Patients often inquire about the differences between an MRI scan and a CT scan. They also wonder if one test is better than the other. In actuality, both tests are valuable diagnostic tools that should be utilized by your spine care physician.
Dr. Samuel Joseph, spine surgeon located in Tampa, FL, explains the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery. He also reviews complex spine conditions that can now be treated with minimally invasive spine surgery due to advances in technology.
There have been a lot of new advances in medicine and technology that allow us to do minimally invasive spine surgeries (MISS).
Traditionally open procedures typically require a larger incision, as it is necessary to cut through muscles and pull them out of the way in order to reach the spine. This causes patients a large amount of pain, lots of muscle dissection, blood loss, increases hospitalization, the risk of infection and lengthens recovery time.
Minimally invasive surgery involves a smaller incision, with minimal muscle dissection, and less pain resulting in a faster recovery time, minimal scarring, reduced blood loss and reduced risk of infection. There is rarely a need for a blood transfusion, often there is less need for narcotic pain medications, and usually, no hospital stay.
Let’s review the anatomy of the lumbar spine. The lumbar spine consists of five lumbar vertebrae labeled one through five. So this would be L1, L2, L3. They are separated from one another by these discs, these discs are the spongy portion of the spine that allow the spine to flex and extend. In the back of the spine, there is a tube, the tube consists of fluid and nerves. The nerves exit at various places in the spine. If a disc herniates or if you have a bone spur that can cause pressure on one of these nerves which can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and dysfunction for the patient.
Conditions that may benefit from minimally invasive surgery include spinal stenosis, Bulging or herniated discs, bone spurs, sciatica, leg pain and arm pain.
As we continue to focus on emerging technology and state of the art equipment we have vastly expanded the breadth of spine conditions that can be addressed using minimally invasive techniques.
Today new advances in spine care enable us to undertake a full range of spine disorders, including many complex procedures – such as revision surgeries, multiple-level disease, fusions, compressions, and deformities – all using minimally invasive techniques.
Regenerative Injective Therapy (RIT) using stem cells is a cutting-edge new procedure that triggers the body’s natural healing mechanisms, relieving pain and often curing the cause. The emerging field of regenerative medicine features stem cell-based therapies using autologous platelet rich plasma/fat/bone marrow which are at the forefront of sports and regenerative medicine worldwide. RIT offers a promising new option for treating those who suffer from chronic back pain.
When experiencing low back pain, the natural response may be to take it easy and sit on the couch. This could possibly be the worst thing you can do to help relieve back pain. A regular routine of lower back exercises may help patients avoid stiffness and weakness, minimize the recurrence of lower back pain, and lessen the severity and extent of possible future episodes of low back pain.
Tampa, FL April 7, 2017 – Dr. Samuel Joseph offers the latest technological treatment advances for Spine Care making Joseph Spine Advanced Center for Spine, Scoliosis, and Minimally Invasive Surgery, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary spine care program designed to create better outcomes for patients regionally, nationally and internationally.
Dr. Joseph’s 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.
He is among a select group of surgeons to offer cutting edge regenerative injection therapy (RIT), a procedure that harnesses the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Joseph Spine utilizes Lipogems® for stem cell therapy.
Dr. Joseph has used his training and experience to become a leader nationwide on revision surgery for patients who have experienced failed surgery in the past.
Teaching Engagements
Dr. Joseph is active in teaching his minimally invasive techniques, complex scoliosis procedures and revision strategies to surgeons across the United States, as well as internationally, including China, Russia, Poland, Turkey, Ukraine, and Switzerland.
Dr. Joseph has published numerous articles in neurosurgical and orthopedic spine journals. His research on scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal surgery in the elderly has been presented at many international meetings including the International Meeting for Advanced Spinal Techniques.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Dr. Joseph and his family are active members of the Tampa Bay community. They have taken a special interest in the Make a Wish Foundation and its goal of granting wishes and making life better for kids with life-threatening medical conditions. He also lends his time to the Butterfly Foundation, which brings deformity focused spine surgeons and comprehensive teams to developing countries to teach local spine surgeons through didactics, workshops, and surgery on local patients.
Tampa, FL – March 2, 2017 – Joseph Spine, recently opened it doors in December of 2016, with spine centers in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Safety Harbor Florida.
Joseph Spine’s patient-focused spine care program operates under Dr. Samuel A. Joseph, Jr., who is committed to finding the best treatment approach for each patient.
