Spine Surgeon Sydney
Dr Jacob Fairhall has over 10 years of experience as a spine neurosurgeon and has a special interest in minimally invasive spine surgery for degenerative spine disease.
Your Experienced Spine Surgeon, Sydney
Dr Jacob Fairhall is a consultant neurosurgeon and spinal surgeon based in Sydney with subspecialty training in the management of spinal conditions. He provides comprehensive care for patients presenting with degenerative and traumatic spine conditions, offering tailored assessment and management.
Patients are seen at St Vincent’s Clinic and Prince of Wales Hospital, where Dr Fairhall delivers evidence-based spinal surgery and patient-focused care. From diagnosis to definitive treatment and post-operative follow-up, his focus is on reducing pain, restoring spinal function, and improving quality of life.
Minimally Invasive Cervical Foraminotomy
Cervical foraminotomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery aimed at relieving nerve compression caused by a herniated disc or narrowing of the neural foramen in the cervical spine. This condition often presents as neck pain, arm pain, or neurological symptoms such as numbness and weakness, commonly referred to as cervical radiculopathy.
Dr Fairhall specialises in minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques and may recommend cervical foraminotomy when non-surgical management has not adequately reduced symptoms. This procedure aims to relieve pressure on the nerve roots while preserving spinal movement and stability.
Cervical Decompression
Cervical decompression surgery is performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots caused by narrowing of the spinal canal or foramina within the cervical spine. This may occur due to conditions such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease, leading to symptoms like neck pain, weakness, numbness, or reduced function.
Dr Fairhall provides detailed assessment and management of cervical spine conditions and performs cervical decompression surgery when clinically indicated. The goal is to relieve pressure on neural structures and improve both symptoms and spinal function.
Lumbar Decompression
Lumbar decompression surgery is undertaken to alleviate nerve compression in the lower back caused by conditions such as lumbar disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, or lumbar spinal stenosis. This may result in lower back pain, sciatica, leg weakness, or numbness.
Dr Fairhall offers individualised assessment and management for patients with lumbar spine conditions. When surgery is required, lumbar decompression aims to relieve pressure on the affected nerve roots, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
ACDF is a common spinal surgery used to treat conditions such as herniated discs and degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine. These conditions may cause neck pain, radiculopathy, or myelopathy due to nerve compression or spinal cord impingement.
This procedure involves the removal of the affected intervertebral disc via an anterior approach and placement of a spacer, followed by fusion of the adjacent vertebrae. Dr Fairhall carefully evaluates each patient and will recommend ACDF when this approach is the most suitable option to restore spinal stability and alleviate symptoms.
Disc Replacement / Arthroplasty
Cervical disc replacement, also referred to as cervical arthroplasty, may be considered as an alternative to fusion surgery. This procedure involves removing the affected disc and inserting an artificial disc to preserve motion at the treated level.
Dr Fairhall will evaluate whether disc replacement is suitable for your condition, depending on factors such as the degree of disc degeneration, the presence of cervical radiculopathy, and spinal stability. When appropriate, arthroplasty may offer the advantage of maintaining motion while addressing symptoms.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion may be recommended when instability, deformity, or degenerative changes cause pain, reduced mobility, or neurological symptoms. Conditions such as spondylolisthesis, spinal tumours, or degenerative disc disease may require this procedure.
The surgery involves fusing two or more vertebrae to prevent abnormal movement and stabilise the spine. Dr Fairhall will assess the suitability of spinal fusion based on your condition and will discuss treatment options to achieve the best possible outcome.
Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive approach used to treat selected spinal conditions, particularly disc protrusions or focal nerve compression. This technique involves using specialised instruments and an endoscope to access the spine through small incisions, reducing disruption to surrounding tissues.
Dr Fairhall offers endoscopic surgery when clinically appropriate, aiming to relieve symptoms such as back pain or leg pain while facilitating faster recovery compared to traditional open procedures.