Before you get into the details of non-operative treatment for scoliosis and the surgical options for this condition, it’s best to touch briefly on just what it is. The dictionary definition: abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. This sideways curvature often occurs during a child’s growth spurt before they reach puberty. The condition may have specific causes, such as muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy, but the cause of most scoliosis remains unknown. Read More »
My Child Was Diagnosed with Scoliosis. What Should I Do Next?
What are alternatives to Spinal Fusion?
In order to work with your experienced spine surgeon and make an informed decision about alternatives to spinal fusion, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of why you might need this treatment or the alternatives to it. 80% of adults will experience back pain at some point during their lifetimes. When you experience back pain, you and your medical professional will probably try medication, physical therapy, and other techniques before choosing surgery. Read More »
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
People may experience a number of health issues with their back, some more specific than others. Each condition should be carefully diagnosed and treated just as specifically. For example, spinal stenosis occurs when “the spine is narrowed in one or more areas,” according to the National Institutes of Health, and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIH/NIAMS) Read More »
What to do When Your Neck or Back Hurt
Back or neck pain may result from activity you normally don’t engage in (lifting, carrying). But, it doesn’t always take such an activity to cause problems. Sources for information on back pain and neck pain generally list at least a dozen or so reasons for the issue. The list may include degenerative-disc disease, herniated disc, bulging disc, spinal stenosis, and other serious conditions. But, that same source may tell you it doesn’t take an unusual action or heavy lifting to bring on this pain. Read More »
Mazor X™ Robotic Guidance System for Spine Surgery
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is the first hospital in Illinois to offer the Mazor X™ Robotic Guidance system for spine surgery. The Mazor X™ robotic guidance system is indicated for precise positioning of surgical instruments or spinal implants during spine surgery. Using three integrated processes: planning, guidance and verification, it provides our surgeons with accuracy and precision unavailable anywhere else in Illinois. Directly connected to the patient’s anatomy when in use, the system is specifically designed to provide a stable and precise environment for performing spine surgery.
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Sciatic Spinal Deformity-Lumbosacral List: An Unusual Presentation
Morgan P. Lorio, Avi J. Bernstein, and Edward H. Simmons
Department of Orthopedic Surgery. State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, U.S.A.
Sciatic spinal deformity or lumbosacral list has received little attention in the literature. The phenomenon was first described in 1881 by Remak, but it was not until 1942 that Duncan and Hoen made the association between disk herniation and lumbosacral list. Since that time, the literature concerning this topic has been sparse and the terminology inconsistent. A case of lumbosacral list associated with disk herniation is presented with documented resolution after surgery. The pathogenesis of the list is described with a comprehensive review of the literature. Read More »
We’re Improving Our Services for You
On May 1, 2017 The Spine Center will be moving into an Electronic Medical Record system (EMR) allowing us to provide better service to you and physicians. We will be transitioning key activities from paper to electronic management with a wide range of capabilities including electronic lab order management, ePrescribing, clinical documentation and document management. The EMR will allow physicians the ability to access patient information anytime, anywhere. Read More »