Tubular retractor: A new paradigm in spine surgery

International Conference on Spine and Spinal Disorders

June 30-July 02, 2016 Valencia, Spain

Arvind G Kulkarni

Bombay Hospital, India

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Spine

Abstract :

The tubular retractor has revolutionized and changed the perspective of spine surgery. The ability to deal and treat focal compressive and unstable lesions without disturbing the normal anatomy is made possible and is extremely appealing. Although the initial development of tubular surgery and its most common indication revolved around lumbar disc herniations, the versatility of the technique has been widely realized now. It allows the surgeon to treat a plethora of spinal conditions that are seen in clinical practice. The properties of the tubular retractor can be excellently exploited to deal with the most difficult of the conditions. Multi-level pathologies can be dealt with small incisions and ports causing least morbidity to the patients. With increasing experience, surgeons can deal with cervical and thoracic lesions too. In unstable conditions, single and multi-level interbody fusions can be performed using small ports augmented by percutaneous pedicle screws and rods, thereby avoiding extensive dissections and morbidity to the patients. The stand-point of tubular retractors with reference to management of complications, value based spine care, obese patients; etc makes it an attractive and efficient tool.

Biography :

Arvind G Kulkarni is a Consultant Spine Surgeon at Bombay, Breach-Candy and Saifee hospitals in Mumbai. He is one of the pioneers of Minimally Invasive Spinal surgery and Artificial Disc replacement in India. He is an invited faculty at most of the national and international spine conferences. He has made various national & international podium presentations (>300), has numerous scientific publications (>30) in high-impact journals and has contributed to several chapters in text-books. He is one of the founder members and joint secretary of MISSI (Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeons of India), Executive Council Member of ASSI (Association of Spine Surgeons of India), AO-Spine India and BOS (Bombay Orthopedic Society). He has been a recipient of several international and national awards. He is the Director of Spine fellowships at Bombay Hospital.

Email: drarvindspines@gmail.com