Your Problem
People with pain originating from the spine are often left to their own devices. Although the range of information about their condition is extensive and many treatment options are offered, their effectiveness is not always sufficiently proven. Often, even recognized specialists have different opinions on the same problem. And it is not uncommon for the proposed surgical technique to vary from surgeon to surgeon. This alone leads to considerable uncertainty among those affected.
In addition, they are provided with well-intentioned but unfiltered information about their illness from all sides and ultimately cannot properly assess it. The understandable consequences are fears and the risk of a wrong decision. Such a decision often marks the beginning of the classic downward spiral with chronic disabling pain and the corresponding social consequences for those affected and their relatives.
Our Mission: Independent Second Opinion
Thanks to Spinasana, patients should be protected from wrong and, above all, unnecessary back operations. There is a massive oversupply of surgically oriented spine centers, where too much and often too aggressively with screws and long rods is operated. In this context, the 2016 announcement by the German Barmer health insurance is very impressive: about half of back patients who requested a second opinion decided against a spinal operation.
Unlike other disciplines such as cardiac surgery, orthopedics, etc., no clearly defined indication criteria and certainly no uniform surgical techniques are applied in spinal surgery to this day. Switzerland is far from having a treatment register that would present the results beyond doubt. The second opinion can be obtained either directly from the Spinasana doctor in practice or online on the Spinasana platform.
Get Your Second Opinion Now!
Usually covered by your Swiss health insurance.
With the Covid pandemic, online competence has increased significantly, even among older people. The home office trend has also shown what is possible online. Telemedicine has made significant progress in the wake of this development, and especially for a quick answer to the question of whether an operation is sensible or not, the personal meeting in the "digital space" is a valuable addition.
Second opinion is prepared
The spinal surgery specialist has access to the documents immediately after receipt in an EU-compliant, data-secure cloud, enabling an extraordinarily fast preparation of the second opinion. Based on the documents, the expert first assesses the urgency. In any case, you will receive the second opinion within 5 working days, with express option in 2 days. In complex case situations, the opinion of an international expert is additionally obtained.
Receive your answer
Within 5 working days you will receive the second opinion via email. For ordered emergency express second opinions, you will receive it within 2 working days. At the same time, you will receive a summarizing voice memo with deeper explanations. Together with the second opinion, you will receive an appointment for a 15-minute follow-up discussion via Zoom, Skype or FaceTime. This way, any uncertainties can be clarified.
Dr. med. Christian R. Etter
Your Second Opinion Specialist
Orthopedic Surgery FMH spec. Spinal Surgery
Contact Persons
Our international team of experienced spine surgeons is at your service.
Meet our teamPatient Testimonials
«The operation was about six months ago and I have – as planned – spent my first 'post-surgery' surf vacation. In short: it holds! :-) And as the only doctor who didn't just tell me to 'live with it', I thank you from the bottom of my heart for advising me to have this surgery. I feel worlds better today and much more flexible than the last painful years.»
Reto Zehnder — Disc surgery October 2017
Swiss Spine Institute SSI
The SSI is an independent foundation established in 1999 in Basel by 14 spine specialists. The aim of this foundation is to promote quality in spinal medicine through continuous education, quality assurance through documentation and the development of new surgical techniques and implants.
VisitLinks
The following links provide you with further information:
Common questions before a second opinion
Before a second opinion, most patients want to understand how urgent the situation is and which questions matter before considering surgery.
Want to learn more?
Find out more about diagnostics, spinal diseases and surgical procedures: