Unidad de patología vertebral

Vertebral Pathology Unit

Precision and Innovation

Welcome to the Vertebral Pathology Unit at Ruber International Hospital!

Our highly qualified team of specialists employs cutting-edge procedures to provide effective and safe treatments for various spinal conditions, including Degenerative Diseases, Vertebral Fractures, Spinal Deformities, Infections, and Spinal Tumors.

We utilize the most advanced technology to perform minimally invasive conservative procedures as well as state-of-the-art surgical treatments, including robotic surgery for pedicle screw placement. This innovative procedure provides spinal stability and pain relief in cases of degenerative diseases, trauma, or spinal deformities.

Our team will be delighted to assist you.

Your recovery and well-being are our top priorities.


Medical Team

  • TEAM OF DR. FERNANDO ÁLVAREZ-SALA WALTHER
    Team Leader: Dr. Fernando Álvarez-Sala Walther
    Specialty: Spinal Pathology Unit
    Hospital Ruber Internacional
    91 387 50 60
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Robotic Spine Surgery

Unidad de patología vertebral RuberUnidad de patología vertebral Ruber

Degenerative spinal pathology refers to the progressive and natural wear of spinal structures as we age. This process can involve the deterioration of intervertebral discs, narrowing of intervertebral spaces, and abnormal bone growth, among other changes. As a result, it can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and negatively impact the quality of life of those affected.

Our Vertebral Pathology Unit employs innovative and cutting-edge procedures to treat degenerative spinal conditions, such as robot-assisted pedicle screw instrumentation fusion surgery. This procedure uses 3D reconstruction technologies with navigation systems integrated into a robotic arm, aiding the surgeon in achieving surgical excellence and delivering exceptional patient outcomes.

Instrumented fusion is a surgical procedure that involves fusing two or more adjacent vertebrae to provide stability and relieve pain in cases of degenerative diseases, trauma, or spinal deformities.

Robotic instrumented fusion surgery offers multiple advantages:

  • Precision: Robotic technology ensures the accurate placement of implants, improving outcomes and reducing errors.
  • Less invasive: Smaller incisions result in reduced postoperative pain and faster recovery.
  • Shorter hospitalization: Patients typically require less time in the hospital.
  • Reduced complications: The robot’s precision decreases the risk of complications and implant misplacement.
  • Personalized planning: Robotic surgery allows detailed, customized planning for each patient.
  • Lower radiation exposure: Fluoroscopy and radiation time during surgery are minimized.
  • Predictable results: Precision and advanced planning lead to improved long-term outcomes.
  • Fewer revision surgeries: The rate of reoperations decreases thanks to the precision of robotic surgery.

Robotic surgery represents a significant advancement in the treatment of degenerative spinal conditions, providing excellent outcomes and faster recovery for patients.

Advanced Diagnosis and Treatment

Spinal Injuries and Pathologies

Columna vertebralColumna vertebral

The team at the Vertebral Pathology Unit has extensive experience in treating a wide range of spinal injuries and pathologies, including:

  • Degenerative Diseases

    • Osteoporosis: Loss of bone mass.
    • Arthritis: Joint inflammation.

  • Vertebral Fractures

    • Wedge fracture: Loss of bone mass in the anterior region of the vertebra.
    • Burst fracture: Breakage of the vertebral body into multiple fragments.
    • Fracture-dislocation: Rupture of the ligaments connecting the vertebrae, with loss of their physiological alignment.

  • Spinal Deformities

    • Scoliosis: Lateral curvature of the spine.
    • Kyphosis: Exaggerated forward curvature of the back.

  • Spinal Infections

    • Osteomyelitis: Inflammation of the bone marrow and bone.
    • Discitis: Infection of the disc space.
    • Epidural abscess:Infection around the tissue surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots

  • Spinal Tumors

    • Spinal cord tumors: Originate within the spinal cord or its lining.
    • Bone tumors: Affect the bones of the spine, such as chordoma, chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, plasmacytoma, and Ewing sarcoma.
Spinal Treatments

Tratamientos de la columna vertebralTratamientos de la columna vertebral

There are various treatment options to address spinal pathologies, ranging from non-invasive conservative approaches to more complex surgical procedures. Each treatment is tailored to the specific needs of the patient and the severity of their condition. The different treatment options include:

  • Non-Invasive Conservative Treatments:

    • Exercise: Gentle activities like swimming, cycling, and yoga to strengthen muscles and reduce tension on the vertebrae.
    • Immobilization: Use of collars, braces, or other devices to immobilize the affected area and allow recovery.
    • Injections: Administration of corticosteroids or ozone therapy to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
    • Others: Acupuncture and painkillers to manage discomfort.

  • Minimally Invasive Conservative Treatments:

    • Vertebroplasty: Filling the space of a fractured vertebra with biocompatible cement under X-ray guidance.
    • Kyphoplasty: Insertion of a balloon to create space, followed by the injection of cement into a fractured vertebra.

  • Surgical Treatments Without Instrumentation:

    • Surgical interventions to treat herniated discs or remove tumors without implanting stabilizing elements.

  • Surgical Treatments with Stabilization Using Mobile Prostheses:

    • Use of mobile disc prostheses to replace a damaged intervertebral disc and maintain spinal mobility.

  • Surgical Treatments with Stabilization Using Spinal Fusion:

    • Fixation of vertebrae with hardware and screws to create a solid structure that prevents movement in the treated area.

  • Surgery with Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM):

    • A technique to monitor nerve function during spinal surgery to prevent nerve damage.

Each treatment has specific advantages and considerations. It is essential for patients to be thoroughly evaluated by a specialized medical team to determine the most appropriate option for their particular case.