In this case we are resecting a myxopapillary ependymoma. Ependymomas arise from ependymal cells lining the cerebral ventricles and the central canal of thespinal cord. They may occur anywhere along the neuroaxis, in pediatrics they are most common in the brain, in adults they tend to be intra-spinal. They behave very differently based on location… Continue reading Spinal Cord Tumor Surgery
Spinal deformity is a disease that correlates with great disability. Spinal deformity in adults can occur as the result degrative changes, trauma or untreated adolescent deformities. An additional cause of spinal deformity in adults is iatrogenic. This means it can be the result of a prior surgery, or be the unintended result of prior treatment.… Continue reading Pre-planning Spinal Fusions
This patient was hospitalized for 3 days following each of their prior two fusions. Here we were able to offer the patient a minimally invasive solution to their adjacent level degeneration. A single level fusion through a 2.5 inch incision. This procedure was done in a surgery center, and the patient went home hours after… Continue reading Minimally Invasive Options for Redo-Spine Surgery
Diagnosis: Stenosis, spondylolisthesis Path to treatment: Medications, physical therapy Procedure overview: ALIF L5-S1 Life now: “Recovery was a pain in the back,” Lee said laughingly. He had to wear a brace for a while, and sitting was definitely uncomfortable at first. Staying cognizant of the possibility of chemical dependence, Lee only took strong pain medications… Continue reading You don’t have to take my word for it, you can ask my patients! (Part 2)
Diagnosis: Degenerative disc disease (DDD), scoliosis Path to treatment: Physical therapy, medications, chiropractic care, injections, nerve ablation Procedure overview: XLIF, PSF L3-L5 Life now: “When I woke up from surgery, I could tell he had fixed my back! That aggravating pain I’d had for years was gone,” Cyndi exclaimed. She was walking within hours of… Continue reading You don’t have to take my word for it, you can ask my patients!