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Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spinal Fusion (cont.)

Medical Author:

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.

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Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

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.

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Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spinal Fusion At A Glance

  • The majority of patients with low back problems improves within six weeks regardless of treatment and do not need surgery.

  • Minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion attempts to achieve similar results to traditional techniques with less blood loss, less pain, less muscle damage and shorter hospital stay.

  • Minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion through the abdomen has not been as effective and has increased risk of nerve damage compared to traditional fusion techniques.

  • Minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion through the back has been shown to be as effective as traditional techniques with less blood loss, less pain and shorter hospital stays.

Last Editorial Review: 3/19/2008
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