In-depth information and illustrations on full range of spine surgery options
Anterior cervical
decompression and fusion for spondylotic myelopathy
August 31, 2001
Because the majority of the anatomy that produces spinal
cord compression is located in front of the spinal cord,
many surgeons prefer anterior decompression of the spinal
cord and nerve roots. Read
more...
By: Thomas M. Wascher, MD, FACS
Scar tissue and postoperative
pain
March 26, 2001 (Updated March
6, 2002)
Scar tissue is a common occurrence after back
surgery and is not always a cause of pain. In fact,
scar tissue is part of the normal healing process after
surgery. This article addresses scar tissue and Failed
Back Surgery Syndrome. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Kyphoplasty interactive
animation
January 11, 2001
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical
procedure used for treating fractures caused by osteoporosis.
This module takes you step by step through this procedure.
View animation...
Research
update on IDET
January 2, 2001
Two peer reviewed studies published in the October
2000 issue of SPINE Journal report on the outcomes of
patients having received Intradiscal Electrothermal
Annuloplasty (IDET) an average of one year after treatment.
Read more...
By: Ari Ben-Yishay, MD
Postoperative
care for spinal fusion surgery
October 22, 2000
The management of activities and needs after a spinal
surgery evolve with time. This article explores the
typical recommendations patients can expect from a doctor.
Read more...
By: John E. Sherman
The importance
of psychological preparation for back surgery
August 30, 2000
The stress of an illness or injury, the impending
surgery, and the recovery process after surgery can
all have a significant impact on a patient’s physical,
psychological and social state. This article explores
how valuable mental preparation can make a difference.
Read more...
By: William W. Deardorff, PhD, ABPP
How to prepare
psychologically for back surgery
August 30, 2000
Although there are many aspects of a psychological
preparation program, a tailored approach often works
the best. This article explains specific techniques
for the psychological preparation of back surgery. Read
more...
By: William W. Deardorff, PhD, ABPP
Postoperative care
for lumbar microdiscectomy
July 31, 2000
Follow-up care for a lumbar microdiscectomy usually
includes a combination of pain management, stretching,
back strengthening, and an early return to activity.
Read more...
By: Theodore B. Goldstein, MD
Preoperative preparation
for fusion surgery
July 18, 2000 (updated October
9, 2000)
Although fusion surgeries are done throughout
the spine (cervical, thoracic and lumbar sections of
the spine), the preparation is similar for each and
the goal remains the same—to stop the motion at
a painful motion segment. Read
more...
By: John E. Sherman, MD
Kyphoplasty—a
new treatment for osteoporotic fractures
July 7, 2000 (Updated August
14, 2003)
Kyphoplasty, a new procedure for treating osteoporotic
fractures, is designed to restore height to the bone
thus reducing deformity of the spine. Read
more...
By: Courtney W. Brown, MD and Douglas C. Wong, MD
How to select a spine surgeon
June 30, 2000
If your pain has gotten bad enough that you’re
considering spine surgery to help relieve your pain,
then you'll find this article especially valuable. Read
more...
By: Theodore B. Goldstein, MD
Treatment
options for a lumbar herniated disk
May 8, 2000
Treatment for lumbar disk herniations will largely
depend on the length of time the patient has had his
or her symptoms and the severity of the pain. Generally,
patients will be advised to start with 6 to 12 weeks
of conservative treatment (such as physical therapy).
Read more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr, MD
