Department of Vertebrology
Department of Vertebrology:
Head of Department, PhD
Doctor, PhD
Sirenko Oleksandr
Doctor, PhD
Halii Andrii
Neurosurgery
Hubskyi Stanislav
Doctor
Doctor
Lantinov Oleksandr
Orthopaedic Surgeon–Traumatologist
Tomas Tymur
Orthopaedic Surgeon–Traumatologist
Orthopaedic Surgeon–Traumatologist
Orthopaedic Surgeon–Traumatologist
Orthopaedic Surgeon–Traumatologist
orthopedic traumatologist
The Department of Vertebrology is a leading clinic in the training of specialists in the treatment of spinal pathologies, not only in Ukraine but also in the global medical community. Founded in 1965, this clinic has become a hub of innovation and cutting-edge advancements in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with spinal disorders. The contribution of the department’s doctors and researchers to the improvement of surgical techniques, the implementation of new minimally invasive treatment methods, and the development of effective spinal stabilisation systems has significantly influenced global standards in the treatment of musculoskeletal pathologies. The department admits the most complex patients from all over Ukraine and other countries.
Main areas of activity of the Department of Vertebrology
Conservative treatment
The main methods of conservative treatment in the Department of Vertebrology include:
- Pharmacotherapy, which involves the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids, as well as medications to improve the trophism of nerve tissues.
- Physiotherapy: electrophoresis, laser therapy, and magnetotherapy to stimulate tissue regeneration and reduce pain.
- Therapeutic exercise focusing on strengthening the muscles supporting the spine and correcting posture.
- Massage and reflexotherapy to improve blood circulation.
Surgical treatment
Surgical intervention is performed when conservative treatment proves ineffective or when a patient has conditions that require urgent surgical care. All types of spinal surgery are performed at the department, including:
- Microdiscectomy – removal of part of the intervertebral disc to reduce compression of nerve structures.
- Endoscopic surgery – minimally invasive techniques used to correct spinal disorders, including the removal of disc herniations.
- Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty – injection of special materials to stabilise vertebrae in cases of compression fractures.
- Spondylodesis – stabilisation of spinal segments using fixation systems (including pedicle screws and interbody cages).
We provide conservative and surgical care for patients with the following diseases or injuries:
Osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the intervertebral discs characterised by primary processes of dystrophy, degeneration, and destruction of the disc, followed by secondary damage to the posterior supporting complex and eventually the vertebral bodies, resulting in total damage to all elements of the spinal motion segment. Treatment of osteochondrosis includes pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy procedures, manual techniques, and minimally invasive surgical interventions.
Disc Protrusions and Herniations
The intervertebral disc is located between the vertebral bodies and in cross-section matches the shape of the adjacent vertebral surfaces. It is one of the most complex anatomical structures of the locomotor system, consisting of hyaline endplates, the annulus fibrosus, and the nucleus pulposus. A protrusion is the bulging of the annulus fibrosus into the spinal canal; it enlarges but remains intact. A herniated disc is a structural defect where fragments of the nucleus pulposus and hyaline cartilage endplates protrude or detach into the spinal canal, leading to compression of nerve roots or the spinal cord. Hernias most often occur in the lumbar and cervical spine, and less frequently in the thoracic region. Pain from herniation differs from that of a protrusion not only due to increased mechanical, chemical, and circulatory factors, but also due to reactive autoimmune inflammation in the epidural or even intradural space. Both conditions may result in persistent foci of excitation in autonomic centres, reduced pain threshold in spinal and cortical centres, and lead to psychogenic pain and psychosomatic disorders. If symptoms progress, conservative treatment may be ineffective and surgical intervention is recommended.
Degenerative Spinal Canal Stenosis
Degenerative spinal canal stenosis is a pathological narrowing of the canal's bony boundaries, leading to complete loss of the epidural and perineural space. It arises from degenerative changes in spinal structures, such as thickening of the ligamentum flavum, hypertrophy of facet joints, or discogenic factors. This condition causes compression of spinal nerve roots or the spinal cord, resulting in pain, paraesthesia, limb weakness, and even dysfunction of pelvic organs. Treatment includes conservative methods at early stages and surgical intervention in severe cases.
Segmental Spinal Instability
Segmental spinal instability is a pathological condition characterised by excessive movement of vertebrae relative to each other. This disrupts spinal stability, may compress neural structures, and causes pain. It often results from degenerative changes in intervertebral discs or post-traumatic changes. Treatment includes segment stabilisation through conservative methods or surgical procedures such as spinal fusion (spondylodesis).
Spondylolisthesis
A condition characterised by the persistent displacement (forward or backward slippage) of one vertebra relative to another. Spondylolisthesis most commonly occurs in the lumbar spine and can lead to back pain, gait disturbances, and neurological symptoms due to nerve root compression. Causes may include congenital abnormalities, degenerative changes, trauma, or postoperative complications. Treatment involves conservative approaches such as physiotherapy, bracing, and medication, while severe cases may require surgical stabilisation of the spine.