Dr. Sean McCance - NYC Orthopedic Spine Surgeons' Blog

3-D Printing in Spinal Surgery

In spinal surgery, advancements in technology and medicine have given doctors new ways to combat conditions affecting the human body. Minimally invasive procedures use small incision for less complex procedures; in robotics, surgeons use robotic arms to carry out a minimally invasive procedures with potentially more accuracy. So what about 3-D printing? Technically, it’s been around since the 1980s, but hasn’t been used in medicine until recent years. Commonly used to support or replace body parts that don’t enter the bloodstream, 3-D printing has the ability to fabricate prosthetic limbs, layer by layer, from the ground up. What is 3-D printing? What is 3-D printing? In medicine, 3-D printing, also referred as additive manufacturing, is the process of using plastic or metal gel to shape a replacement body part based on a patient’s MRI or CT scan. 3-D printing is allowing prosthetics to be produced and personalized in complex shapes including hands and fingers. No longer will these devices cost thousands of dollars, removing much of the financial burden patients and their families may face. “If a parent wanted to purchase a 3-D printer of their own and produce hands for their own child, the cost of the printer and

January 27, 2015

Is Robotic Surgery Right For You?

What is Robotic Surgery? Robotic surgery is a term used for technological developments that use robotic systems to aid in surgical procedures. Robotically-assisted surgery has the potential to help overcome the limitations of minimally-invasive surgery, and to enhance the capabilities of surgeons performing some types of open surgery. To date, robotic surgery has had its biggest impact in Urological (Prostate) surgery, and general surgery. The applications in Spine surgery have been very limited to date, but we continue to monitor and research this technology. With robotically assisted surgery, the surgeon uses a remote manipulator to control the robotic arms that carry out the movements of the surgery. The advantage of this is to allow for very fine and controlled movements in a tight and inaccessible space, and for potentially improved visualization with the miniature camera systems that accompany the robotic arms, examples of such systems include the DaVinci Robot platform. Robotic surgery has been criticized for its expense, by one estimate costing $1,500 to $2000 more per patient. [1] However, this advanced technology allows surgeons to perform general exams as well as complex gynecological, cardiothoracic, and urological procedures with a minimally invasive approach. Potential benefits of robotic surgery In general,

January 20, 2015

The Pros and Cons of Laser Spinal Surgery

Sustaining a spine injury can be devastating – and can lead to significant pain, dysfunction, and loss of mobility. In recent years, laser spinal surgery has appeared on the scene, touted as a quicker and easier option than typical spinal surgery and performed for a variety of spinal conditions—with mixed results. Many patients with a spine injury try to educate themselves with internet research when trying to decide whether to have surgery, and what type to have. While laser spinal surgery can be less invasive, and effective in some cases with a certain diagnosis, there are many conditions that it is not effective in treating. Laser spine surgery is heavily marketed on the internet and TV as “better and safer” than traditional surgical techniques, and claims to give a “quicker recovery.” These claims are unproven and can be mis-leading. Patients often assume that “laser” means more technically advanced. Before you choose laser spinal surgery, it may be best to do your homework on the facility preforming the surgery. You should also get more than one opinion from an experienced spine specialist. Please contact my practice if you have any questions or are considering laser spinal surgery. What is laser spinal surgery? Laser spine surgery refers to

January 13, 2015

Simple Lifestyle Changes You Can Make To Reduce Back Pain

Back pain can hinder us from taking part in the fun activities we love and can also interrupt our day to day life. However, relatively small changes to your routine and overall lifestyle can make a huge impact on your spine health! Outlined below are 6 lifestyle changes you can make to start the New Year off right. 1. Exercise more carefully Staying healthy overall includes the health of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support your spine. By monitoring these key areas you can minimize painful flare-ups. When exercising and lifting weights, be conscious of how you lift: always use the power of your legs and keep your back straight, and stretch before any strenuous physical activity. Consider working closely with a personal trainer, physical therapist, or doctor to create a regular stretching program. 2. Supplement your diet This may come as no surprise, but it’s important to get enough vitamin D, be it through sun exposure or a supplement. Vitamin D helps keep your bones, including your spine, healthy and strong. Additionally, remember to drink plenty of water, as doing so can enhance the height of your intervertebral disks. Did you know your body is composed mostly of

January 6, 2015

The Benefits of Stretching

Stretching is a great way to prevent and ease back pain. It’s also a great way to relieve stress and relax. Stretching involves controlled movement, controlled breathing, and a level of concentration that helps your mind to cancel out the day-to-day chatter in order to focus on the stretch. Many people feel completely invigorated after stretching! The best part is that you don’t need a lot of space, heavy equipment, or anyone to assist you to get a good stretch in. Before you start, though, here are some tips to keep in mind: Stretching should be pain-free; do not force the body into difficult positions Move into the stretch slowly and avoid bouncing, which may actually tear muscles Hold stretches long enough (20-30 seconds) to allow muscles or joints to become loose Wear comfortable clothes that won’t bind If you’re looking for a few stretches to start with, Spine Universe has a few great ideas for stretches that help prevent or relieve back pain. Spine Universe recommends doing them 3 to 5 times each for optimal results. Remember it’s also important to breathe during the stretch, and of course, consult a doctor before starting any new exercise or stretching routine.

December 16, 2014

Massages Aren’t Just For Pampering

The holidays are just around the corner! If you’re thinking of purchasing massage gift certificates to pamper your loved ones – a particularly nice stress reliever, especially during the manic month of December – you should also know that the medical community recognizes certain massages as a credible treatment for many types of back pain. Massages are specifically known for helping muscle strain in the lower back, upper back, and neck; osteoarthritis of the spine; and fibromyalgia. There are several theories about how massage works to relieve pain and tension. One theory is that it triggers the release of the pain-relieving substances called endorphins into the brain. Other theories suggest that massage therapy stimulates the nervous system in ways that relieve pain.

December 10, 2014

Top Products for Easing Back Pain

It’s that time again: the season of giving! It can be tough to give gifts that are both thoughtful and useful – no one wants to give something that’s going to get tossed the next day – but if you know the recipient well enough, a product that can help ease their back pain might just hit the spot. While the cause of back pain is different for everyone, we’ve spotlighted some of the top products that patients have said help them to prevent or calm existing back pain in their daily lives. And while you’re browsing, think about how these could help your own back pain, too.

December 3, 2014

Traveling with Back Pain: 5 Tips for Better Comfort

Packing and holiday delays can make travel stressful, but traveling with back pain can be especially taxing. Long periods of sitting and heavy luggage are just some of the obstacles facing travelers with back pain. Here are 5 tips to make your trip more comfortable and less painful. Move as much as you can. It sounds counterintuitive, but you need to move every 20 to 30 minutes. On bus rides, the driver won’t pull over for you to stretch, but on longer flights, walk around the cabin if the fasten seatbelt sign is off. Pull over for a quick stretch if you’re driving your own car. You don’t have to move a lot—even 10 seconds of movement will make things better. In addition to moving around, you should stretch as well. Hip flexors and hamstrings get especially tight during long periods of sitting. Here are two great examples to follow: To relieve stiffness in the neck, bring the ear to the shoulder or simply move your head side to side. Watch your posture. The right posture can go a long way towards easing back pain. Make sure you’re sitting properly, so your spine is straight and your back is

November 25, 2014

How to Find the Right Mattress

Your bed may be the most important piece of furniture in your home. After all, we spend roughly a third of our lives sleeping, recharging our bodies and minds for a new day. But when that sleep is interrupted by back pain, it’s time to start learning how to find the right mattress. Decide if it’s time to get rid of your mattress. How do you know when it’s time to get rid of your mattress? Good mattresses typically have a lifespan of 10 years, but if you’re experiencing back pain, you may want to consider replacing it sooner. Choose the proper firmness. Mattress experts say many customers mistakenly think a firmer bed is a better one for dealing with existing back pain or preventing it. Those suffering from degenerative disc disease often find that the firmer mattress alleviates pain, but if that’s not your particular challenge, you won’t need the firmest mattress in the store. Too-firm mattresses can lead to pain at pressure points like the hips. A mattress that’s too soft, on the other hand, may make it difficult for you to move, and also will not give enough support. It’s important to know the difference between a

November 18, 2014

Tony Romo Injured: Understanding Transverse Process Fractures

Football season is still young, and already all eyes are on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. The star player sustained his third back injury in 18 months during an October 27 game against the Washington Redskins, causing him to have to sit out the November 2 game versus the Arizona Cardinals. Romo is no stranger to pain or back injuries. Last April he underwent surgery to remove a cyst on his back. Just eight months later, he suffered a herniated disc and underwent a second surgery. This most recent injury is what’s called a transverse process fracture—two of them, to be exact. Romo is known for playing through a tremendous amount of pain—he famously led his team to a win in a 2011 game with a cracked rib and punctured lung—but Brandon Weedon took his place in the November 2 game. The transverse process is a small wing-shaped bone that sticks out on either side of the vertebrae. Fractures are often caused by an intense, concentrated impact, and the blow that took Romo out of the game was certainly powerful: he quarterback was hit by a knee in his lumbar spine, the same area where he’d had surgery. Of course,

November 11, 2014

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