Good Morning Spine

I was pleased that my recent research showing a new technology allowing for spinal surgery to have much better outcomes. The new technology that was FDA approved cuts surgical time in half and allows patients to return to sports such as golf and tennis within weeks. Patients now have real choices in spinal procedure for spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease.

Most patients should have a strong idea of their goals when discussing the possibility of surgery. I believe managing surgical outcome expectations is a key point prior to agreeing to perform any neck or back surgery. Even with the newer less invasive procedures that get fantastic improvements in return to activity, some patients expectations cannot be met. I just returned from SMISS society meeting which is really the only legitimate spine group looking at less invasive surgery with peer-reviewed material. I hope my patients look at their publications and credentialling process.. I did present new material at this meeting and learned so much more that we can now offer our patients.

I recently have seen much improved success for patients that already had failed back surgery by using a new less invasive technology. A small spacer hold the pressure off the nerve and can be easily placed in the disc spaces. Patient up walking quickly and recovery time improved. This can be of great benefit to high risk patients as well.

The newer technologies allow patients with higher risks such as cardiac or diabetes to have an option. The surgical time and anesthesia are shorter and most patients now leave hospital in two days. Therapy is started immediately allowing most patients to drive during second week. I like to walk patients thru all their options and also other members of my team to assist as well.

Even though I have performed in excess of 3000 surgeries, I am stilll amazed how each patient’s needs are so different. I reflect about the various surgical changes that I have gone thru after analyzing my successes and failures. So much of good outcomes requires recognizing the correct type of surgery to perform. The test of time has really shaped what I offer to patients for treatment. Patients really need to factor in this kind of experience as to not be let down with unrealistic promises. I find it challenging to gain this respect between patients and their surgeon. In my office, I value the advice of several other specialist in making a final decision.

I find too many patient do not know the details about what surgery was performed. More importantly, their expectation are not well defined before surgery. I see great success with less invasive neck and back surgery but these procedures do not completely cure all pain. I feel maintenance care by a dedicated team help with this issue. Recently, Dr Blau has been a great addition.

Patients should now know that cervical ie. neck surgery can be performed through one inch incision with rapid recovery. I have developed a team approach that has allowed this kind of result. In addition, the post-operative team now includes Dr Blau with additional expertise. Every patients should consider meeting several experts working together to make sure that surgery is last resort and that there are physicians that can make a difference should surgery become necessary.

I’m excited to see that patients are using the Internet more frequently prior to a doctor visit. They are much better informed and can research topics or know their physician’s credential. In my practice, we specialize in minimally invasive surgery of the neck and back. I have engaged in research for years and all patients should look for validation of various procedures being recommended before making a decision regarding surgery.

I am seeing more patients wanting to undergo less invasive procedures for treatment if their neck or back pain. Nerve blocks work very well but only for short period of time in many patients. All patients should know all their options and certainly surgical solutions have become much less invasive. Spinal stenosis or disc disease are two major success areas for these newer procedures.

There is a new procedure to hold open a collapsed disc space that can be performed through a very small incision that I now offer to patients. The goal is to get patients with degenerative disc disease back to work quickly with less down time. Removing disc with underlying arthitic disease will make the problem worse and I see a tremendous number of failures.