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Tag: Orthopaedic Surgery

9+1: Derrek’s Patient Experience

Derrek is a patient of mine who has left a lasting impression – he recently ran his first half marathon after having a 2 level spinal fusion (see his xray to the left).  He is a great example of patients who become more physically active after a spinal fusion than they were before, which is a common experience in our practice. Derrek’s back pain began eleven years before his surgery, when one day he woke up with terrible pain in his back. Over the course of the eleven years, after all else failed, his condition deteriorated to the point where he considered surgery. …

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 …

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 …

Dr. McCance Introduction

This is the first introductory video in an upcoming series that discusses spine health and the implications of various injuries and treatments, including surgery. Here, I discuss my background, residency and current position within the field of surgery. Thank you for watching, and to see the full series and stay updated on the latest health tips, please follow my practice on Facebook: www.facebook.com/McCanceMD

Becker’s Spine Review: 8 Ways for Spine Surgeons to Leave a Lasting Mark on the Field

I was honored to be selected by Becker’s Spine Review in July 2012 as a “Top Spine Surgeon Leader for Non-Profit Hospitals” and then again in October 2012 as a “Spine Surgeon Leader to Know.” This month, Becker’s Spine Review interviewed me again for “8 Ways Spine Surgeons to Leave a Lasting Mark on the Field.” Below please find my answers, as dictated to Editor-in-Chief Laura Miller. Spine surgeons have a huge responsibility to provide safe, effective and cost-effective care to patients on a daily basis. However, for surgeons who want to go the extra mile to impact spine care beyond their practice, there are …

The July Effect: Patient Spinal Care Service Unaffected in July

A controversial topic has been dominating headlines recently, and is an important issue that I’d like to discuss. It’s the phenomenon known as the “July Effect” – the notion that being admitted to a teaching hospital in July, the month in which medical students begin residency, will increase the risk of poor patient care and medical errors. With this uptick in concern, numerous articles have been published about the topic and rightfully disprove the claim, including research from The Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine and The Mayo Clinic. In my opinion, the July Effect is absolutely false. The Journal of Neurosurgery: …