Therapeutic Services
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is a minimally-invasive procedure to relieve pain from vertebral compression fractures, affecting the bones from which the spinal column is comprised. This procedure is usually performed on patients whose vertebral fractures have occurred as a result of osteoporosis. For best results, kyphoplasty should be performed within two months of the fracture's occurrence.
Kyphoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure under sedation, although general anesthesia may also be used; therefore, you will need a friend or relative to drive you home afterward. You will be lying facedown for the duration of the procedure, which lasts around an hour. Once the sedative and/or general anesthesia has taken effect, the skin surrounding your spine will be sterilized and shaved, and a tiny cut will be made in the area. With x-ray assistance, an empty needle known as a trocar will be inserted into the spine until its tip is positioned evenly with the fractured vertebra. A balloon is then inserted though the needle and inflated, reverting the bone to its original shape and creating a cavity. The balloon is then removed and orthopedic cement is injected into the area, filling the cavity. Finally, the trocar is removed, pressure is applied to stop bleeding, and a bandage is placed around the skin.
Lumbar Disc Microsurgery
The lumbar spine refers to the lower area of the spine between the pelvis and thoracic cage. Lumbar disc microsurgery, also known as microdiscectomy, is performed to relieve pressure on nerve roots. It is usually reserved for patients with severe symptoms that do not respond to more conservative treatments and significantly affect the patient's quality of life.
Lumbar disc microsurgery is effective in relieving lower back and leg pain caused by lumbar disc herniation. A herniated disc is a common condition that occurs as a result of gradual wear and tear or an injury to an intervertebral disc, causing it to bulge and break open. Patients with this condition often experience pain, numbness and weakness in the affected area, as well as through the legs.
During lumbar disc microsurgery, an incision is made in the back at the location of the affected disc, and the muscles are lifted away to access the spine. Small surgical instruments and a microscope are inserted into this incision to repair the affected disc using minimally invasive techniques. Once the targeted nerve root is identified, the disc is removed from under the root, and a small portion of the facet joint may be removed as well to relieve pressure on the nerve.
Lumbar Sympathetic Block
The lumbar sympathetic nerves are a small group of nerves that carry pain signals from the lower extremities. A lumbar sympathetic block is a minimally-invasive procedure to determine whether the sympathetic nerves are causing your pain. In some cases, it may even provide you with full pain relief.
A lumbar sympathetic block injection only takes a few minutes, although you will likely remain in our office for an hour; this includes consulting with your doctor before the procedure, positioning for the procedure, and recovery room observation afterwards. During the procedure, you will be lying down on your stomach. Only a local anesthetic is necessary for a lumbar sympathetic block, although sedation is an option for anxious patients. Once the local anesthetic has numbed the skin on your back, you will receive the injection.
Medial Branch Block
A medial branch block is a minimally-invasive procedure to diagnose and treat neck or back pain. This procedure can determine whether a facet joint-which connects the bones of your spine, providing support as you move-is the source of your pain. Next to the facet joints are the medial branch nerves, which transmit pain signals from these joints to your brain.
Before undergoing a medial branch block, you will be given intravenous medication to help you relax. With the assistance of imaging technologies, a small needle will be inserted near your medial branch nerve. Once it is situated properly, an anesthetic will be injected through it.
The effectiveness of a medial branch block varies depending on your individual condition. Patients whose pain returns after a short period of time may require a different form of treatment if it is confirmed that the facet joint is not the source of the pain.
Contact our office to learn more about our Therapeutic Services or to schedule an appointment.