Dr. Zwelibanzi Zondo is a renowned spine and orthopaedic surgeon whose passion for healing is rooted in his desire to make a profound difference in the lives of his patients. In a country where accidents and injuries are prevalent, Dr. Zondo’s expertise offers a lifeline to those grappling with debilitating spine conditions and musculoskeletal injuries. His unwavering dedication to patient care, coupled with a compassionate approach, has made him a trusted figure in the field of orthopaedics. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Dr. Zondo’s journey, his insights on the challenges in the medical field, and what continues to inspire his remarkable work.
- What inspired you to become a spine and orthopaedic surgeon?
South Africa is a country that’s prone to accidents and violence, there’s a lot of people with injuries including muscle injuries, tendon injuries and broken bones, so I felt orthopaedics would be the place where I can make a difference in someone’s life. Spine was motivated by the number of people I saw during my training as an Orthopaedic surgeon, so many people feel like it’s hopeless to be in their position given how crippling spine conditions can be, that it’s such a common problem and it requires so much dedication and patients, I believed that I had that kind of dedication and that I can help one patient at a time even if it’s a drop in the ocean.
2. Can you explain what you do as a spine surgeon?
I consult so I understand what’s the problem and send patients for necessary investigations to get to the diagnosis, then I operate it it’s indicated to do so or offer other treatment options to help make their pain a bit more manageable.
3. What are the most common spine problems you treat?
I treat conditions like deformities corrections like scoliosis, I treat degenerative conditions of the spine, decompress spines affected by tumours, treat spine fractures, treat spine infections, refer patients to other specialists as necessary as oncologists, physicians, physiotherapist, orthotists etc. I’m also an orthopaedic surgeon so I do treat the common orthopaedic conditions.
4. How do you help patients with conditions like arthritis or scoliosis?
For arthritis we offer conservative treatments like injections and physiotherapy plus minus painkillers, and lifestyle modification advice. But in some instances, this type of treatment fails and then we offer surgery in a form of decompression alone or decompression and fusion as indicated. For scoliosis we offer referral to orthotists and scoliosis trained physiotherapists to control the rotation but in advances scoliosis curves like those over 40 degrees Cobb’s angle we do offer corrective surgery if we indicated and can be executed in a safe manner.
5. What is the most rewarding part of your life?
Most rewarding part is seeing how some of my patients are so happy with the treatments I would have offered, seeing them smile after they came to see me in tears because they were so frustrated and feeling helpless. Seeing them regain their confidence, independence and above all becoming hopeful again.
6. How do you stay updated with the latest treatments and techniques in spine surgery?
By attending spine congresses and reading up on online journals
7. What advice would you give to someone dealing with backpain?
That back pain is very common, majority of people around you have it but choose to not talk about it, especially younger people, so you’re not alone. What’s important is understanding that how you live your life also determines how much back pain you have now and how much you’re most likely to have in the future. When we are young we feel invincible and forget that the small injuries we create now to our spines will catch up with us at a later stage, it doesn’t go unpunished. So be good and found to your back. Avoid lifting things while your back is bent forward. Avoid sudden back movements, a good technique is crucial when it comes to sport and weights, so don’t be shy to ask for help so you don’t hurt yourself. Lifestyle modifications, painkillers now and then, physiotherapy and injections would be of benefit initially but later on surgery may be indicated.
8. What are some common misconceptions about spine surgery?
That you’ll be paralysed and sit in a wheelchair. Spine surgery is actually a good surgery when done for the right indication, just like any surgery, yes there’s a risk of paralysis, infections, nerve damage, bleeding, failure of implants, etc but these risks are quite low if a surgeon take necessary precautions. So don’t be afraid and suffer in silence because you are afraid, you’ll be paralysed, by the way there’s a lot of patients with very bad spines who are suicidal because they feel helpless as a result of this misconception.
9. How do you help patients feel comfortable before surgery?
I take my time to explain exactly what the surgery entails, what to expect, show them pictures and answer all questions they have and make them understand what needs to be done and why. If a patient feels empowered in their decision making, it helps them feel comfortable.
10. What do you enjoy about working with patients with general orthopaedic injuries?
Generally orthopaedic conditions carry a lower risk of complications, and has more predictable and reliable outcomes compared to spine surgery, so it’s nice to deal with those patients as well since they tend to be a lot happier. That said all patients want to be better and deserve to be treated with the same care and patience irrespective of whether it’s a spine or general orthopaedics.
11. How do you manage the challenges of your job, especially in complex surgeries?
I play instrumental music when I operate, it keeps me calm and keeps me going. A calm surgeon is a safe surgeon. When you’re calm as a surgeon you think clearly and have better outcomes because you take all the necessary precautions to ensure safety of your patients. I’ve learned that patients are different, and surgeries dictate how long they want to be, the same surgery can take 3 hours but, on another day, it can take 5 hours, it’s okay patients are different, and you don’t have to be hard on yourself, safety of the patients come first.
12. What tips do you have for keeping our spines healthy?
Control whatever chronic conditions you have, avoid lifting heave objects if your spine is bent forward, change your running shoes every 6 months if you do road running like marathons, maintain a healthy weight if you’re overweight, focus on your diet, gym doesn’t control your weight, your diet does. Exercise regularly. If certain exercises give you pain, avoid them especially weights, keep good posture, don’t slouch, avoid heels if you can(they hurt your back). Take regular breaks when doing an office job, sitting leaning forward for hours isn’t good for your spine, take breaks every 2/3 hours and walk around. Give yourself 8 hours of sleep a day( this allows your body to heal injuries you create during the day), invest in a good quality mattress and pillows( your bedroom should be the best room in the house), avoid sleeping in your stomach, rather sleep in your back or side( keep your knees, elbows and hips flexed when you’re sleeping).
Drink a lot of water (at least 1.5l a day), and use the bathroom everyday if possible, acting like you’re too busy to use the bathroom is the reason you’ll be constipated. Constipation worsens your back pain so stay regular.
Dr Zondo’s commitment to improving his patients’ lives whether through cutting-edge spine surgeries or general orthopaedic care, is truly inspiring. His focus on patient comfort, lifelong learning, and personalized care ensures that those who come to him find not only relief from pain but also the confidence to regain control of their lives. His advice on spine health serves as a reminder that prevention and mindful care are key to maintain a strong, healthy body.
