Dr Colum Nolan
Senior Consultant Spine & Neurosurgeon
MB, BCh, BAO, LRCPSI, MRCSI, FRCSI (Neurosurgery)
Minimally invasive spine surgery refers to surgical techniques that aim to address spinal conditions while limiting disruption to surrounding tissues. These approaches may be considered in selected patients, depending on the location of the condition, symptom severity, and overall spine stability.
At Oxford Spine and Neurosurgery Centre, minimally invasive techniques are applied selectively as part of a broader neurosurgical care plan, guided by clinical assessment and imaging findings.
Minimally invasive techniques may be used in the management of a range of spine conditions. Procedures commonly performed include:
A procedure to remove disc material that is pressing on a nerve in the lower back, often used in cases of disc herniation causing leg pain or sciatica.
Surgical decompression of nerves in the lower back affected by spinal stenosis or related degenerative changes, aimed at relieving pressure on nerve structures.
A posterior approach (posterior cervical foraminotomy) is used to relieve pressure on cervical nerve roots, commonly considered for arm pain or nerve symptoms related to the neck.
A stabilisation procedure is used when abnormal movement or instability is contributing to pain or neurological symptoms. Minimally invasive techniques may be applied in selected fusion cases.
A motion-preserving option used in selected cervical disc conditions, where disc replacement is considered instead of fusion after careful assessment.
Minimally invasive spine surgery may be supported by advanced technologies where appropriate. These tools assist with planning and precision but do not replace surgical judgement.
Used to support accuracy during selected spine procedures, particularly where precise implant placement or complex anatomy is involved.
A technique used during certain spine surgeries to monitor nerve function in real time, helping to reduce the risk of neurological injury during the procedure.
Care at Oxford Spine and Neurosurgery Centre is led by Dr Colum Nolan, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon with more than 20 years of clinical experience in Neurosurgery. His practice focuses on the assessment and management of complex spine conditions, with the use of minimally invasive techniques where clinically appropriate.
Clear explanation, careful patient selection, and structured follow-up are central to the care approach.
Dr Colum Nolan is a Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience, specialising in minimally invasive spine (keyhole) surgery and other spine procedures.
A graduate of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dr Nolan underwent neurosurgical training in Ireland and Australia, followed by a fellowship in complex spine surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, as well as rotations at the Orthopaedic Spine Unit in Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
Dr Colum is committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centred care, combining surgical precision with a genuine dedication to improving his patients’ quality of life.
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