Good Morning Spine

Dr. Eidelson’s research has been selected for inclusion in the 15th Annual ASRA Pain Medicine Meeting being held Nov. 17-19 in San Diego, CA. Abstract Acceptance into a Medical Meeting means the research has been reviewed by medical peers and has been determined to advance our understanding of medical care.

In its January 8th, 2015 issue, Becker’s Spine Review identified Dr. Eidelson as a “Spine Surgery Leader to Know“.

The article was part of Beckers ongoing feature series that identifies “surgeons to know” across America.

Beckers Spine Review is the leading publication covering the world of Spine Surgery in the United States.

To learn more about Dr. Eidelson

I see that there is a lot of news about spinal fusions for treatment of spinal stenosis.I only fuse when there is an unstable spine noted at time of surgery.The fusion is to prevent slippage of the spine that will causee compression of the nerves. Manytimes this can be performed using less invasive newer procedures.I like to use very little hardware su h as rods and scews for spinal fusions.The goal is early return of function and less need to be in a hospital.The majority of my patients are outpatient surgeries using these newer less invasive techniques.I believe the other medical illnesses of a patient demand thought prior to surgery regarding extent of surgery.Prevention of complications by less invasive procedures is extremely important part of surgical planning.

I am very much impressed with the accuracy when using the Mazur robot for placement of spinal instrumentation.I now use it routinely at Deleay Hospital during complex spinal surgery.This new addition has cut down surgical times while increasing precision.I believe it is one of the more significant advancements to help improve surgical outcomes.

Hello Carmel and Monterey Community! I have expanded my care for spinal stenosis to Northern California. Now working at an office in Monterey County I am able to treat and educate additional people who want to retain an active lifestyle. After 25 years of research I am still convinced that the majority of people do not require surgery and respond nicely to other less invasive options. Options such as diet, limited medications, therapy and targeted injections. Should surgery be your last option, newer techniques allow for rapid recovery, less pain and increased mobility. I look forward to meeting new people across the country. For more information please visit www.ortho-spine.com.

I have reviewed several new technologies for less invasive surgeries on the spine. Most of us with years of experience know that there must be improvement in outcomes to justify their adoption into practice. I still see a number of failed results because basic principles are ignored. Most pain such as sciatica usually means there is blockage causing compression of a nerve root. Most surgeries must first solve this problem. Adding hardware such as screws or implants comes next. I see mostly failure decompressing L5 nerve root. A popular new approach using lateral implants cannot address L5 S1 levels. I do like this new technology but compression must not be forgotten at this level where many failures occur and may require revision surgery.

decompression of L 5 roots if primary cause of pain cannot be
forhotten.

One of my greatest challenges and personal disappointments treating patients for 30 years is when I have failed to communicate the responsibility for the safety of a patient, which I believe is paramount. Manytime , there are choices for surgery that run from minor to major risks to a patient. Caring physicians look at the totality of risk factors prior to offering surgical choices. I have patients that are unaware of the association of smoking, obesity, hypertension, cardiac, pulmonary and a variety of other comorbitities that can lead to tragic consequences. I have seen examples of death and infections as well. In select cases, I try to stage solutions offering less invasive surgery to lower the risk of complications in high risk patients. Unfortunately results may be less then perfect, in higher risk patients, but most cases would allow a choice of additional procedures at a future time. I try to manage patients expectations so they never cross into the abyss and feel that they have no possibility of further recovery. I take complications and the results of surgeries extremely personal since I realize my patients have a choice in surgeons and they have put their trust in me.

I believe patients should never leave their doctors office without a clear understanding of their diagnosis. Many patients are not clear that most spinal conditions have an array of treatment options to choose from before making a decision regarding surgery. I try to give each patient a structured program and team approach. This may include therapy,pain management injection,medications,and surgery as a last resort. Patient are confused and using a full set of resources gives them time to learn about their conditions. Should surgery become necessary, less invasive procedures now exist.i am still amazed how many get injections without complete understanding of outcomes to be expected.Severe spinal stenosis is a real area for misunderstandings. If injections fail,surgical decompression can be quite rewarding.

I recently attended a spine conference and note several things. It was well discussed that outcomes should be very carefully reviewed. Complications are still too high for all technical procedures. Experience is king regarding any surgery. I do feel change with confirmed improved outcome is certainly preferred.i was happy to see less invasive types of surgery I’d becoming mainstay.

I have taken note that over 25 years of practice certain things do not change. Most patients needing surgery will have compression of a nerve.It is most important that this blockage is removed.Each surgeon has his choice of techniques to accomplish this goal. New technology is great but removing the compression is key to a good outcome.