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How do spine surgery options compare?
Today, spine surgery can be performed utilizing less invasive techniques, with fewer risks of complication, decreased recovery time, and improved long term results.
Back Access vs. Front Access
In traditional, fusion spine surgery, an incision in the back and possibly another in the front may be needed in order to access the affected area. In creating the back incision, a large area of muscle also has to be cut to make an opening of three to five centimeters, leading to substantial blood loss.
Less invasive disc replacement surgery, done through an incision in the front only, can achieve better results without the muscular trauma that occurs in back spine surgery. Using a retroperitoneal (side) approach that carefully avoids trauma to critical structures, complications are reduced.
Greater vs. Less Risk from General Anesthesia
Open back fusion surgery also requires more time, thus the use of more general anesthesia, which depending on your age and overall health, could create a greater risk of complications.
However, retroperitoneal disc replacement procedures cause fewer complications and can even be done without general anesthesia.
Greater vs. Less Risk from Infection
Open back fusion and disc replacement require the use of implants which can increase infection risks. Stenum Hospital utilizes a state-of-the-art Ultra-Clean Laminar Flow Recirculation system to decrease intra-operative bacterial contamination and reduce infection rates. This system has reduced infection rates dramatically.
Longer vs. Shorter Recovery Time
Open back fusion and 360 Fusion (both front and back) can have a typical procedure time of up 4-6 hours.
Typical procedure time for disc replacement is about 1-2 hours.
Less time results in less blood loss and less exposure to other complications.
In addition to the invasiveness of the surgery, the other factors to be considered are the length of the stay in the hospital, the painful weeks/months of recuperation time required with open back fusion, the use of pain medications necessary afterwards, and the time you will have to spend away from your work environment.
The advantages of disc replacement surgery, which makes this procedure a popular option are, the easier and faster recovery and that less hospitalization is needed. Once the surgery is complete, the patient is in the hospital for 3-5 days. The following week is spent in a luxury hotel where physical therapy and massage treatments are provided. The patient is given instructions and exercises that they can do to accelerate their recovery when they return home. Disc Replacement surgery patients become active and return to daily activities and even sports much earlier than patients who undergo open back fusion surgery.
Greater vs. Less future degeneration and surgery
With fusion surgery even a "good" outcome has effectively disabled the often unaware patient's spine. The truth is that fusion accelerates degeneration of the adjacent level discs, and it has been proven, often leads to additional fusion surgeries.
Disc replacement preserves the motion of the spine and advanced disc replacement implants now available can even provide an artificial nucleus to allow shock absorption and a woven fiber annulus for controlled motion in all directions. These characteristics accurately replicate the healthy disc, allowing the implant to work in concert with the remaining human discs.
"This "Quality of Motion" is a major benefit not available in any other implant we have seen" states Dr. Ritter-Lang, Spine Surgeon.
Why is disc replacement a better option?
As a less invasive option to open back fusion surgery, Disc Replacement reduces complication risks, shortens recovery, and it gives the patients an opportunity to return to a high quality of life without disability, restrictions, or the likelihood of future surgeries.
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Why wait? We are scheduling surgeries now!
To begin your evaluation process; click the link below and complete the online form. Then, send images, patient data form (print and include), etc. to Dr. Ritter-Lang. In 2-3 weeks you will receive your diagnosis, surgery plan, cost, and scheduling options.
Click here to begin the evaluation process.
If you still have questions please contact our US Spokesperson,
Jim Rider, at 866-544-8252 (Pacific time zone).
See Spinal Kinetics M6 Lumbar Disc
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