In-depth information and illustrations on full range of spine surgery options
Minimally invasive spine fusion systems
February
11, 2004
In theory, any minimally invasive system should be able
to perform the same fusion as the traditional open technique,
but through several smaller incisions instead of one
longer incision. This article reviews three minimally
invasive spine fusion systems currently in use. Read
more...
By: Ali Araghi, DO
Vertebral
fracture treated with kyphoplasty: case review
November 17, 2003
In this case it was decided to proceed with kyphoplasty, with the goal of alleviating
the patient's back pain and restoring the height of the vertebra so that the
patient would be able to stand upright. Read
more...
By: Jeffrey Spivak, MD
Vertebroplasty
and kyphoplasty: percutaneous injection procedures for
vertebral fractures
August 13, 2003
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive
procedures that may be used in cases of severe pain
caused by a vertebral fracture that does not improve
over a number of weeks with pain medication and bracing.
Read
more...
By: Jeffrey M. Spivak, MD
Transforaminal lumbar
interbody fusion (TLIF)
May 7, 2003
The goal of a TLIF procedure is to reduce back pain/leg
pain and nerve irritation. TLIF is designed to eliminate
motion by fusing the front and back section of the spine
- the front portion of the spine is stabilized by the
bone graft and interbody spacer, and the back column
is locked in place with pedicle screws, rods, and bone
graft. Read more...
By: Stephen P. Montgomery, MD
Failed
back surgery syndrome: what it is and how to prevent
it
January 28, 2003
The number one reason back surgery is not effective
is because the lesion that was operated on is not in
fact the cause of the patient's pain. In most cases
of lower back pain, a pain generator cannot be found
and surgery is very unpredictable. For this reason,
accurate preoperative patient selection is critical
to a successful surgical outcome. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
How an electrical
bone growth stimulator works
September 24, 2002
Electrical bone growth stimulators are a supplemental
form of therapy to help enhance the body's bone
healing process—a process that is absolutely
essential for the success of any type of spinal fusion
surgery. Either an internal or an external stimulator
may be used. Read
more...
By: John Sherman, MD
Rehabilitation following
spine surgery
September 3, 2002
Rehabilitation or physical therapy can help patients
recover from spine surgery as quickly and completely
as possible. It is important in helping the body heal
from the original injury and the surgery, and in preventing
future episodes of pain. Read
more...
By Carol M. McFarland, MS, PT, OCS
Preparing
for your consultation with a spine doctor
December 11, 2001
The better prepared you are for your doctor's visit
the more productive it will be for you and for your
physician. This article includes a comprehensive list
of questions you can expect your doctor to ask you.
Read more...
By: Charles D. Ray, MD
Electrical stimulation
for spinal fusion
November 30, 2001
Electrical stimulation is designed to improve the effectiveness
of lumbar spinal fusion. As the number of studies validating
the use of this procedure grows, there is a better understanding
among spine surgeons about how and when to use it. Read
more...
By: Neil Kahanovitz, MD
