Medial branch blocks are diagnostic injections performed to identify painful lumbar facet joints. The purpose of the procedure is to pinpoint the exact area in the spine that the pain is radiating from that needs treatment.
The facet joints are little joints between the vertebra in the spine, they allow the spine to bend flex and twist and can be a common source of back pain. Medial branches are small nerves that carry pain impulses from the lumbar facet joints to the brain. I am highly experienced in performing medial branch injections. In preparation for the procedure the patient is positioned on their stomach.
The procedure is done under a local anesthetic that helps to numb the skin and deeper tissues around the facet joint that is suspected of causing the pain. This procedure can also be performed under sedation if the patient would like. Once the patient is numb I will use a special camera to guide the needle close to the lumbar medial branch. A small amount of local anesthetic is then injected around the medial branch nerve. The local anesthetic temporarily blocks the pain signals and helps in identifying the correct level of the set joints contributing to back pain. If the temporary injections relieves your pain I will then inject a more long-lasting. anesthetic and ultimately proceed with radiofrequency ablation.
For more information about this procedure or other questions about how Dr. ChatterjeeDr. Chatterjee can help you please contact our office to request an appointmentto request an appointment.
Dr. Samuel A. Joseph, Jr. explains endoscopic spine surgery and what he is developing for future use of what he considers “the ultimate in spine surgery”.
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 scoliosisand is recognized globally for his leadership, contributions and philanthropic endeavors at home and abroad for severe scoliosis patients.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
