Keep informed with the latest news and developments inside the National University Spine Institute (NUSI). Find out more on research, patient stories and treatment advancements of NUSI here.
11 Apr 2024
新明日报
Ms Valentia Tan, 35, underwent a successful scoliosis surgery at NUH in 2004, and has since been a member of Scoliosis Support Singapore. Her doctor, Prof Wong Hee Kit, Emeritus Consultant, NUSI, NUHS, said surgery is warranted if the spinal curvature is greater than 45 degrees and listed the two types of surgery for scoliosis.
NUSI held its first public symposium, My Spine Hurts! What can I do?, on 30 March 2024. A/Prof Gabriel Liu, Head and Senior Consultant, NUSI, NUHS, said the top three spinal conditions affecting people are slipped disc, spinal stenosis and cervical myelopathy.
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11 Apr 2024
新明日报
A/Prof Naresh Kumar, Senior Consultant, NUSI, NUHS, and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NUH, gave tips on how people can maintain good posture when sitting at the work desk, driving and standing.
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10 Apr 2024
Berita Harian
Mr Fazli Nasser, a 39-year-old freelance content creator and father of three, was featured in a front-page story on how he is spending Hari Raya Puasa differently by recuperating from his third brain surgery. The sole breadwinner for his family has chordoma, which is rare worldwide.
Asst Prof Vincent Nga, Head and Senior Consultant in the Division of Neurosurgery at NUH, representing NUSI at NUHS, said long-term follow-up for Mr Fazli is essential due to the potential for late recurrences. He added that Mr Fazli has several factors in his favour - the relatively slow-growing nature of his tumour, his young age and the CT scan findings of the tumour being less actively growing.
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10 Apr 2024
新明日报
A/Prof Naresh Kumar, Senior Consultant, NUSI, NUHS, and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NUH, said uncorrected habitual poor posture causes changes in the shape of the spine, making a person unable to stand for long or work effectively. He advised people to do core-strength exercises, such as planks and bridges, for better posture.
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09 Apr 2024
联合早报
Mr Fazli Nasser, a 39-year-old freelance content creator and father of three, has undergone two surgeries for his chordoma. He is going for his third surgery, a repeat craniotomy surgery, to remove as much of the recurrent tumour which is compressing his optic nerve.
Asst Prof Vincent Nga, Head & Senior Consultant in the Division of Neurosurgery at National University Hospital, representing the National University Spine Institute at National University Health System, said Mr Fazli faced significant surgical risks due to the size and location of his tumour. A multidisciplinary team made up of neurosurgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuroradiologists and neuropathologists were roped in to assess his case. Ms Ang Sook Chuen, Senior Medical Social Worker, National University Hospital, said aside from his medical bills, they also spoke of potential community-based financial support should he be no longer be able to work because of his condition.
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01 Apr 2024
Hospital Management
National University Spine Institute (NUSI) is a new dedicated specialist spine institute under National University Health System (NUHS) that provides multidisciplinary care for patients with spinal diseases and deformities. NUSI has a multidisciplinary approach that involves orthopaedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons and rehabilitation clinicians across NUHS, to provide a seamless patient experience across the full spectrum of spine care.
Reports also said that NUSI organised the Advanced Cervical Spine Surgery Cadaveric Course to educate doctors on the management of complex cervical spine conditions.
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31 Mar 2024
联合早报
National University Spine Institute (NUSI) was set up in July 2023 and held its first public symposium, My Spine Hurts! What can I do?, on 30 March 2024, which attracted about 300 members of the public, who also had the opportunity to do free scoliosis and osteoporosis screening and hear from members of Scoliosis Support Singapore.
A/Prof Gabriel Liu, Head & Senior Consultant, NUSI, National University Health System, said the top three spinal conditions affecting people are slipped disc, spinal stenosis and cervical myelopathy. He said NUSI consolidates resources from National University Hospital, Alexandra Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital to provide seamless patient care and has plans to develop community care programmes for patients. Mr Nicholas Chun, Principal Physiotherapist, National University Hospital, advised people to stay active and avoid prolonged sitting for better health.
Other related reports:
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28 Mar 2024
Tamil Murasu
A/Prof Joseph Thambiah, Senior Consultant, National University Spine Institute (NUSI), National University Health System and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National University Hospital (NUH), said slipped disc affects about two per cent of the population. He said only those patients who do not respond to conservative treatments, experience severe pain or have nerve deficits will require surgery. His patient Malini Rajendran, Senior Enrolled Nurse at NUH, underwent surgery twice for slipped disc and nerve compression.
To raise public awareness of spine conditions, NUSI is holding its first public symposium, My Spine Hurts! What can I do?, on 30 March.
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26 Mar 2024
联合早报
Ms Lv Wenjing, Senior Staff Nurse, National University Hospital, gave a breakdown of her meals in a day and explained how she has adopted a healthy lifestyle under the influence of her mother. She shared her approach of making home-cooked dishes healthy by using less oil and salt and incorporating natural flavours from meat and vegetables.
Lianhe Zaobao highlighted event and registration details of the first National University Spine Institute (NUSI) public symposium, My Spine Hurts! What can I do?, on 30 March. Ms Lv will be on site to help with the free scoliosis screening at the event.
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18 Mar 2024
Channel NewsAsia
In a live interview, A/Prof Gabriel Liu, Head & Senior Consultant, National University Spine Institute (NUSI), said 80 per cent of adults suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. He listed some red flags that people should look out for and seek medical attention, such as pain shooting down the legs, loss of weight or appetite, and a history of osteoporosis or cancer. He also said medical advances have led to significantly improved outcomes in spinal surgeries. The presenter gave a callout for the first NUSI public symposium, My Spine Hurts! What can I do?
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13 Mar 2024
Mediacorp News
Dr Jonathan Tan, Consultant, National University Spine Institute (NUSI), National University Health System, debunked myths related to the spine. He said cancer patients should alert their doctors if they develop new neck or back pain. He reassured listeners that advancements have led to significantly improved outcomes in spinal surgeries, such that fears of being paralysed post-surgery are unfounded. Ms Chong Kar Huey, Principal Physiotherapist, National University Hospital, provided exercise tips that can strengthen the back or alleviate back pain.
The presenter gave a callout for the first NUSI public symposium, My Spine Hurts! What can I do?, and included registration details during the broadcast.
Listen here
12 Mar 2024
联合早报
Dr Jonathan Tan, Consultant, National University Spine Institute (NUSI), National University Health System, debunked five myths related to the spine. He elaborated on how some symptoms, such as neck or back pain spreading to the limbs, should prompt people to seek medical attention early.
Lianhe Zaobao highlighted event and registration details of the first NUSI public symposium, My Spine Hurts! What can I do?
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