Dr. Eck received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Catholic University of America in Biomedical Engineering, followed by a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. Following this he worked as a research engineer conducting spine biomechanics research. He then attended medical school at University of Health Sciences. He is board eligible in orthopaedic surgery.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
What is the disadvantage of minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion?
As with any new technique, one of the major disadvantages is the additional
time needed to perform the procedure. While a surgeon may be very comfortable
with the traditional surgical fusion techniques, it will take time to be able to
achieve the same outcome using these new methods. Surgeons with more experience
can now perform lumbar spinal fusion in equal or even less time than with the
traditional techniques.
Not all surgeons perform these techniques, so it may not be available from
your current surgeon or in your area.
How effective is minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion?
The results for the minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion through the
abdomen have not been as good as the traditional anterior fusion techniques. The
success of the fusion has been less reliable, the operative times are longer and
there are increased risks of injury to the nerves using the minimally invasive
techniques. Because of this, many surgeons have stopped using this technique.
The results of the minimally invasive procedures through the back have been
much more promising. Experienced surgeons are able to perform lumbar spinal
fusion through the back quicker, with similar fusion rates, less blood loss, and
quicker recovery times than using traditional techniques.
The newer minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion techniques though the
patient's side are still being refined. The initial techniques had some
increased risk of damage to nerves, but more recent changes have made these even
safer and more effective. The results so far are very promising for this
technique, but there have been a limited number of studies. Additionally, since
this was only recently developed, there are fewer surgeons performing this
technique.
Am I a candidate for minimally lumbar invasive spinal fusion?
First, you and your doctor need to determine if you are a candidate for
spinal fusion. Remember, the majority of patients with low back pain recover
within six weeks regardless of treatment. If you have had prolonged symptoms you
should see your physician. If it is decided you may need surgery you will be
referred to a spinal surgeon for further evaluation. If a fusion is thought to
be potentially beneficial for you, the option of minimally invasive techniques
can then be discussed with your surgeon.
A pinched nerve can be caused of a variety of conditions, for example, carpal tunnel syndrome, herniated disc, sciatica, arthritis, spinal stenosis, trauma, and more. Common symptoms of a pinched nerve include pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Treatment of a pinched nerve depends on the cause of the pinched nerve.
There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of
cartilage in the joints. Also known as degenerative arthritis. Osteoarthritis
can be caused by aging, heredity, and injury from trauma or disease.
Degenerative disc disease makes the disc more susceptible to herniation (rupture) which can lead to localized or radiating pain. The pain from degenerative disc or joint disease of the spine is usually treated conservatively with intermittent heat, rest, rehabilitative exercises and medications to relieve pain, muscle spasm and inflammation.
The five types of spondylolisthesis include 1) dysplastic, 2) isthmic, 3) degenerative, 4) traumatic, and 5) pathologic. The most common symptom of spondylolisthesis is lower back pain. Treatment depends on the type and severity of spondylolisthesis. Surgery is required in some cases of spondylolisthesis.
Pain management and treatment can be simple or complex, according to its cause. There are two basic types of pain, nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain. Some causes of neuropathic pain includes: complex regional pain syndrome, interstitial cystitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. There are a variety of methods to treat chronic pain, which are dependant on the type of pain experienced.
Chronic pain is pain (an unpleasant sense of discomfort) that persists or progresses over a long period of time. In contrast to acute pain that arises suddenly in response to a specific injury and is usually treatable, chronic pain persists over time and is often resistant to medical treatments.
Chronic Pain RSS
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