Spinal Infection
Spinal infections are serious conditions affecting the spine's vertebrae, discs, and the spinal canal. A spinal infection involves inflammation or infection within the spinal structures, such as osteomyelitis, discitis, and epidural abscesses. These conditions are serious and require immediate medical attention to manage effectively.
Symptoms Of Spinal Infection
Immediate medical evaluation is crucial if these symptoms are present.
-
Severe back pain that does not improve with rest
-
Fever
-
Chills
-
Neurological deficits such as numbness or weakness
Causes
Spinal infections may arise from various sources, including bacterial or fungal spread through the bloodstream, direct contamination during surgical procedures, or trauma. A detailed medical evaluation is essential to determine specific causes, guided by the patient's medical history.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing spinal infections typically involves a combination of reviewing medical history, physical examinations, blood tests for infection markers, and imaging tests like MRI or CT scans. Biopsies may also be necessary to accurately identify the infection.
Spinal Infection Treatment In Singapore
Our approach to spinal infection treatment involves comprehensive assessment and evaluation, after which a customised treatment plan will be created.
Medications
Antibiotics or antifungal medications which may be administered orally or intravenously depending on severity of the infection
Surgery
In some cases, surgical intervention might be necessary to remove infected tissue or alleviate pressure on the spinal cord.
About Dr Gamaliel Tan
Orthopaedic Surgeon Specialising in Spine Surgery in Singapore
Dr Gamaliel Tan is a qualified and experienced spine surgeon in Singapore with over 25 years of experience in designing and providing effective solutions for different orthopaedic problems. He specialises in spine surgery and has experience in endoscopic spine surgery and motion preservation spine procedures(artificial disc replacements).
He is a member of the Singapore Spine Society and AOSpine Society.
Qualifications and Achievements
MBBS (S'pore)
MMED (S'pore)
FAMS (Ortho)
FRCS (Edin)
Head of Department, Department of Orthopaedics | NTFGH 2009 - 2018
Council member of the AOSpine East Asia group 2017 – 2020
Head of the Spine Division | NTFGH 2009 - 2023
Group Chief Medical Informatics Officer (GCMIO) | NUHS 2020-2023
Accreditations
Dr Gamaliel Tan is accredited with the following hospitals and medical centres:
Medisave & Insurance
Dr Gamaliel Tan is on the panel for the following insurance providers:
Find Spinal Injection Treatment in Singapore
Spinal infections are complex conditions that require comprehensive medical care. For further information or concerns about spinal infections, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.
Looking for a spinal infection specialist in Singapore? It is recommended that you consult an orthopaedic specialist for a detailed evaluation.
Get in touch with Dr Gamaliel Tan today. You can find us at +65 6235 8755 (Orchard) or +65 6334 0622 (Novena).
contact
Find Spinal Injection Treatment in Singapore
Spinal infections are complex conditions that require comprehensive medical care. For further information or concerns about spinal infections, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.
Looking for a spinal injection specialist in Singapore? It is recommended that you consult an orthopaedic specialist for a detailed evaluation.
Get in touch with Dr Gamaliel Tan today. You can find us at +65 6235 8755 (Orchard) or +65 6334 0622 (Novena).
contact
FAQs for Spinal Infection Treatment
What are Some Complications from Spinal Infections?
If left untreated, spinal infections can lead to severe complications such as chronic pain, abscess formation, and permanent neurological damage. Prompt and effective treatment is essential to prevent these serious outcomes.
What is the Recovery Period for Spinal Infections
The recovery period for spinal infections can vary, typically requiring several weeks to months of treatment, depending on the infection's severity and the patient’s overall health.
Is Hospitalisation necessary?
Hospitalisation may be necessary for severe spinal infections, especially if intravenous treatments or surgery are required. The need for hospitalisation is assessed based on the severity of the infection and associated symptoms.
How to Prevent Spinal Infections
Prevention strategies include minimising invasive procedures, maintaining excellent hygiene, and effectively managing chronic health conditions to prevent infection risks. Ensuring sterile conditions during surgical procedures is also crucial.
What to Do If You Suspect A Spinal Infection?
If a spinal infection is suspected, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing the condition effectively and achieving the best possible outcomes.