in Europe to deal with the spine.
A close look at the nerves
The surgeons work very closely with the neurologists to tackle anything from assessment, treatment or neurological monitoring during challenging spine surgery. The Spine Unit started using intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) methods early on with a view to avoiding complications associated with spine surgery, and the team has now been applying a multimodal IONM for 20 years. This is a much more effective and precise way of continuously monitoring spinal cord and nerve root function during spine surgery than a unimodal IONM as the surgeon can react immediately to any incidents that may occur. This was confirmed by a study honoured with an award from the European Spine Journal.
Surgical and conservative treatment go hand in hand
The spine surgeons are also in close contact with our other non-surgical departments, i.e. those that do not operate, including Rheumatology, Manual Medicine and Physiotherapy.
Scientific focus
Our doctors work very closely with our research team and also play an active role in studies. Our patients benefit from the resulting exchange of scientific information, which is incorporated into everyday clinical practice at our facility. They also regularly pass on their knowledge to colleagues at home and abroad through teaching activities, by participating in associations and by hosting visiting doctors.