Common Myths About Spine Surgery [Infographic]

June 30, 2017

The infographic titled “Myths About Spine Surgery, West Palm Beach” describes a few common misconceptions about spine surgery. Many people think that a minimally invasive surgery is an operation where an arbitrarily small incision is used. However, the maximum incision size used in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) has a quantifiable value: precisely one inch or less in length. The small size leads to less bleeding and pain during and after the procedure. Traditional spine surgery involves much larger cuts, and therefore greater risks of infection and pain.

Another common myth about spine surgery is that all spine surgeries involve a lot of pain and long recoveries. However, MISS significantly lowers pain and shortens recovery time. Many patients can resume to their daily routines within a few days. As MISS is less invasive than traditional spine surgeries, it also reduces long-term pain and complications.

Many people think that minimally invasive spine surgery is experimental. In reality, MISS is a highly researched, proven procedure and is extremely effective. To know more about popular spine surgery related misconceptions, refer to the infographic.

Lenard - 00009 - IG

What Are the Signs of a Spinal Compression Fracture?

June 30, 2017

In spinal fractures, a fracture or displacement of a vertebra can cause bone fragments to pinch and harm the spinal nerves or spinal cord. A spinal fracture may occur due to car accidents, sports, falls, gunshots, etc. A fracture in the spine, usually caused by osteoporosis, is generally referred to as a compression fracture. The foremost symptom of spinal compression fractures is back pain. The pain may get worse over time.

Compression fractures are most common in women over 50 years of age because of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the medical term for low bone density, and it is most common in women over 50, though it can occur in men as well.

Apart from back pain, various other symptoms of spinal compression fractures include:

Severe back pain when you stand or walk but some relief when you lie down

Difficulty in bending or twisting your body

A curved, stooped shape to your spine

Loss of height

Limited spinal mobility

Though most fractures heal with traditional treatment, severe fractures may require spine surgery in Florida to realign the bones.

Why Choose Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery for Back Pain?

June 30, 2017

Despite several months or years of nonsurgical treatments, back pain can become intolerable. If you are still suffering from chronic, unbearable back pain in spite of several conservative treatments, your physician may recommend back surgery. Choosing the right type of back surgery in Florida for your spine condition usually depends on the location of your condition.

Depending upon the damaged area of spine, surgeons can use different minimally invasive techniques to perform the surgery. With the advances in medical technology and orthopedic surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery has become increasingly popular. In this procedure, specialized instruments are used to access the spine through small incisions. Patients who suffer from chronic back pain are finding minimally invasive spine surgery an excellent alternative to traditional open back surgery.

When performed by an experienced spine surgeon, a minimally invasive procedure reduces the risk and recovery time. The advantages of this procedure include a shorter hospital stay, less narcotic use, potentially shorter recovery time, and less pain. The procedure is performed by making a small, 1-inch incision. As minimally invasive spine surgery does not involve a long incision, it avoids major damage to the muscles surrounding the spine.

Things You Should Know About Spinal Fusion Surgery

June 30, 2017

Over the last few decades, the procedures used to perform spine surgery have come a long way. Minimally invasive spine surgery has become a standard in treating a number of spine injuries and illnesses that were once treated with open back surgery.

Spinal fusion surgery is one of the most popular surgery options that can be used to treat spine conditions such as spondylolisthesis, retrolesthesis, anterolesthesis, pars-fracture, scoliosis, spinal instability and spinal fractures, degenerative disc disease, spinal tumors, infections, and Scheuermann’s disease. When the small bones in the spine, also known as vertebrae, shift or move out of place as a result of trauma or a spinal condition, it can cause instability and movement in the spine, and eventually leads to chronic pain.

However, by joining the two vertebrae together with a bone graft, the procedure can treat the pain and instability caused by the free moving vertebrae. The bone graft works together with the body’s own healing mechanisms to help fuse and even out the vertebrae over a period of time after surgery. The recovery time and ability to return to routine physical activities after a spine surgery in St. Thomas may vary from patient to patient.

What is an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon? [Infographic]

June 30, 2017

Orthopedic spine surgeons are medical doctors who have completed a bachelor’s degree and medical school. Orthopedic surgeons must undergo 14 years of education to earn their doctorate, which includes: 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, and 5 years of determined study in orthopedic residency at any major medical center. In addition, orthopedic surgeons receive 1 year of specialty training.

The infographic titled “All about Spine Surgeons in Palm Beach” explains the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of any disorder or disease in the musculoskeletal system. Most orthopedic surgeons are familiar with the entire musculoskeletal system, but some prefer to specialize in certain areas like hands, shoulders, feet, ankles, spine, elbows, knees, etc. Before going to a spine surgeon, you should make sure the spine surgeon is board certified. Do you feel comfortable with the spine doctor? Does the surgeon hold experience relevant to your case? For complete details on spine surgeons and things to look for in a spine surgeon, refer to the infographic below.

Lenard - 00011 - IG