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.

State-of-the-Art Medical Technology and a Highly Skilled Surgeon Bring Tampa Bay a Revolutionary Approach to Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

18 Oct 2019 Mazor X, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Outpatient, Revision Surgery, Scoliosis, Spine News

Dr. Samuel Joseph, founder of the Joseph Spine Institute (JSI) of Tampa Bay, performs the Tampa Bay area’s first Robotic Endoscopically Assisted Percutaneous Outpatient Spinal Fusion at Memorial Hospital of Tampa. This method allows access to the disk, nerves and bones of the spine.

The areas first combined Endoscopic and Robotic-Guided Spine Surgery patient was discharged within one hour of the procedure, instead of the usual 2 – 4 day hospital stay that is usually required with a standard Spinal Fusion procedure. The patient left with only a few tiny scars, 1 – 2 centimeters in length, in comparison to the large scars patients had to live with in the past.

“Together they (Endoscopic and Robotic technology) compliment each other in the perfect package for revolutionizing how spine surgery is done,” states Dr. Joseph. “I am honored to bring this new procedure, combined technology and innovative products to Tampa Bay. At JSI we are dedicated to partnering with the innovators of spine medicine in order to offer our patients the most advanced spine care.”

Partnering with the innovators of cutting edge spine medicine allows JSI to provide our patients with the advantages of next-generation technology that enhances safety and allows for better patient outcomes. Combining these innovative technologies reduces procedure and recovery time as well as offer the following benefits:

  • Pre-operative planning and improved surgical accuracy
  • Smaller incision and less risk of infection
  • Decreased intra-operative radiation
  • Less anesthesia and shorter hospital stay
  • Improved patient safety
  • Reduced post-operative pain and recovery time 

Dr. Joseph utilized the joimax® endoscope which allows direct visualization of the compressed nerve with the ability to remove the pressure and disk through a 1 cm incision. The endoscope (high-resolution camera) provides optimal visualization of the surgical field in HD quality. The endoscope allows the operation to be performed with minimal trauma to any surrounding tissue, as muscles, ligaments and tendons need not be disrupted.

After disc removal and decompression Dr. Joseph utilized Mazor X robot guided technology for improved accuracy, less soft tissue damage and less radiation exposure for the patient.

The percutaneous approach is made possible by this technology as well as special expandable cage by Spinal Elements and the most low profile screws available by MiRus. MiRus has developed MoRe®, a proprietary molybdenum rhenium superalloy for medical implants, to provide an unprecedented combination of strength, ductility, durability, and biological safety that is unmatched by current materials.

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. 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 today 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 surgeons offer an integrated approach to patients that includes surgical and non-surgical options such as pain management and physical therapy. 

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.

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.

FDA Approved Medical Device for Spinal Fusion

FDA Clears New Surgeon Inspired 3D Printing Device for Lumbar Fusion

16 Oct 2018 Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Spine News , , , , , , ,

Dr. Samuel Joseph, Jr. worked alongside medical device firm Osseus Fusion Systems to develop the newly FDA approved 3D printed Aries titanium spinal implants. The approval marks one of the largest FDA clearances for a family of 3D printed spinal devices of that kind.

Partnering with Pioneers in Spine Medicine

By partnering with pioneers in the medical industry such as Osseus, Dr. Joseph can offer his expertise as an exceptionally trained spine surgeon to help develop new products and procedures. Combining cutting-edge research with new technology Joseph Spine may offer spine patients new hope for a pain-free life.

Surgeon Inspired Spinal Implants

“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. “Using 3D printing, we were able to go from design to prototype, to finished product much faster than with traditional manufacturing—which means patients get access to more advanced treatments sooner, too.”

“Osseus is unique in our ability to bring surgeon-inspired implants to market quicker than any competitor, and our focus on R&D delivers unparalleled performance and quality to our surgeons and patients,” said Eric Hansen, Co-Founder, and CEO of Osseus. Osseus’ newly approved Aries family of lumbar interbody fusion devices is, the company says, one of the most comprehensive groups of 3D printed devices in the spinal and orthopedic industries. The family, comprising of Aries-TS, Aries-TC, Aries-A, Aries-L and Aries-O offer implant solutions for lateral (LLIF), anterior (ALIF), straight and curved transforaminal (TLIF) and oblique (OLIF) procedures.

Aries Titanium Spinal Implants

The 3D printed devices are constructed from a highly porous titanium metal which has been optimized for bone integration and fusion. The creation of the implants has been enabled largely by Osseus’ proprietary 3D printing platform, PL3XUS. Interestingly, the company says its titanium implants are some of the most porous spinal implants out there, with porosity rates of 80% or higher.

Lumbar-Fusion-3d-printing-Device

The 3D printed medical devices also integrate a proprietary mesh lattice which acts to reduce stiffness and to maximize bone graft packability. In other words, the mesh lattice structure is specifically designed to encourage bone cell fixation and proliferation, ultimately resulting in faster recovery times after implantation.

The recent FDA clearance for its medical device family marks Osseus’ fourth FDA 510(k) clearance.

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.

Robotic Assisted Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

26 Apr 2018 Mazor X, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Spine News , , , , , ,

In this blog post Dr. Joseph will review how minimally invasive spine surgery using Mazor X robotic technology can help people who are diagnosed with serious spine problems or complications that have not responded to medication, physical therapy or spinal injections.

Bringing State of the Art Spine Technology to Tampa Bay

Joseph Spine brings this state-of-the-art technology to our patients and offers a transformative leap forward in spinal surgery. Mazor X maximizes surgical predictability and allows surgeons to achieve greater precision for optimal patient benefit.

As with other robotic surgical devices, Mazor X does not perform actual surgeries. Instead it provides surgeons with information and anatomical images of the patient’s spine. In the operating room using Mazor X robotic-assisted technology, the blueprint guides surgeons through the operation with more accuracy and efficiency.
Mazor X incudes three integrated processes – Planning, Guidance, Verification – to assure greater predictability and precision during your procedure.

Mazor X Surgical Assurance Platform

The Core of the Surgical Assurance Platform is an innovative set of planning and guidance tools indicated for implant and instrument positioning in spine surgery.

Stage 1 – Planning Robotic Assisted Spine Surgery

The Mazor X system’s 3D planning software is used to create a comprehensive surgical plan as part of a total patient treatment strategy.

A pre-op CT scan of the patient is uploaded to the Mazor X software for planning and then two fluoro shots are taken intra-operatively to register.
A Mazor X Scan & Plan procedure utilizes an intra-op 3D imaging system, such as Medtronic’s O-arm, eliminating the need for a intra-op CT.

Stage 2 – Operate with Mazor X

The Mazor X Surgical System is attached to both the OR bed and the patient. With the surgeon in full control, the Surgical Arm guides the tools according to the surgical plan.
The Surgical Arm’s reach and range of motion allows for posterior instrumentation from a variety of different trajectories. Minimally-invasive spine surgery using Mazor X robotic technology can help people who are diagnosed with serious spine problems or complications that have not responded to medication, physical therapy or spinal injections.

Conditions include:

  • Vertebral fractures
  • Traumatic spine injury
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spinal weakness or instability
  • “Slipped disc” (Spondylolisthesis)
  • Narrowing of spinal canal (Stenosis)
  • Adult degenerative spinal deformity (Scoliosis, kyphosis)
  • Revision Surgeries

Patients with these conditions often suffer with debilitating symptoms like:

  • Low back pain
  • Leg pain
  • Sciatica
  • Uneven legs, hips or shoulders
  • Abnormal gait
  • Breathing difficulties when the rib cage puts pressure on the lungs
  • The benefits of robotic spine surgery

Compared to traditional spine surgery, Mazor X robotic technology can:

  •  Increase surgical accuracy and help preserve surrounding healthy tissue
  • Allow surgeons to more accurately place hardware during the procedure, thus lowering the risk of complications
  • Reduce the risk of exposure to radiation from imaging scans
  • Improve recovery time due to less time in the operating room and while under anesthesia
  • Reduce pain after the surgery for a quicker return to daily activities

To learn more about Mazor X or to schedule an appointment, contact our office or request an appointment online at JosephSpine.com.

Dr. Samuel A. Joseph Jr. Selected “Tampa Bay’s Top Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon”

22 Nov 2017 Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Revision Surgery, Scoliosis, Spine News

Dr. Samuel Joseph, Jr., of Tampa, FL has been honored with the recognition of Tampa Magazine’s Top Doctors, in the category of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Spine.

The doctors selected for Tampa Bay’s Top Doctors have been rated by their peers as doctors with the highest level of ethical standards and professional excellence.

“I am and always have been proud to be a spine surgeon which allows me to help people that have been in a lot of pain,” said Dr. Joseph. “To be able to help my patients that have suffered gives me a great deal of satisfaction. It is a great honor that this recognition of my work comes from the ratings of my peers.”

Dr. Joseph is a board certified, fellowship-trained, orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in advanced spine care. He is the founder of Joseph Spine Advanced Center for Spine, Scoliosis, and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery.

Dr. Samuel Joseph offers the latest technological treatment advances for spine care making Joseph Spine, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary spine care institute designed to create better outcomes for spine and back patients regionally, nationally and internationally.

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.

What is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

19 Jul 2017 Back Pain, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Revision Surgery, Scoliosis, Spine News

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.

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