Areas of Expertise
Conditions Treated
Herniated Disc
A herniated or prolapsed disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer casing, pressing on nearby nerves. Symptoms include sharp radiating pain, numbness, and weakness. Surgical options range from minimally invasive discectomy to fusion depending on severity.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, weakness, and difficulty walking. Common in older patients, it is one of the most frequent conditions treated by Dr. Duff using minimally invasive decompression techniques.
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Progressive deterioration of spinal cord function caused by degenerative changes in the cervical spine. Characterised by hand clumsiness, gait disturbance, and loss of fine motor control. Early surgical intervention is often recommended to prevent irreversible cord damage.
Spinal Cord Compression
Pressure on the spinal cord from disc material, bone spurs, tumours, or trauma. Can cause severe neurological deficits if left untreated. Dr. Duff has extensive experience with urgent and elective decompression surgery across all spinal levels.
Nerve Root Compression & Radiculopathy
Compression or irritation of a spinal nerve root causing pain, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the arm or leg. Often caused by disc herniation or bone spurs. Dr. Duff treats this with targeted minimally invasive decompression and foraminotomy techniques.
Spinal Tumours & Schwannomas
Benign and malignant tumours affecting the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding structures. Dr. Duff has published his IMTAR technique for minimally invasive resection of intradural lesions, including schwannomas — a condition he has treated extensively throughout his career.
Neck & Back Pain (Surgical)
Chronic or acute neck and back pain that has not responded to conservative management and requires surgical evaluation. Dr. Duff performs a thorough assessment to determine whether and what type of surgery is appropriate, always prioritising the least invasive effective option.
Spinal Trauma & Fractures
Fractures and dislocations of the spine resulting from trauma, osteoporosis, or pathological conditions. Treatment ranges from stabilisation with pedicle screw fixation to complex reconstruction, depending on the level and severity of injury and degree of neurological involvement.
Patient Education
Neck Pain: When Should You See a Neurosurgeon?
Neck pain is common and often improves with conservative treatment. However, persistent pain or symptoms affecting the nerves or spinal cord may require specialist assessment. In this short video, Dr. Duff explains when neck pain may warrant a neurosurgical opinion.
Watch the video →Patient Education
When Should You See a Neurosurgeon for Back Pain?
Back pain is common and often improves with conservative treatment. However, persistent pain or symptoms affecting the nerves may require specialist assessment. In this short video, Dr. Duff explains when it may be appropriate to seek a neurosurgical opinion.
Watch the video →