Technology Breakthroughs in Spine Treatment
Has your doctor recommended that you have spine surgery? If "yes," your doctor
might have talked to you about the different "implants" or "instrument systems"
that he or she will use during your surgery. If you're like most patients, this
whole subject gets very confusing!
What your surgeon is describing when he or she talks about "spinal implants
or instruments" is special equipment that will be used to help surgically correct
your spinal problem. The very good news is that in the last 10 years, there
have been incredible advances in this field. Implants are available today that
help surgeons achieve surgery results that were not thought possible even 10
years ago.
The articles below will you navigate through this complex field. Some of the
articles provide an overview of the entire subject. Others go into more detail
about specific implants. We're sure you'll find them to be an invaluable tool
as you seek to learn more about your surgery.
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Surgical Technology
Artificial Disc Replacement: Randomized Clinical Trial Update
The potential benefits of artificial discs allows earlier participation in post-operative rehabilitation and activities and reduces stress to adjacent joints.
Artificial Discs: Spine Experts Speak Out
Are artificial cervical discs the cure for neck pain? Or are they one more high-tech treatment that’s no more effective than traditional surgery? Read what leading spine experts think about this new alternative to spinal fusion and instrumentation.
DISC Nucleoplasty Percutaneous Discectomy
Patients who can benefit from percutaneous disc decompression or 'percutaneous discectomy' as it is called, are those with pain arising from a contained herniated disc - that is a bulging disc where there is no rupture in the outer wall.
Balloon Kyphoplasty Step by Step
Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment in which orthopaedic balloons are used to gently elevate the bone fragements in an attempt to return them to a correct position.
Lumbar Discectomy: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Micro Endoscopic Discectomy (MED) is a newer minimally invasive procedure used to remove a herniated disc.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: The Benefits
Minimally invasive techniques are changing the face of spine surgery. What used to result in a week-long hospital stay, a year's recovery period and a large scar has been diminished to a few days, a few months and a few small scars.
Percutaneous Neuromodulation Therapy (PNT)
Percutaneous neuromodulation therapy (PNT) is a non-invasive, low-risk procedure that can help treat pain.
Spinal Cord Stimulation: Is it Right for You?
For some patients, spinal cord stimulation is an option to treat chronic low back pain. In this therapy, electrical impulses are used to block pain from being perceived in the brain. Instead of pain, the patient feels a mild tingling sensation.
Spinal Pumps and Stimulators
Although far from panaceas, pumps and stimulators have proven to be very effective with carefully selected patients whose severe pain persists despite prior treatment efforts.
Treatment of Intractable Pain Has Come a Long Way
Microvascular decompression, radiofrequency rhizotomy, and spinal cord stimulation are procedures that may help control pain when medications prove ineffective.
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Biologics
BMP: The What and the Who
RhBMP-2 is a genetically engineered protein that both recruits bone forming cells and turns on local cells to the bone-making process. BMP is used for conditions requiring spinal fusion and stimulation of bone growth.
Gene Therapy: On the Cutting-Edge
Gene therapy is a cutting-edge technique that has moved from theoretical fantasy into a potential medical therapy. It is a powerful research and educational tool that will open the doors to a greater understanding of spinal problems.
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