Krembil Neuroscience Centre (KNC)

Spine Program - Patient Information

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Referrals and Diagnosis

The Toronto Western Hospital Spine Program provides tertiary and quaternary level care to patients with medical and surgical disorders of the spine and Spine cord. Depending on what kind of disorder a patient has and how serious it is, patients are either referred to our services and area of care by a specialist or by their family physician or seen directly through our emergency department.

Patients come from a broad referral base including the Greater Toronto Area and across the province. Approximately 10 per cent of patients come from across Canada and from an expanding international referral base. Inpatients are cared for on the 24 bed 5A Spine Unit which combines neurosurgical and orthopedic Spine patients. Approximately 700 complex Spine operative procedures are done annually in the Spine Program.

A unique integrated Spine Operating Team has been developed which combines expertise in neurosurgical and orthopedic spine surgery. A large multidisciplinary ambulatory program evaluates approximately 3,000 patients annually.

The Spine Program has a close linkage with Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH). Spine oncology comprises approximately 30 per cent of Program cases. The Spine Cord Injury Unit, which is internationally renowned for cutting edge clinical care and research, cares for approximately 80 patients per year with acute spine and Spine cord injuries. In addition, the Spine Program is closely allied with the Arthritis Program and provides expertise in the management of rheumatoid cervical spine disease and other complex Spine degenerative disorders.

Treatment and Support

Physicians, clinicians and other staff members that make up the Krembil Neuroscience Centre believe the best patient care involves the integration of modalities. Patients may receive care through consultation from:

Spine Neurosurgeons
Orthopedic Spine Surgeons
Neurologists
Neuro-oncologists
Neuro-urologists
Neuropsychiatrists
Diagnostic and/or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) experts
Pain Management
Anesthesiology consultants
Acute Care Nurse Practitioners
Registered Nurses

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