What we treat, and when surgery is or is not needed.

For each condition you can read what it is, which symptoms it causes, how the diagnosis is made, which treatment we propose and what you can expect from recovery. Honestly, with figures where they exist.

Back and neck

Disc herniation, spinal stenosis and instability. Usually non-surgical treatment first; if an operation is needed, it is done microscopically or endoscopically, preserving the midline where possible.

Lumbar disc herniationPain radiating into the leg. Often a period of waiting and non-surgical treatment first.Read more → Cervical disc herniationPain radiating into the arm. If surgery is needed: fusion or artificial disc replacement.Read more → Lumbar spinal stenosisPain or weakness in the legs when walking. Microscopic decompression preserving the midline.Read more → Cervical spinal stenosisPressure on the spinal cord (myelopathy). Laminoplasty or fusion.Read more → Lumbar fusionStabilisation for instability, using neuronavigation and 3D-printed guides.Read more → Cervical fusionStabilisation of the neck, from the front or the back depending on the problem.Read more →

Brain

Tumours, hydrocephalus, haemorrhage and trauma. Every tumour case is discussed at a multidisciplinary meeting with oncology, radiotherapy and imaging.

MeningiomaA usually benign tumour of the membranes covering the brain (meninges). Monitoring or removal.Read more → GliomaPrimary brain tumour. Surgery as part of a multidisciplinary plan.Read more → Brain metastasesCancer that has spread to the brain. Surgery, radiotherapy or a combination.Read more → Brain biopsyTissue sampling with neuronavigation, for a definite diagnosis.Read more → HydrocephalusWater on the brain. Shunt or endoscopic third ventriculostomy.Read more → Brain haemorrhage and head injuryVia the emergency department. Treatment, follow-up and recovery.Read more →

Peripheral nerves

Entrapments and nerve tumours. Minor procedures as day surgery, often under local anaesthetic.

Carpal tunnel syndromeTingling fingers, especially at night. Short procedure under local anaesthetic.Read more → Ulnar nerve compressionTingling in the little and ring fingers. Releasing the nerve at the elbow.Read more → Meralgia parestheticaBurning sensation on the outer thigh. Usually treated without surgery.Read more → Peroneal nerve compressionFoot drop. Often recovers spontaneously; sometimes the nerve is released.Read more → Nerve tumoursSchwannoma and neurofibroma. Removal while preserving the nerve.Read more →

Warning signs

When should you not wait for an appointment?

With the symptoms below, go straight to the emergency department or call 112. An ordinary consultation would be too slow.

Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the saddle area (around the anus and the inner thighs), especially combined with back or leg pain.
Rapidly increasing weakness in a leg, arm or hand, or suddenly being unable to walk.
A sudden, very severe headache unlike any you have had before, or a headache with vomiting, confusion, or problems with speech or vision.
A fall or accident involving the head, neck or back with loss of consciousness, vomiting, increasing drowsiness or neurological deficits, especially if you take blood thinners.
Fever with severe neck or back pain, especially after a recent operation or injection.

Not sure? Call your GP or the secretariat on 03 890 16 74. Outside office hours: GP out-of-hours service or 112.