pediatric-scoliosis

Why Scoliosis Awareness Month Matters

15 Jun 2021 Scoliosis, Spine News

Share Your Story for Scoliosis Awareness Month

Why is scoliosis awareness so important? A recent study found that 72% of children and adolescents who wore back braces were able to avoid surgical intervention as opposed to 48% of children who did not wear back braces. 

Studies show that early treatment of scoliosis is key

The same study further showed that children who wore back braces for over thirteen hours each day had a success rate over 90%. This provides strong evidence that back braces are an effective non-surgical treatment. However, for back braces to work as a treatment option, the brace must be worn for a significant amount of time. In order for this to be possible, parents have to be educated about the symptoms and screening options available.

Why Scoliosis Awareness Month matters

June is the official month of Scoliosis Awareness. It’s time to speak up about your experiences so we can encourage others to screen for scoliosis. Early detection of abnormal curvature of the spine is key to preventing serious complications. By encouraging others to screen and highlighting educational resources, we can prevent and correct the advancement of scoliosis in our communities.

“National Scoliosis Awareness Month takes place yearly in June with the goal of highlighting the growing need for education, early detection and awareness to the public about scoliosis and its prevalence within the community. The campaign also unites scoliosis patients, families, physicians, clinicians, institutions and related businesses in collaborative partnerships of local activities, events and grassroots networking throughout the month.”

  • Scoliosis Research Society 

Often, schools offer scoliosis screening. Often, though, these programs do not relay the importance of screening and offer few to no resources that outline how to deal with the news that your child may have scoliosis. Worse still, some school scoliosis screening programs are completely absent.

More people are affected by scoliosis than you might think

Scoliosis affects over 4 percent of the population. While that might not sound like an awfully large number, the rate of degenerative scoliosis, the kind where the spine begins to curve due to age, is present in over half of the senior population. All in all, at least seven million people are affected by scoliosis. It’s one of the most common spine conditions, yet it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. 

What causes scoliosis? There are many ways that scoliosis can manifest. It can be congenital, — as in you are born with an abnormal curvature — it can be caused from neuromuscular diseases like cerebral palsy, or it can be caused by spine degeneration or a traumatic injury. There are myriad causes of scoliosis. For this reason, scoliosis is often poorly understood.

What you can do to help

During the month of June, everyone who is or has been affected by scoliosis, from parents of a child with scoliosis to professional spine specialists, speak up about their experiences. By fostering a community and encouraging the sharing of studies, stories, and resources, we can all do our part to minimize the negative effects of scoliosis, not only in our local communities, but all over the globe.

Why we care about Scoliosis Awareness Month

At Joseph Spine, we pride ourselves in our excellent service to patients, providing best-in-class spine surgery and back pain management. We find that preventing the need for surgery is equally important. Eliminating pain and suffering with cutting-edge technology and surgical techniques defines us as a great practice.

Sometimes, cutting-edge technology isn’t necessary, however. Prevention can help your child avoid spine surgery and other invasive producers. Scoliosis, when detected and treated early, can be corrected without surgical intervention. While spinal fusion surgery is certainly an option for those with severe spinal issues resulting from scoliosis, we should all do our part to help reduce the necessity of procedures in cases where early intervention could prevent complications entirely.

Share your story

We encourage you to share your story about scoliosis. As one of the most common spine conditions, we all know someone affected by this condition. We encourage you to share your personal experiences on our social media. Your story is important and will help shape the future of spine health. With your help, we can reduce the pain and suffering associated with scoliosis.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy

11 Jun 2021 Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Spine News

What is an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?

In this video Dr. Thuy Nguyen, will review general information about the Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion procedure, known by the acronym (ACDF). The neck includes seven small bones called vertebrae. They are separated by discs, which act as space holders. Years of wear and tear can cause the breakdown of the discs, reducing the space between vertebrae. This condition is known as cervical disc disease. Like a herniated disc, it can cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Read More

Dr. Samuel A. Joseph Jr, First in the Nation to Perform Outpatient Prone Lateral Fusion

24 Mar 2021 Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Spine News

Dr. Samuel A. Joseph Jr, First in the Nation to Perform Outpatient PTP (Prone Transpsoas)

Physicians like Dr. Samuel Joseph, founder of Joseph Spine Institute in Tampa Florida, are constantly researching and developing new ways to improve minimally invasive spine techniques for their patients. Dr. Joseph works in conjunction with other leaders in spine research, development and technology to bring minimally invasive procedures to complex spine conditions, which in turn results in better faster recovery for patients.

Take for example a traditional lateral interbody fusion (LIF) that has a patient lying in a lateral position. Not only can the position be unfamiliar to the surgeon and staff which leads to inefficiencies in preoperative setup and repositioning for posterior procedures, but literature demonstrates that the lateral decubitus position may not be ideal for achieving sagittal alignment – the greatest correlative to a long-term positive outcomes.

The newly developed procedure performed by Dr. Joseph, PTP (Prone Transpsoas) has many benefits that range from superior surgical efficiency to powerful correction abilities in both the sagittal and coronal planes.  PTP allows for the patient to remain in one position for the entire procedure. The prone position creates efficiencies by allowing for a single-position surgery providing simultaneous access to the anterior column and posterior column of the spine. 

View Published Case Study

Initial multi-center clinical experience with prone transpsoas lateral interbody fusion: Feasibility, preoperative outcomes, and lessons learned.

About Dr. Joseph

Dr. Joseph is a board certified, fellowship-trained, orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in advanced spine care. He is a leader in new spine medicine techniques and procedures.  He is dedicated to pioneering minimally invasive, outpatient spine surgical techniques along with complex scoliosis and revision surgery. Dr. Joseph is among a select group of surgeons to offer cutting edge endoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery for patients to provide the most advanced minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) available globally. He is also the team spine surgeon for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

About Joseph Spine Institute

Joseph Spine Institute is the advanced center for spine, scoliosis and minimally invasive spine surgery. Treatment includes therapeutic injections, physical therapy, pain management, stem cell therapy, disc replacement surgery, minimally invasive techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery, and complex reconstruction of adult and pediatric spinal disorders. Dr. Joseph is among a select group of surgeons to offer cutting edge endoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery for patients to provide the most advanced minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) available globally. Joseph Spine has four locations in Tampa Bay, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, and Brandon, FL. Joseph Spine is dedicated to offering humanitarian spine services internationally in the form of education, awareness, and surgery. Please visit JosephSpine.com for more information.

Dr. Joseph Performs Endoscopic Decompression and Fusion with Coronal Correction

16 Dec 2020 Endoscopic Spine Surgery, Endoscopy, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Spine News

Dr. Sam Joseph continues to pioneer new techniques for minimally invasive spine surgery by implementing cutting edge techniques and utilizing the FlareHawk7 endoscopically assisted system.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

The patient is a 52-year-old female with a longstanding history of severe lower back and right leg pain. She had failed therapy, medication and injections, and had a prior right-sided laminectomy at L4-5. The patient presented to another surgeon who offered her open lumbar laminectomy and fusion. She then presented to Dr. Joseph’s office for a second opinion for a less invasive approach.

EXAM

Severe lower back pain with palpation, spasm, pos SLR right side, decreased sensation L3, 4, 5, absent DTR right side.

VIEW INTEGRITY IMPLANTS' ORIGINAL CASE STUDY

IMAGING

X-RAY

  • Moderate spondylitic changes at L4-5
  • Endplate degeneration identified
  • Facet arthropathy identified
  • Scoliosis curvature
  • Exhale. Leave the pose incrementally. First, bend the arms slowly backwards. Lower the navel to the mat, then the chest, then the shoulders, and, lastly, the forehead.

MRI LUMBAR SPINE

  • L2-3: 5 mm central disk protrusion is seen with bilateral facet arthropathy.
  • L3-4: Dehydrated, bulging disc is seen with a 4 mm broad-based disc protrusion and bilateral facet arthropathy.
  • L4-5: Dessicated, bulging disc and osteophyte and facet arthropathy are seen with a 7 mm right foraminal disc protrusion. Prior Laminectomy. Severe foraminal narrowing on the right side.
  • Exhale. Leave the pose incrementally. First, bend the arms slowly backwards. Lower the navel to the mat, then the chest, then the shoulders, and, lastly, the forehead.

Modified Seated Spinal Twist

Modified Seated Spinal Twist

PROCEDURE

OVERVIEW

Dr. Joseph performed a right sided foraminotomy, discectomy, and partial facetectomy of L2-3, L3-4 and L4-5. An endoscopically assisted TLIF was performed on the right side of L4-5 with bilateral posterior pedicle screw instrumentation at L4-5.The FlareHawk7 endoscopically assisted system allowed Dr. Joseph to perform his discectomy and deploy an 11mm wide, 26mm long, 10mm tall Implant with 6° of lordosis through an 11mm Tubular Retractor.

BLOOD LOSS

50 cc

IMPLANT INSERTION PROFILE

7mm W x 7mm H x 26mm L

IMPLANT DEPLOYED PROFILE 11mm W x 10mm H x 26mm L with 6° Lordosis

PROCEDURAL RATIONALE

Endoscopic decompression with fusion was ideal for this patient due to her multilevel symptomatic foraminal stenosis as well as her scoliosis and prior Midline Laminectomy at L4-5. The Kambin’s triangle approach avoids the scar tissue from prior surgery. The round dilator acts like a distractor elevating the right side and the FlareHawk7 allows expansion to maintain the correction through a very small working channel. This allows both direct and indirect decompression at the L4-5 level.

OUTCOME

The patient had no more leg pain and only mild back soreness. Discharged home in fewer than 24 hours post-op. The patient continues to do well.

Joseph Spine Institute Supports the Scoliosis Research Societies Awareness Campaign

3 Jun 2020 Scoliosis, Spine News ,

During these uncertain times it is important not to forget our health, the health of our children, and young adults. At Joseph Spine Institute we proudly support the Scoliosis Research Society every June with their efforts to promote scoliosis awareness.

National Scoliosis Awareness Month takes place yearly in June with the goal of highlighting the growing need for education, early detection and awareness to the public about scoliosis and its prevalence within the community.  It is crucial to try and diagnose scoliosis as soon as possible to start corrective treatment before the condition worsens.

Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal disorder that results in a curved spine. While complex in nature, medical breakthroughs are leading to exciting new treatment options that allow children and adults with this condition to enjoy rich, full lives. Three in every 1,000 people end up developing scoliosis at some point.

Around 1 in 30 Americans experience some degree of scoliosis. It is both the most common spinal deformity as well as the least predictable one, as we are still unsure of what causes almost 80% of cases. However, with recent medical advancements, treatment allows the majority of people with scoliosis to heal and continue living normal, healthy lives.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis accounts for about 8 in 10 cases of scoliosis. This type of scoliosis typically presents during adolescence, but it can also start earlier in childhood or infancy.

Warning Signs and Treatment

Speak with your doctor if you or your child experiences any of the following:

  • any natural humps or bumps along the back or rib cage
  • an uneven appearance in the hips or shoulders when standing straight
  • shoulders that appear to be different heights
  • one hip that protrudes further than the other
  • back pain or an inability to get comfortable while sitting/standing

At Joseph Spine each we believe each patient deserves a customized treatment plan utilizing the most advanced and innovative techniques. Our comprehensive spine team takes a fully integrated approach to the treatment of pediatric and adult spine conditions.

Dr. Samuel Joseph is at the forefront in the treatment of pediatric and adult scoliosis  and is recognized globally for his leadership, contributions and philanthropic endeavors at home and abroad for severe scoliosis patients.

4 Stretches to Alleviate Sciatica and Lower Back Pain

29 Apr 2020 Back Pain, Sciatica, Spine News , ,

Let’s be honest, the self-quarantine we are all under can be a pain…literally. More specifically the lack of movement and sitting around for weeks can aggravate lower back pain and sciatica nerve pain. People with sciatica can see a worsening of the symptom and many will develop it during this time.

Exercise and stretching can be useful in helping prevent or alleviating sciatica and manage lower back pain while we are sequestered at home during this pandemic. It is important to enter into the exercises slowly and carefully to eliminate the risk of further injury while you are home. 

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4 Ways to Alleviate the Pain of Sciatica and Protect Your Back and Spine During the Pandemic

21 Apr 2020 Back Pain, Pain Management, Sciatica, Spine News

A sedentary lifestyle can cause or aggravate sciatica.

During this pandemic when we are adhering to the “shelter in place” order people are sitting for much longer periods of time with little to no exercise or activity. This can wreck havoc on your spine and overall physical health of your body.

People who sit for long periods and are physically inactive are more likely to develop sciatica, compared with active people.  A big reason for this is that sitting compresses your spine and discs, which – depending on your’s spines condition – may irritate a spinal nerve root. Another reason is that sitting may put pressure on the sciatic nerve directly, as in the case of piriformis syndrome.

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Joseph Spine Institute (JSI) Announces New Practice Location for East Hillsborough County

2 Apr 2020 Spine News

Joseph Spine Has Moved Brandon Practice Location to Riverview

To better serve our spine patients in the east Tampa Bay Area, Joseph Spine will open a new office in Riverview, FL as of April 1, 2020. This new JSI office will provide comprehensive spine medicine for patients, including Interventional Pain Management headed by Dr. Ron Chatterjee and advanced spine medicine headed by Dr. Thuy M. Nguyen, both highly recognized fellowship-trained physician and surgeon.

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Joseph Spine Institute Introduces Spine and Back Workers Compensation Program

16 Jan 2020 Pain Management, Spine News, Spine Patient Resources, Workers Compensation , , ,

Workers Compensation Plan for Back and Neck Injuries

Joseph Spine Institute is dedicated to restoring injured workers to maximum function in a timely manner.  Our specialists understand all aspects of the workers’ compensation process with the goal of providing advanced, specialized care in a cost-effective manner.

Our programs are focused on reducing medical costs and time lost from work, while providing the highest level of care to the patient through our state-of-the-art procedures. We communicate and work closely with employers and case managers to assist patients through the process.

Why Choose Us

  • Workers’ Compensation injuries are treated by a team of fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic specialists.
  • Quick access to evaluate and treat the patient injured at work via team of spine experts.
  • A centralized approach for comprehensive clinical care, using nationally recognized treatment protocols.
  • Centralized access to state-of-the-art diagnostic testing to quickly assess complexity of work injury.
  • Timely reporting and documentation of medical and work status directly to employers and managed care representatives for efficient claims processing.
  • Direct contact with employers to develop transitional work adjustments to minimize costs associated with lost work time.
  • Our spine specialists offer a full range of care from non-surgical care, interventional pain management, to a full range of surgical treatment including minimally invasive outpatient procedures to complex deformity and revision surgeries.
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