Dr. Chatterjee to Serve as a Team Physician for the Buccaneers

22 Sep 2019 Back Pain, Pain Management, Spine News

Dr. Chatterjee Team Physician for Tampa Bay Bucs

Dr. Ron Chatterjee, a highly experienced, board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician has been chosen to serve as a team physician for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2019 season. He joins Dr. Samuel Joseph, founder of Joseph Spine Institute, on the field who is now entering his 3rd season with the Bucs.

As a board-certified physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation with a sub-specialty in interventional pain, spine, and sports medicine Dr. Chatterjee brings a unique and multidisciplinary skillset to the team. Chatterjee is highly trained in the treatment and prevention of sports and exercise-related injuries and improving performance.

Interventional Pain Management

Interventional pain management is the healing art of providing treatment and prevention to pain. It includes the evaluation of the existing condition of the musculoskeletal system of the body and giving a diagnosis as to the cause and origin of pain and discomfort.

“I look forward to bringing my complimentary skill set to the team”, said Dr. Chatterjee, “My experience in the care of athletes and my expertise in the management of sports-related injuries will contribute to the comprehensive medical treatment the team receives. My goal is to quickly relieve pain and restore function to our athletes.”

Chatterjee specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic pain syndromes through a variety of techniques. His commitment to a multidisciplinary and holistic approach and treatments are designed to improve quality of life, reduce the need for long-term pain medication, and offer cutting edge interventional techniques to treat and manage acute and chronic pain, including stem cell therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy.

About Dr. Ron Chatterjee

Dr. Chatterjee is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Interventional Pain, Spine, and Sports Medicine physician. He completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Chatterjee was fellowship trained in Interventional Pain, Spine and Sports Medicine at Ahwatukee Sports and Spine in Phoenix, Arizona.

From the training he received, his focus is on pain originating from the spine and affecting any part of the body, although he has a strong ability to assess all types of pain and distinguishing its source. He also has expertise in the management of sports-related injuries and has been the team physician for high school football and independent professional baseball teams, along with working with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His education in physical medicine and rehabilitation has allowed him to help patients successfully improve their quality of life and be as independent as possible through multiple modalities. Dr. Chatterjee is a physician that will always spend extra time with patients making sure their problems are addressed and ensuring they receive the best care available. He is up-to-date with all current treatments including regenerative and stem cell treatments. Dr. Chatterjee is not only interested in improving your current pain and disability, but also your long-term health through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary and holistic approach.

About Joseph Spine Institute

With all four of our locations in the Tampa Bay area, Dr. Joseph has assembled a comprehensive team of highly skilled spine specialists that are devoted to offering the highest level of spine care available today. He has also strategically partnered with some of the most innovative leaders in the spine care industry in order to bring our patients the latest in technology, products, and resources.

From state-of-the-art technology to alternate therapies and interventional pain management treatments our industry-leading spine care practice offers our patients a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of spinal conditions. Our highly-trained and comprehensive spine, the team offer an integrated approach to patients that includes surgical and non-surgical options such as pain management and physical therapy. 

Joseph Spine Announces Name Change to Reflect Broader Scope of Expertise and Services

12 Aug 2019 Spine News , ,

Joseph Spine of Tampa, Florida announces that the practice has officially changed its name to Joseph Spine Institute as of August 5, 2019, to reflect its expansion of spine specialists, expertise and treatments options.

https://youtu.be/buCgDIcIoLs

Joseph Spine, Center for Spine, Scoliosis and Minimally Invasive procedures was founded by Dr. Samuel A. Joseph, Jr. in 2016. The spine institute offers our patients the latest technological treatment advances in spine medicine and brings a comprehensive, multidisciplinary spine care approach to Tampa Bay. 

Our commitment to quality and exceptional patient care has driven us to expand our scope of talent and resources to enable us to provide the most comprehensive spine care program to our patients. “We have built a strong reputation for quality and innovation in advanced spine care”, said Dr. Samuel Joseph, “we are dedicated to continuing to offer the finest spine care available and with that Joseph Spine Institute has constructed a comprehensive team of spine specialists to deliver on that promise.”

The institute’s specialized team will be comprised of board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons,  Dr. Samuel Joseph, and Dr. Andrew Moulton, a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon, Dr. Thuy Nguyen, and a board-certified interventional pain and spine physician, Dr. Ron Chatterjee. This comprehensive team allows us to Joseph Spine is the advanced center for spine, scoliosis and minimally invasive spine surgery.

Joseph Spine Institute offers the following in advanced spine care:

  • Minimally Invasive Techniques
  • Robotic-Assisted Surgery
  • Pediatric & Adult Spine Surgeries & Deformities
  • Scoliosis Treatment
  • Revision Surgeries
  • Customized Spinal Implants
  • Interventional Pain Management
  • Alternative Medicine – RIT, PRP and Fat Transfer

About Joseph Spine Institute

Joseph Spine Institute is the advanced center for spine, scoliosis and minimally invasive spine surgery. Founded by Dr. Samuel A. Joseph, Jr., a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon. From state-of-the-art technology to alternate therapies and interventional pain management treatments our industry-leading spine care practice offers patients a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of spinal conditions. Our highly-trained surgeons and physicians offer an integrated approach to patients that includes surgical and non-surgical options such as pain management and physical therapy.

About Our Founder Dr. Samuel A. Joseph Jr.

Dr. Joseph has been practicing in the Tampa Bay area for over 10 years and is the founder of Joseph Spine Institute. He is dedicated to pioneering minimally invasive, outpatient spine surgical techniques along with complex scoliosis and revision surgery. He is also the team spine surgeon for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dr. Joseph has assembled a comprehensive team of highly skilled spine specialists that are devoted to offering the highest level of spine care available. He has also strategically partnered with some of the most innovative leaders in the spine care industry in order to bring our patients the latest in technology, products, and resources.

5 Tips for a Successful Move When You Already Have Back Pain or a Spine Injury

21 May 2019 Back Pain, Pain Management, Spine News, Spine Patient Resources

If you or someone you love is moving and has already had a back or spine condition the process of moving can have serious consequences to your spine health. Extra precaution and planning are key to preventing more damage to your spine, back or neck during this stressful and exhaustive process.

It is estimated that approximately 43 million Americans will move this year with over half of those moves occurring in the months of June, July and August. Almost all people that have relocated complain of back pain during or after the process of moving has been completed. If you are planning a move during this peak season it will be even more important to plan ahead as the resources of help available will be tight and the weight of poor planning for your move will literally fall on your back!

The following tips may not only help you avoid additional injury to your back, spine or neck but could actually save you money and alleviate additional stress on the entire family.

Proper lifting protocols for back and spine safety
  1. Use Proper Lifting Protocols
    To make sure you prevent further injury, you’ll want to be sure to follow the fundamentals of heavy lifting, which include keeping your spine alignment as neutral as possible during the process. When picking heavy loads up off the ground, bend at your knees—not your waist and power lift up through your legs keeping your spine straight in alignment. Also, be aware to engage your abdominal muscles for further support of your spine. Carry heavy loads close to your body to maintain balance, and don’t twist your body lifting or carrying. If you do have to twist or turn, do so with your hips first, not your feet
  2. Give yourself enough time to properly prepare for your move.
    Most people will underestimate the time needed to prepare for a move, thus leaving a tremendous amount of physical work to be done at the last minute with little or no extra help from outside sources. Most professional moving consultants suggest you start your moving preparation 8 weeks in advance of your move.
  3. Don’t overpack your boxes
    Moving boxes are each designed to hold a certain amount of weight, and exceeding that can lead to additional strain or injury on your back, spine, and neck. It may be tempting to stuff a large box full of items, however, you should consider the weight of the items in the box and correlate those to the box sizes. Small boxes are great for heavy items such as books, while large boxes should be used for lighter bulk items such as clothes, pillows, and light fragile items such as lampshades.
  4. Delegate the heavy lifting to someone else
    It is important to realize that investing in movers to help you do the heavy lifting is an investment in your health. If you are on a budget you may want to rent a truck yourself but hire people to pack and to move your objects. This will lower the cost and give you more time to have a truck on your property but spare you the chance of risking further injury to your back or spine.
  5. Consult with your doctor
    If you are under the care of a spine physician it is a good idea to check with your doctor and to let him or her know that you are about to embark on this major life event. Your back or spine physician may have special instructions for you in consideration of your particular back or spine condition.

Moving is not only emotionally difficult, but your body can also undergo a lot of stress with minor and more severe injuries a possibility. If you already have a back or spine condition the move and stress can cause much further damage. Be sure to take the time to insure the health of your spine so you can enjoy your new home and new adventure!

About Joseph Spine

Joseph Spine is an advanced center for spine, scoliosis and minimally invasive spine surgery. Founded by Dr. Samuel A. Joseph, a fellowship trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon. His practice includes the specialized, conservative, and surgical care of patients. Treatment includes therapeutic injections, disc replacement surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and complex reconstruction of adult and pediatric spinal disorders. Dr. Joseph is also among a select group of surgeons to offer cutting-edge regenerative injection (stem cell) therapy.

Joseph Spine Participates in “Walk for Wishes” to Support Southern Florida’s Make-A-Wish Foundation

18 Apr 2019 Spine News , , , , ,

This past weekend, employees from Joseph Spine joined fellow businesses and volunteers to “Walk for Wishes” in support of Make-a-Wish Southern Florida’s 6th annual walk at Raymond James Stadium.

Walk for Wishes celebrates thousands of wishes that have already been granted while raising funds for future wishes. The event is powered by wish families, volunteers, donors and friends, and participants help to bring the life-changing impact of a wish to children battling life-threatening medical conditions in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding communities in Southern Florida. In the United States and its territories, a wish is granted every 34 minutes.

More than 980 participants, including 81 teams, made the Walk For Wishes an impactful morning. 21 wish kids participated, and many of them started their own teams to raise funds to help grant more wishes. In all, everyone came together to raise enough funds to grant 16 heartfelt wishes for kids like 14-year-old Corin who battled leukemia. Her wish was to go on a Mediterranean cruise with her family. 

Corin needed an escape from the grueling treatments and always wanted to get a passport. During her voyage, she visited three countries and five cities. Normally during a cruise, a passport isn’t stamped but for Corin, Make-A-Wish found a way! There were so many special moments but Corin’s favorites were visiting the Coliseum in Rome and touching the Mediterranean Sea in Cassis, France. Corin said, “This wish gave me a lot of joy in the middle of my treatment and has made a huge impact on my life.”


Support Walk for Wishes 2019 – Tampa Bay

4 Apr 2019 Spine News

We are excited to walk and fundraise for this year’s Walk For Wishes.

Join, us, Team Joseph Spine, as we walk and fundraise for this year’s Walk For Wishes at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Saturday, April 13, 2019.  Together, we can raise money for Make-A-Wish to help grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses.

Walk For Wishes is a nationwide Make-A-Wish® fundraiser that celebrates the more than 300,000 wishes that have already been granted while raising funds for future wishes. It’s a family-friendly event powered by wish families, volunteers, donors, and friends.

You can participate by registering to walk or you can donate to a walker or a team. Below is some general information about the walk. You can also visit Make-A-Wish’s subsite Walk for Wishes for more information.

A wish gives children renewed energy and strength, brings families closer together and unites communities.

These life-changing wishes are only possible because of supporters like us. A wish experience can truly change a child’s life, and so can we.

Join our team or make a donation today!

New Technologies and Outpatient Spine Care Make High-Quality Spine Procedures More Cost Efficient

21 Mar 2019 Mazor X, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Outpatient, Revision Surgery, Scoliosis, Spine News

The increased usage of new (often minimally invasive) techniques have allowed existing and new procedures to be performed safely and effectively with outpatients procedures at a much lower cost. Minimally invasive procedures, as opposed to open procedures, mean patients are no longer required to stay overnight in hospitals.

There are a number of ways outpatient surgeries and procedures are helpful for patients as well as medical professionals. Outpatient surgeries are in many ways easier for patients, and there are also inherent benefits for doctors and care centers.  

Convenience of Outpatient Spine Procedures

The most obvious benefit associated with outpatient surgery and other procedures is that it can be easier and more comfortable for patients and their families. A hospital can be an intimidating setting for some individuals, where as undergoing a small operation at a physician’s office or other facility may be preferable. This also is beneficial because it allows patients to recover at their own home, which  can be beneficial to children who worry about their parents away from home.

The physicians will also have much more flexibility in scheduling an outpatient procedure performed in the office or a surgery center.

Cost Savings For Spine Patients

Another major consideration for these types of operations is the enormous potential for cutting costs. Patients do not face room charges at a hospital, and some insurance companies have more lenient coverage for outpatient procedures. According to Becker’s Healthcare, there are tremendous savings associated with outpatient surgeries when compared to the same procedure in a standard facility. For example, patients who underwent outpatient lumbar spine surgery in 2014 saved $320 on average, while across the board these operations cost $8,475 less than they would have at a regular OR.

If you would like to learn more about the orthopedic surgical procedures available at our outpatient surgery centers, please contact us at Joseph Spine and one of our team members will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

About Joseph Spine

Joseph Spine is an advanced center for spine, scoliosis and minimally invasive surgery. Founded by Dr. Samuel A. Joseph, a fellowship trained, board certified orthopedic surgeon. His practice includes the specialized, conservative, and surgical care of patients. Treatment includes therapeutic injections, disc replacement surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and complex reconstruction of adult and pediatric spinal disorders. Dr. Joseph is also among a select group of surgeons to offer cutting edge regenerative injection therapy.

Tampa Bay Spine Surgeons Travel to the Dominican Republic to Offer Hope to Patients with Debilitating Spine Conditions

1 Mar 2019 Spine News

 

 

 

Butterfly Foundation Spinal Mission Trip

The Butterfly Foundation’s spinal deformity mission trip changes the lives of 23 young patients as volunteers and generous donors dedicate their time not only provide surgical treatment for patients, but also to train local physicians in surgical procedures that can continue to serve the people of the Dominican Republic.

Dr. Samuel Joseph and Dr. Andrew Moulton, along with a dedicated team of volunteers traveled to the Dominican Republic over Valentine’s week to save the lives of children and young adults with severe spinal deformities.

https://youtu.be/4DfKFy-xs6g

The volunteers had a grueling schedule which included 4 to 5 surgeries daily for the week, along with patient screenings and lectures to orthopedic residents. The team performed 23 scoliosis and kyphosis cases and stated he was seeing one of the most severe cases they had ever come across. Dr. Samuel Joseph, founder of Joseph Spine of Tampa and neurosurgeon Dr. Salvatore Zavarella from New York performed the most severe case.  The patient was suffering extreme kyphosis. This patient was actually a somewhat rare instance of the team taking on an adult case, 36 year old female that said to her husband less than 12 hours post op when looking in the mirror sitting up, “I feel like a super model”.

“We have seen this hundreds of times before, she is now the butterfly escaping the bound up cocoon and with thrive,” Dr. Moulton.

Before and after surgery extreme case of kyphosis. Surgery performed by Dr. Samuel Joseph, founder of Joseph Spine of Tampa and neurosurgeon Dr. Salvatore Zavarella from New York.

Although the days were long the team was energized by the work they were doing and the gratitude of their young patients. 


“It felt amazing to have a direct effect on a child’s life and not only improve their appearance but improve their quality of life and life expectancy,” stated Dr. Joseph.  “Thinking about how many people this child will then affect in their life makes you really take a step back and be humbled by what we as a team are so fortunate and blessed to be able to do.”

Many of these young patients travel great distances to receive surgery. Most of the patients have been long suffering from adolescent or congenital scoliosis or in need of kyphosis correction. These young patients are heroes themselves, braving the travel and unfamiliarity with their surgeons. The surgeons and other volunteers take extra time with these children to help them cope with the upcoming days.


“Meeting strangers and allowing them to perform dangerous and painful surgery was a great leap of faith,” Dr. Moulton.

Many of these cases were quite severe. Dr. Joseph, founder of Joseph Spine in Tampa, performed an eight hour surgery, along with neurosurgeon Dr. Salvatore Zavarella from New York. The patient was somewhat of a rare instance of an adult with a severe kyphosis case. The patient had lived with this severe deformity since childhood and it had devastating social consequences for her throughout her life.  She stood up the day after surgery holding Dr. Joseph and looked straight forward without craning her pelvis and neck essentially for the first time in her life.

The Butterfly Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the sharing of spine surgery technology, expertise and care to patients and to teaching spinal deformity surgery in developing countries. Local physicians work alongside establish deformity corrective surgeons such as Dr. Joseph and Dr. Moulton as they perform live-saving surgeries, while promoting the advancement of spine deformity treatment technology by training local surgeons.

The Butterfly Foundation was founded by Dr. Moulton in 2003. He was inspired to start the foundation as he realized the mission trips could only provide help to a small percentage of the population. In order to make a real difference for the population it was necessary to train local surgeons. 

“Teach a man to fish and he feeds his community for a lifetime is our motto,” states Dr. Moulton.

Dr. Moulton explains how the name “Butterfly Foundation” was chosen. 


“Because of society’s attitudes toward their deformity, we saw how these kids would come in, bundled up, socially withdrawn, embarrassed, even outcast. Once they have their surgeries and heal, they stand up straight, they run, and they jump and play. There’s such a profound joy to see them move so freely, without pain. Their transformation reminded us of how a butterfly is born and the name stuck.”

World’s First Lumbar Fusion with 3D Printed Spinal Implant Aries-L

10 Jan 2019 Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Spine News

Osseus’ innovative and proprietary 3D printed technology provides surgeon-inspired spinal implants that fit perfectly with the patient’s anatomy which can be produced faster and more economically than traditional methods and provides better patient outcomes. 

On Tuesday, January 8, Dr. Samuel Joseph, Jr., assisted by Dr. Andrew Moulton of Joseph Spine are the first in the world to use Osseus Fusion Systems revolutionary 3D Printed Aries Titanium Spinal Implant. “As a surgeon, it’s very exciting to participate in the device development process and see your ideas brought to life so quickly,” commented Dr. Joseph, founder of Joseph Spine. “Today we were able to successfully implement this cutting edge, patient-specific spinal implant that addresses the complex anatomy of the spine and the delicate nature of it surrounding structures. ”

“Through 3D printing we are able to manufacture spinal implants that are customized to the patient”, stated Dr. Joseph, “Meaning the size of their disc, the size of their vertebra, how high  the vertebra may be, as well as the curvature they may have in their back we are trying to create. With this cutting edge technology we can offer our patients implants such as the Aries L Interbody Fusion Device which can be created at a certain height, a certain length, as well as a certain angle, which offers our patients better, customized care, which results in better outcomes for the patients.”

“Working with Osseus and utilizing their technology for spinal implants provides us with a great opportunity for superior patient care. Osseus understands that the future of advanced spine care is in the technology of custom implants as well as creating partnerships with doctors to create customized implants that offer:

  • better solutions for our patients with spinal problems,
  • in a way that is more effective, 
  • that is less traumatic to the patient’s body, 
  • with a minimally invasive technique, which also becomes,
  • more cost effective as it may reduce 
  • the amount of biologics necessary to allow for bones to heal

This, in turn allows better outcomes for our patients.” stated Dr. Joseph.

The Aries-L interbody fusion device features a proprietary multi-axis mesh and optimized micro-surface topology, both of which are designed to facilitate fusion. The product’s lattice helps increase the implant’s porosity to 80%, which provides unparalleled in-situ radiovisibility compared with other titanium implants. The implant’s anatomic profile, anti-migrational teeth, and streamlined insertion promote reduced recovery time by helping increase procedural efficiencies. 

Proprietary multi-axis mesh is designed to facilitate bone fusion throughout the implant.

About Joseph Spine

Joseph Spine is an advanced center for spine, scoliosis and minimally invasive surgery. Founded by Dr. Samuel A. Joseph, a fellowship trained, board certified orthopedic surgeon. His practice includes the specialized, conservative, and surgical care of patients. Treatment includes therapeutic injections, disc replacement surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and complex reconstruction of adult and pediatric spinal disorders. Dr. Joseph is also among a select group of surgeons to offer cutting-edge regenerative injection therapy (Stem Cell Therapy).

About Osseus Fusion Systems Osseus is a medical device firm focused on unique, novel and new technology products, including: the Black Diamond Pedicle Screw System (PSS) – a trailblazing fixation system technology, White Pearl Preferred Angle Anterior Cervical Plate (ACP) – a cervical spine fixation device, and Red Ruby Anchored Cervical Interbody (ACI) – a revisable cervical Interbody system.

dr. joseph laser spine surgeon

Laser Spine Surgery vs. Minimally Invasive

4 Dec 2018 Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Spine News , , , , , , ,

The Importance of Understanding The Differences of Laser Spine Surgery vs. Minimally Invasive

Spine Surgery Technique vs Spine Surgery Tool

There are numerous minimally invasive spine procedures available for patients today. Minimally invasive surgical techniques utilize specialized instruments, which allow a surgical procedure to be done through smaller incisions with much less tissue disruption.

With all of the marketing buzz about laser spine surgery, it is important to understand the difference between the laser as a tool for minimally invasive surgery vs. many new advances in technology in the form of tools, techniques and minimally invasive spine procedures.

Minimally invasive spine surgery more often does not involve the use of a laser. It is important to understand that a laser is just a cutting tool that may sometimes be used in place of a scalpel to cut through soft tissues, such as discs and ligaments.

While lasers can be effective for some procedures, they aren’t necessary to achieve successful results and in many cases could be harmful. Most people consider laser surgery to be the most up-to-date, top-of-the-line surgery available, but in many cases, spine surgery is more effective when the surgeon uses minimally invasive techniques with a scalpel, rather than a laser.

The fact is that most spine surgeons do not use or recommend the use of lasers for spine surgery because there are no clear benefits and there are other well-established and documented studies proving the effectiveness of more modern and established spine surgery techniques.

Dramatic Advances In Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)

FDA Approved Medical Device for Spinal Fusion

Based in Dallas, Texas, Osseus Fusion Systems is a medical device manufacturer that is focused on the development of new medical products and treatments that are minimally invasive. Osseus offers its Aries lumbar interbody fusion devices in a range of sizes and lordotic angles. Within the medical industry, additive manufacturing is increasingly enabling patient-specific solutions—for implants, surgical guides and more.

 

 

Techniques of MISS have developed rapidly in the past few decades. The spectrum of MISS now includes spinal degenerative diseases, spinal trauma, spinal deformity and spinal tumors. Surgical materials, nerve monitoring, and computer-aided navigation have improved significantly. With these techniques, the risks, recovery time, and surgical complications have significantly decreased.

Which Surgical Tool Will Offer Precision?

With the intricacy of the human spine, laser spine surgery may not be the best procedure but could also be an extremely harmful procedure in many cases.

Lasers do not have the ability to maneuver around corners to reach the appropriate areas required in most spinal surgeries. A laser is a straight beam of light, while a skilled surgeon can use the scalpel and other tools to achieve great precision and maneuverability for a successful outcome. Lasers cut the soft tissue using heat, which can be transferred to the structures surrounding the area being worked on. This can lead to nerve damage, which can cause incontinence and loss of function.

A laser is another tool a surgeon will use in the operating room. It is the assumption of most lay people that a laser equals precision.  That assumption can be a very dangerous one.

A skilled surgeon, with a scalpel, is just as precise, or more, as a laser without the risk of damage from heat. The majority of clinical studies in well-respected peer reviewed journals call into question the efficacy of lasers regarding spine surgery.

Choose Your Spine Surgeon Not the Tool 

The most important decision you will make when preparing for spine surgery, or any spine treatment is choosing a well-respected and exceptionally trained surgeon.

What to Look for in a Spine Surgeon

It is important for patients to be as involved as possible in their own medical care. This includes the choice of doctors. Some managed care programs leave little room for choice, but if you are able to choose your physician, here are some guidelines on what to look for in a spine specialist:

  • Make sure the spine surgeon is board certified (or board eligible) and fellowship trained in spine.
    This means that in addition to the usual surgical residency requirements, he or she has completed a fellowship program in spine that included at least one additional year of training specific to spine surgery.
  • Choose a spine surgeon who devotes at least 50% of his or her practice to the treatment of spinal conditionsA physician who sees mostly spine patients will be more up-to-date on newer technologies and techniques than a physician who only sees spine patients occasionally.
  • In addition to the physician’s credentials, make sure the physician you choose is someone you feel comfortable with.After all, finding a physician you can trust is almost as important as his or her experience. Good communication is essential in a doctor/patient relationship.
  • Talk to the physician about his or her experience with the latest techniques and technologies in spine surgery.

Kyphoplasty Minimally Invasive Procedure for Compression Fractures

16 Nov 2018 Back Pain, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Spine News , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kyphoplasty has transformed the way we are able to take care of patients with compression fractures. In this segment, Dr. Samuel Joseph, Jr., will review what you can expect and the benefits of this minimally invasive spine procedure. 

Kyphoplasty may be recommended for damaged vertebrae or certain spinal fractures. In most cases, a weakening of the bones (osteoporosis) has caused the vertebrae to compress or collapse, causing pain or a hunched posture.

The procedure may be performed as an outpatient in 30 minutes or less. The relief from pain may be immediate and patients may resume normal activities immediately.

Kyphoplasty uses a small balloon that gently lifts bone fragments into their correct position.  The balloon is inflated to create a space that the surgeon later fills with a special bone cement. The bone cement creates an internal cast that holds the vertebra in place. This extra feature allows kyphoplasty to help restore vertebral height, and thus, help reduce spinal deformity.  It also allows a thicker cement to be used which has less risk of leaking out and causing complications.

It is important to accurately diagnose vertebral compression fractures, as there are a number of potential adverse effects if a diagnosis is missed and there is no treatment. In general, vertebral fractures are associated with both increased morbidity which includes continued pain, decreased physical function, deformity, and potentially social isolation, all of which negatively impact the individual’s overall quality of and enjoyment of life. Mortality is also associated with vertebral fractures, as women diagnosed with a compression fracture of the spine have a 15% higher mortality rate than those who do not experience fractures.

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