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For patients planning a visit to our Izmir Konak clinic, the most practical first step is to share your imaging in advance. You can send your current MRI or X-ray images via our phone and WhatsApp line (+90 533 075 72 94); after a preliminary assessment, we can plan a face-to-face examination or an online consultation. If you are travelling to Izmir from another city, a short phone call before your visit to the Konak clinic helps fix the appointment day and clarify the steps — the most efficient approach in terms of time and travel.

No. The endoscopic method is not suitable for every herniated disc. The choice is made according to factors such as the disc level, the type and location of the herniation, the presence of canal stenosis and spinal stability. Applied for the wrong indication, it increases the risk of inadequate decompression and a second operation. For some patients classic microdiscectomy is safer, and for others interventional treatments (caudal block, radiofrequency procedures) may be sufficient.

Leg-radiating pain regresses substantially in most patients, because the main aim of surgery is to relieve pressure on the nerve root. However, isolated back pain may be a different sign of disc degeneration and may not fully resolve by removing the herniated fragment alone. In patients whose back pain dominates, different methods such as physiotherapy, caudal block or radiofrequency may come into play. Setting realistic goals — 'your leg will be largely relieved; your back pain will regress but may not disappear completely' — is part of treatment.

In suitable endoscopic cases, return to office work averages 2–3 weeks and return to physical work around 6–8 weeks; this depends on your occupation, your speed of recovery and your pre-operative condition. Heavy lifting and intense physical activity are avoided for the first 7–10 days, after which a physiotherapy programme usually begins around weeks 4–6. The timing of return to high-tempo activities such as sport is planned case by case under medical supervision.

It is the removal of a herniated disc through a small entry point under endoscopic (camera) guidance. The incision is smaller than in open surgery, and the surrounding tissue is generally less disturbed.

It depends on the situation. Monoportal is a single incision (full-endoscopic), biportal is two small incisions. Which is appropriate is determined by a pre-operative assessment.

No. Alternatives such as medication, physiotherapy, exercise and interventional methods are evaluated. Surgery is recommended only when necessary.

You can reach us by phone/WhatsApp (+90 533 075 72 94), book your in-person appointment at the Izmir Konak clinic, and share your imaging in advance for a preliminary evaluation.

Before your visit to our Izmir Konak clinic, the most practical start is to share your imaging. You can send your current neck MRI via our phone and WhatsApp line (+90 533 075 72 94); after a preliminary assessment, we can plan a face-to-face examination or an online consultation. If you are travelling to Izmir from elsewhere, a brief phone call before your Konak-clinic visit settles the appointment day and the steps to follow — saving both time and travel.

No. The best method is the one that answers the anatomical problem most correctly. The endoscopic approach can be advantageous in some selected cases; microsurgery, with its broad scope of indication and control, is a strong, current option. What is decisive is not the smallness of the incision but the location and level of compression and the surgical goal. The technique is therefore chosen by evaluating MRI and examination findings together.

No, it is not necessary in every patient. After the disc is removed, to stabilise the space between the two vertebrae a cage, bone graft or screw-fixed plate may be used, and a disc prosthesis aiming to preserve neck motion is also an option. Which method is appropriate is determined by the level, the location of the herniation and the spine's need for stability. Where the need for stabilisation increases, plate-screw systems come to the fore, while in suitable cases more limited procedures may be considered.

After surgery, some symptoms may reappear in the early or late period, and an additional procedure may be needed in some cases. Although arm-radiating pain usually decreases markedly early on, symptoms such as numbness may persist for a while in nerves that were compressed for a long time. One of the most important factors affecting recurrence risk and recovery is smoking; quitting smoking before and after surgery contributes positively to both wound healing and fusion success.

No. Most low-grade, mildly symptomatic slips are controlled with exercise, physiotherapy and pain management. Surgery usually comes up with a progressing slip, resistant pain, progressive weakness or cauda equina signs. The decision is individual, weighing the grade of slip, nerve compression and complaints together.

No. In some cases decompression to relieve nerve pressure alone is enough, while instability or a high-grade slip calls for adding fusion to decompression. Which method is appropriate is determined by the slip type, grade, spinal stability and spino-pelvic measurements.

Leg-radiating pain due to nerve-root compression regresses markedly in most patients. However, isolated back pain may be a sign of disc and joint degeneration and may not disappear completely. Setting realistic goals is part of treatment; expectations are discussed openly before surgery.

You can share your current MRI and X-ray images (including a standing lateral view) via our phone and WhatsApp line (+90 533 075 72 94); after a preliminary assessment we can plan a visit to the Izmir Konak clinic or an online consultation. If you are coming from another city, a phone call before your visit clarifies the process.

No. Many patients remain stable with regular exercise, physiotherapy and pain management. Surgery usually comes up with marked and progressing walking limitation, resistant leg pain or progressive weakness. The decision is individual, weighing MRI findings, walking distance and complaints together.

No. In most cases decompression that widens the canal alone is enough. If marked instability or a slipped vertebra accompanies the narrowing, fusion (screws and rods) may be added to decompression. Which method is appropriate is determined by the level of narrowing, spinal stability and the accompanying condition.

Leg pain that worsens with walking and the walking distance improve markedly in appropriately selected patients. However, recovery depends on age, the duration of narrowing and general condition; with long-standing nerve compression some residual symptoms may remain. Goals are discussed realistically before surgery.

You can share your current MRI and X-ray images via our phone and WhatsApp line (+90 533 075 72 94); after a preliminary assessment we can plan a visit to the Izmir Konak clinic or an online consultation. If you are coming from another city, a phone call before your visit clarifies the process.

Spinal cord tumor surgery is a serious procedure with a risk of temporary or, rarely, permanent neurological deficit. To reduce this risk, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring is used; cord function is followed in real time during surgery. The risk varies with the tumor type, location and preoperative neurological status and is discussed openly.

No. Surgery comes to the fore in well-demarcated, symptomatic tumors, while some small, asymptomatic lesions (for example the multiple hemangioblastomas in von Hippel-Lindau) can be observed. Some tumors need additional treatment (radiotherapy) after diagnosis. The correct approach is determined by MRI, tumor type and neurological status.

This depends on the tumor type. In well-demarcated ependymoma and hemangioblastoma total resection is often possible; in infiltrative astrocytoma, because the borders are indistinct, the aim is safe debulking and tissue diagnosis and total removal is not always possible. The goal is always to preserve neurological function.

You can share your current contrast MRI images and any previous reports via our phone and WhatsApp line (+90 533 075 72 94); after a preliminary assessment we can plan a visit to the Izmir Konak clinic or an online consultation. Early assessment matters in these tumors.

No. Most cases heal conservatively with short-term pain management, early mobilization and bracing when needed; in most fractures the pain regresses within weeks. Kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty is an option only for selected cases resistant to conservative treatment with persisting severe pain.

In both, bone cement is placed into the fractured vertebral body. In vertebroplasty the cement is injected directly, while in kyphoplasty a balloon first restores some height to the collapsed body and then cement is placed into the cavity. Which method is appropriate is determined by the features of the fracture and the patient.

No. Healing of the fracture alone is not enough; the real goal is to prevent new fractures, because the first fracture increases the risk of further fractures. For this reason, assessing and treating the underlying osteoporosis (calcium/vitamin D, exercise, medication if needed) is the most important part of the process.

You can share your current X-ray and MRI images and your bone densitometry (DEXA) result if available via our phone and WhatsApp line (+90 533 075 72 94); after a preliminary assessment we can plan a visit to the Izmir Konak clinic or an online consultation.

No. The degree of scoliosis alone does not require surgery. Most mild-to-moderate symptomatic cases with preserved balance are managed with exercise, physiotherapy, pain management and osteoporosis treatment. Surgery usually comes up with progressive deformity, marked sagittal imbalance, resistant pain or neurological deficit.

Adult deformity surgery is among the largest undertakings in spine surgery, and complication (PJK, pseudarthrosis, infection, blood loss) and revision rates can be high; the risk rises in older and osteoporotic patients. For this reason patient selection and planning are critical, and the risks are discussed one by one before surgery.

No. In adult deformity the main goal is not appearance but pain, balance and function. The surgical decision is based on the patient's sagittal balance, pain and neurological status rather than the degree of the curve; the improvement in appearance is often a result of restoring balance.

You can share your current standing full-spine radiographs and MRI images via our phone and WhatsApp line (+90 533 075 72 94); after a preliminary assessment we can plan a visit to the Izmir Konak clinic or an online consultation.

Yes. Cauda equina syndrome is a genuine neurosurgical emergency. If there are signs such as loss of bladder-bowel control, saddle-shaped numbness or progressive weakness in both legs, you should not wait; it needs assessment within hours. Because prolonged compression increases the risk of permanent nerve damage, the right step is to go to the nearest emergency department or to reach us immediately by phone/WhatsApp (+90 533 075 72 94).

Back pain alone usually does not mean cauda equina syndrome and is generally not an emergency. However, if changes in bladder or bowel control, saddle-shaped numbness over the anus-perineum area, or progressive weakness in both legs are added to the back pain, the situation is different — this combination must be assessed without delay. When in doubt, seeking help rather than waiting is always safer.

Emergency decompression relieves the pressure and provides the best chance for recovery, but no guarantee can be given. The outcome depends on how early the symptoms were noticed, the severity of the compression and the degree of nerve damage. Patients treated early have a higher chance of regaining function; in delayed cases with established complete bladder loss, some symptoms may be permanent. Recovery can sometimes take months and may require additional follow-up.

If you have emergency symptoms (bladder-bowel loss, saddle numbness, progressive weakness), first go to the nearest emergency department. For non-urgent assessment or a second opinion, you can share your current MRI images via our phone and WhatsApp line (+90 533 075 72 94); after an initial assessment, an appointment at our Izmir Konak clinic or an online consultation can be arranged.

No. A vertebral hemangioma is a benign (non-cancerous) lesion and the vast majority are harmless. It is usually found incidentally on an MRI or CT taken for another reason, and most patients are not even aware of the lesion. Seeing the word 'hemangioma' can be worrying, but the overwhelming majority of these lesions cause no trouble for life and need only follow-up.

No. The vast majority of vertebral hemangiomas need no treatment at all; for silent, typical lesions the most appropriate approach is regular follow-up. Treatment comes onto the agenda only if the lesion causes pain, expands into the spinal canal to compress a nerve or the spinal cord, or weakens the vertebra and creates a fracture risk. In these few cases, methods such as vertebroplasty or surgical decompression are considered.

The decision is not made by a single template; the imaging features of the lesion (typical or aggressive), your symptoms (local pain, neurological complaints radiating to the legs) and spinal stability are weighed together. For symptom-free typical lesions, only interval imaging follow-up is usually recommended; for aggressive or symptomatic lesions, treatment options are discussed. Sharing your current MRI/CT images is the first step of the assessment.

You can share your current MRI or CT images via our phone and WhatsApp line (+90 533 075 72 94); after an initial assessment, an appointment at our Izmir Konak clinic or an online consultation can be arranged. If you are coming from outside Izmir, a phone conversation before you travel clarifies the appointment day and the process.

No. Facet joint syndrome does not require surgery in most patients. Most treatment is delivered through a conservative approach (exercise, physiotherapy, medication adjustment) and interventional pain methods (facet injection, radiofrequency). Surgery comes onto the agenda only if there is an accompanying structural problem such as significant instability or advanced stenosis; that requires a separate assessment.

Facet pain is typically a deep, mechanical pain in the lower back; it increases with bending backwards, prolonged standing and twisting, and is usually not accompanied by leg pain running down to the knee with numbness. In a disc herniation, the typical sciatic pain radiating to the leg and neurological findings are more prominent. However, the distinction is not made by symptoms alone; examination, MRI and, where needed, a diagnostic facet block are assessed together.

In suitable cases confirmed by a diagnostic block, radiofrequency suppresses the small pain-carrying nerve and can provide months of relief in many patients. However, because the nerve regenerates over time the effect may not be permanent, and the procedure can be repeated when needed. Outcomes vary from person to person; no method is a guaranteed permanent solution. The aim is to keep the pain under control and avoid surgery.

You can share your current MRI images and complaints via our phone and WhatsApp line (+90 533 075 72 94); after an initial assessment, an appointment at our Izmir Konak clinic or an online consultation can be arranged. If you are coming from outside Izmir, a phone conversation before you travel clarifies the process.

Yes, it is possible. Because the symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain largely overlap with disc herniation and facet pain, it is often confused; in some patients followed for years with a 'disc herniation' diagnosis, the true source can actually be the sacroiliac joint. For persistent low-back and hip pain, a differential assessment and, where needed, a diagnostic joint block help clarify the true source.

In most patients, no. Most treatment is delivered through physiotherapy-exercise, medication adjustment and image-guided injections; interventions such as radiofrequency are considered where needed. Surgery (sacroiliac fusion) is a rare option that comes onto the agenda only in resistant cases where all conservative and interventional options have been exhausted and whose diagnosis has been confirmed by blocks.

Not by a single test. First an examination is done to exclude whether the pain comes from the disc, facet or hip; several SI-joint provocation tests being positive together supports the diagnosis. Imaging helps exclude other causes. The most valuable confirmation is a marked reduction in pain during an image-guided diagnostic joint block.

You can share your current MRI images and complaints via our phone and WhatsApp line (+90 533 075 72 94); after an initial assessment, an appointment at our Izmir Konak clinic or an online consultation can be arranged. If you are coming from outside Izmir, a phone conversation before you travel clarifies the process.

No, seeing advanced spondylosis on imaging does not by itself mean surgery is needed. After a certain age almost everyone has some calcification in the spine and in most people it does not cause a serious problem. The vast majority of patients with lumbar spondylosis are managed without surgery, with conservative methods such as exercise, physiotherapy and, where needed, injections. Surgery comes onto the agenda only when a structural problem such as stenosis or instability develops.

No; because lumbar spondylosis is an age-related degenerative (natural wear) process, it is not expected to be completely 'reversed'. However, in most patients it is a manageable condition. The aim is not to restore the spine to its former state but to control the pain and, by strengthening the muscles, preserve mobility and quality of life. The process can fluctuate from time to time; correct exercise and lifestyle adjustments provide the most lasting benefit.

Surgery is considered not because of calcification alone, but because of structural problems that develop on this background and do not respond to conservative treatment. Examples are leg complaints limiting walking distance due to stenosis, instability such as vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis), or weakness due to resistant nerve compression. If there is progressive severe neurological loss it is assessed as a priority. Sharing your current MRI is the first step of the assessment.

You can share your current MRI and, if available, X-ray images via our phone and WhatsApp line (+90 533 075 72 94); after an initial assessment, an appointment at our Izmir Konak clinic or an online consultation can be arranged. If you are coming from outside Izmir, a phone conversation before you travel clarifies the process.

In most patients, no. Cervical spondylosis is a natural age-related wear, and the great majority of those with only neck pain or mild symptoms are managed conservatively, without surgery. However, the neck region carries a special risk: advanced calcification can sometimes compress the spinal cord (cervical myelopathy) and lead to a serious condition. For this reason, if there are symptoms such as loss of hand dexterity or gait imbalance, timely assessment is important.

The symptoms suggesting spinal-cord compression (myelopathy) are especially important: loss of hand dexterity and clumsiness (difficulty buttoning a shirt or turning a key), unsteadiness when walking, stiffness in the legs and, in advanced stages, changes in bladder-bowel control. These can start insidiously and be mistaken for 'ageing'; yet they are warning signs that must not be neglected. In addition, pain radiating to the arm with progressive weakness should be assessed without delay.

Usually not. In patients with no neurological findings, only neck pain and stiffness, the approach is conservative: physiotherapy-exercise, posture adjustments, appropriate medication support and, where needed, targeted injections. Surgery is not rushed in these patients; what matters is regular follow-up to be sure the symptoms remain stable and are not silently progressing toward myelopathy.

You can share your current neck MRI images and complaints via our phone and WhatsApp line (+90 533 075 72 94); after an initial assessment, an appointment at our Izmir Konak clinic or an online consultation can be arranged. If you have symptoms such as loss of hand dexterity or gait imbalance, it is important not to delay the assessment.