Tag: spine surgery
“Will the metal in my device set off metal detectors at the airport?” Especially since September 11, 2001, when airport security measures increased significantly, it’s been a common question for spinal implant patients. They’re concerned they may set off detectors, be subjected to more screening than their fellow travelers, and, of course, delay their travel. Metal implants can include knee replacements, hip replacements, and other orthopedic implants. Implants are usually made of cobalt chrome, stainless steel, or titanium. The location of your implant, and what it’s made of, can both affect whether you set off a metal detector. While there …
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. …
An AARP article that discusses common surgeries to avoid – including spinal fusion – has recently made its way back into the headlines. Specifically, it cites studies that show the frequency of this procedure has increased 1,400 percent between 2002 and 2007, and does not appear to be slowing down. The article suggests that the surgery is dangerous and is no more effective than physical therapy, which is inaccurate and misleading. Spinal fusion involves the joining of two or more vertebrae together, using screws and rods along with bone graft material, and sometimes cages (devices that support the vertebra). …
Regenerative cell therapy is a major next step in medical research, with the potential to effectively treat the most complex diseases – including various forms of cancer. Researchers studying regenerative cell therapy look at both how stem cells may be used to replace, repair, reprogram or renew your diseased cells, and at how reprogrammed stem cells may be turned into specialized cells that can repair or regenerate cells. It has the potential to change the outcomes for patients who are left with little time and very few answers. In regenerative cell therapy, function is restored in damaged or destroyed tissues, …
Kathryn is a former patient of mine who has left a lasting impression. Her back pain began when she hurt her L3/L4 disc after a spinning class, and she believes she aggravated the injury during a subsequent game of golf. Initially, Kathryn told me she didn’t think too much of it because she’s athletic and used to pushing herself outside her comfort zone. Kathryn thought this was something she could deal with – so she sought a massage treatment, iced her lower back area, and rested. Afterwards, she continued to play golf and attend spinning class. Unfortunately, what Kathryn didn’t …
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 …
There are incredible achievements happening in technology and science every day, especially in the world of spinal surgery. One of the most recent developments in spine surgery, using robotic technology in the operating room, has been up for debate among surgeons and spinal specialists, and I’ve been considering the pros and cons of these new treatment options myself. Robotic surgery is considered a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon controls the camera and instruments using a console. The surgeon operates the robot while looking through a monitor that allows him to see inside the patient. Every movement made by …
The word “surgery” often causes anxiety and fear for patients. Many times, they specifically ask what treatment options are available aside from surgery because they want to avoid having an operation all together, due to common misconceptions. These misconceptions are about surgery, especially spinal surgery, and I’ve heard them all. More often than not, they get in the way of the best treatment that is available for the patient .The truth is, depending on what type of injury you have and the situation you are in, surgery may end up being your best and safest option for a full recovery. Although …
