Spinal stenosis
Munich Clinic

Conservative, minimally invasive and surgical treatments at the spine center
Munich East

Retiree Alfred Keller (66) had envisioned his retirement quite differently. He wanted to travel, hike, and enjoy life with his wife. But fate had other plans. The former postal worker was plagued by excruciating back pain that radiated deep down his leg. Alfred Keller could barely walk. Eventually, he had to stop and rest every hundred meters. Only when he bent forward did the pain slowly subside.

Spinal stenosis: Causes and treatment options

Alfred Keller learned the reason for his suffering at the doctor's office: "I was suffering from severe spinal stenosis. All conservative therapies failed. Therefore, the doctor recommended surgery. Two of my vertebrae were to be fused." But before the postal worker decided on this procedure, he researched extensively online to find surgeons with particularly extensive experience and good reviews for this type of operation. "That's how I came across neurosurgeon Dr. Samer Ismail at the Munich-East Spine Center. I immediately felt I was in good hands with him. He examined me very thoroughly, then explained his minimally invasive technique using state-of-the-art screws, and allayed all my fears and doubts. So I let him perform the surgery."„

Alfred Keller has not regretted his decision: "On the evening of the surgery, I was able to get up and walk pain-free for the first time in a long time. I felt better every day. Just three months later, my wife and I finally went on vacation. We spent hours hiking almost every day. I was pain-free."„

Dr. med. Samer Ismail

✉ info@wz-muenchenost.de

☎ +49 89 420 45 017

Since 2012, we have been certified as a highly specialized spine center throughout Germany and at the WZMO we treat all acute and chronic diseases and pain conditions of the spine.

Spinal therapy:
Munich Clinic
Munich East Spine Center

Dr. Samer Ismail, with over 6,000 spinal surgeries and the rarely awarded "Spinal Surgery" certification, is one of the most experienced specialists in Germany. He says: "If all other treatment methods have failed in cases of severe spinal stenosis, spinal instability, or recurring pain after unsuccessful back surgeries, we can fuse the affected vertebral segments so that they fuse firmly together. This prevents the pain caused by movement in that area."„

With around 230,000 spinal fusions performed annually in Germany alone, this procedure is now one of the most common surgeries. The neurosurgeon firmly connects two or more adjacent vertebrae using screws and inserted metal rods. This requires inserting two screws on each side through the thin bony junctions (pedicles) between the vertebral arch and vertebral body. The problem is that the screws inserted into these bony junctions are often not positioned correctly. Experts estimate a misplacement rate of up to 30 percent. If a screw is incorrectly positioned within the vertebral body, it can cause recurring severe back pain and further complications such as loosening of the vertebrae.

Dr. Ismail: „For the first time, we can now solve this problem with newly developed high-tech screws that allow vertebral bodies to be stabilized much more safely and gently than before. This can reduce the misplacement rate to below five percent.“ The new Solera screw is smaller and harder than previously used models. It also has a completely different design, enabling the spinal surgeon to operate with particular care.“

Latest technology in surgery:
Munich Clinic
Munich East Spine Center

Advantages of the new screw:

It is made of a special chromium-cobalt alloy. This is harder and more stable than the titanium used previously. This makes it possible to use smaller screws. The new screw has a diameter of only 4.5 millimeters, while conventional screws ranged from 5.5 to 6.5 millimeters.

The new screw has a double thread, making it easier to turn and ensuring a more secure fit in the bone. Dr. Ismail: "This reduces the risk of implant loosening by approximately 50 percent."„

The screw has a tiny, movable saddle in its head. Dr. Ismail: "This allows for optimal adjustment of the connecting rods to the individual shape of the spine."„

The screw has a thin, hollow channel inside. This allows it to be inserted using instruments for minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Ismail explains: "This, in turn, allows for a significantly smaller incision and maximum protection of muscles, bones, nerves, and tissues. Patients recover and regain their strength more quickly."„

Back patient Alfred Keller has already benefited from these advantages: „The fact that I can move pain-free again and fully exert myself physically is a gift for which I will be eternally grateful to Dr. Ismail.“

New patients are also welcome: Your Center for Spinal Medicine in Munich

Are you looking for a clinic in Munich for back surgery? At our spine center, you will be welcomed by a friendly and exceptionally well-organized team and receive expert advice and treatment from specialists in neurosurgery. To offer you the best possible therapy, we first take a detailed medical history and understand the course of your symptoms. Therefore, it is important to gather this information beforehand.

a comprehensive anamnesis interview

The identification of pre-existing conditions, for example, using existing X-rays or diagnoses from your family doctor. Please bring along any documents you have available.

the use of imaging techniques (MRI)

If necessary, the use of electroneurography and lumbar puncture

Are you most afraid of the "tube"? Don't worry, we completely understand. Many patients initially feel uneasy when a CT scanner is used. At our practice in Munich, we therefore use state-of-the-art technology that not only offers you more space than other machines, but also allows you to relax while listening to music or watching videos. And a friendly smile and an encouraging word are always part of our daily routine.

Acute back pain? Need advice? We're ready!

Are you already suffering from back pain and suspect something more serious? Then don't wait too long, contact us as soon as possible. Book your appointment online or call us during our office hours.

You have no acute symptoms, but occasionally need a specialist in spinal medicine? We would be happy to accept you as a new patient and conduct an initial consultation so that we already know each other in case of an emergency and can treat you immediately.

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