People commonly visit their doctor for pain in their backs, and conservative measures like physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs can often provide relief. However, surgical intervention may be necessary to address deformities of the spine, infections of the spine, trauma, tumors of the spine, and some degenerative disorders of the spine, including herniated discs and stenosis. Seeking advice from a highly experienced spine surgery team makes sense for the best results.
A spine surgery is a procedure used to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves or to stabilize the vertebral bones and spinal joints. Diseases such as scoliosis, bone spurs, ruptured discs, spinal tumors, or spinal instability commonly cause it.
Different surgical techniques are utilized for spine surgeries. For open procedures, the soft tissue and muscles are moved aside, and an incision is made along the length of the spine to reach the spinal cord and spine. Small incisions and special tubes that provide access to the spine are used in minimally invasive procedures that may result in a quicker recovery and fewer complications. Doctors also prefer modern technology such as robotic spine surgery and GPS-like tracking devices for accurately positioning screws and hardware to rebuild damaged or deformed spinal cords.
The following article explores in detail the spine surgery cost in India and the factors affecting the cost.
How Much Does Spine Surgery Cost In Mumbai, India?
The average cost for spine surgery in India is INR 2,60,000 with a minimum range of INR 1,50,000 to a maximum of INR 3,70,000. The amount may differ from person to person based on several factors.Comparing The Spine Surgery Cost In Various Indian Cities
The following table represents the spine surgery cost in various Indian Cities:| City | Cost (INR) |
| Bangalore | Rs.1,00,000 - Rs.2,70,000 |
| Delhi | Rs.1,00,000 - Rs.5,50,000 |
| Mumbai | Rs.1,00,000 - Rs.4,55,000 |
| Gurgaon | Rs.1,00,000 - Rs.2,70,000 |
| Chennai | Rs.1,00,000 - Rs.2,50,000 |
| Hyderabad | Rs.1,00,000 - Rs.2,00,000 |
| Pune | Rs.1,00,000 - Rs.2,50,000 |
What Are The Different Types Of Spine Surgeries And Their Cost In India?
Depending on the severity of the condition, orthopedic surgeons carry out different types of spinal surgeries. These include:- Spinal laminectomy or spinal decompression: For patients with spinal stenosis, laminectomy is generally performed. The surgeon relieves pressure on the nerves by excising walls or bony spurs that compress the spinal column.
- Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty: These procedures are utilized to fix compression fractures due to osteoporosis. To strengthen and harden the vertebrae, the surgeon injects a glue-like bone cement.
- Foraminotomy: It is used to widen the spinal column where the nerve root exits the spinal canal, in case it has narrowed due to aging.
- Nucleoplasty: Nucleoplasty, sometimes referred to as plasma disc decompression, is a minimally invasive laser procedure where the surgeon treats mild disc hernias by shrinking the disc using plasma laser equipment.
- Spinal fusion: In a spinal fusion procedure, such as an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF surgery) or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF surgery), the orthopedic surgeon removes the spinal disc and fuses the adjacent vertebrae together using metal implants or bone grafts.
- Artificial disc replacement: In order to help restore vertebral height and movement in patients with severely injured vertebral discs, the surgeon removes the damaged disc and replaces it with a synthetic implant.
- Discectomy or microdiscectomy: A slipped disc surgery is done to remove a herniated disc compressing the nerve root and spinal cord. It is generally performed in conjunction with laminectomy.
| Type of spine surgery | Average Cost | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
| Spinal Fusion | ₹375,000 | ₹250,000 | ₹500,000 |
| Vertebroplasty | ₹265,000 | ₹230,000 | ₹300,000 |
| Kyphoplasty | ₹265,000 | ₹230,000 | ₹300,000 |
| Spinal laminectomy | ₹160,000 | ₹140,000 | ₹180,000 |
| Foraminotomy | ₹215,000 | ₹180,000 | ₹250,000 |
| Artificial Disk Replacement | ₹375,000 | ₹250,000 | ₹500,000 |
| Discectomy or Microdiscectomy | ₹160,000 | ₹140,000 | ₹180,000 |
Exploring The Factors Affecting Spine Surgery Cost In India
Spine surgery costs in India differ from person to person depending on numerous factors. These include:- Geographic location of the hospital chosen for spine surgery: The location of the hospital that is chosen for spine surgery can determine the cost of spine surgery. From the results obtained, it is evident that hospitals in metropolitan areas set a higher cost for spine surgery compared to small towns.
- Experience of the surgeon: One of the most significant factors influencing the cost of spine surgery is the expertise and experience of the surgeon. A well-experienced and well-known surgeon charges a higher cost for spine surgery than a low-experienced surgeon. It is essential to check for the skills and reputation of surgeons before spine surgery to ensure quality and safety.
- Severity and complexity of the procedure: The spine surgery cost in India can be varied depending on the type of procedure done. Minimally invasive procedures have a lesser charge as compared with extensive surgeries.
- Anesthesia and operating facility: The charge for anesthesia and the operating facility also influences the final spine surgery cost in India.
- Pre-operative and post-operative care needed for the patient: Preoperative consultations, follow-up visits, and post-operative care play a role in determining the final cost of spine surgery. As these services are necessary for a safe and good surgical outcome, be sure to budget for them.
- Other additional charges: These include the charges for investigatory tests, surgical garments, transport, and medications prescribed during the recovery period which may increase the final cost of spine surgery.
- Duration of hospital stay
- Insurance coverages
Conclusion
The purpose of spine surgery is to either relieve pressure on the spinal nerves or stabilize the vertebral bones and spinal joints. The cost of spine surgery in India varies significantly depending on the type of procedure, hospital, patient condition, surgeon experience, and extra services needed. Depending on the technique, spine surgery in India might cost anywhere from ₹150000 to ₹370000 on average. The consultation with top professionals in the field, and understanding and researching all the possible expenses included in the surgery should be done before the operation is a key to success in the surgery. Concerns about surgery, particularly spine surgery, are common, but you should always prioritize your health. If you take the necessary precautions and pay close attention, the procedure should go smoothly.FAQs
Q: Can insurance cover my Spine Surgery cost in India?A: In India, spine surgery is covered by almost all insurance policies. If you are experiencing severe back pain that does not improve with medicine or physical therapy, surgery is the best option for you. A spine procedure is only performed to treat a medical issue. Since spine surgery is not a cosmetic procedure, insurance companies are compelled to pay for it, provided that the patient has complied with the basic care requirements set forth by the insurance and the doctor determines that the procedure is really necessary. Thus, you should feel comfortable having insurance coverage if you decide to get spine surgery.
Q: Is it possible to live a normal life after spinal surgery?
A: After surgery, many patients are able to resume all activities, even strenuous ones, about six months later. Following the directions of your physician and leading a healthy lifestyle will significantly improve your chances of success.
