why I'm the right surgeon for you
Finding someone to help with your pain can be a stressful process. I want to assure you that you are in capable hands. Not only am I committed to helping resolve your pain, but also to getting you back to your normal life responsibly.
As a surgeon, I am driven by data. I consistently look for new information in spine surgery and look for a better way of providing care for patients. It is imperative for us as surgeons to stay up to date on new studies and new technologies in order to bring the best to our practice. I am dedicated to making sure I am bringing my patients the most up-to-date information in the industry. I want my patients to be well-informed and comfortable going into surgery with me.
Every person is different. I make sure to acknowledge that and customize every surgical plan both to minimize future surgery and give back the best quality of life possible to every patient.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SURGEON
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Disc replacement surgery is normally recommended when you have severe and debilitating back pain caused by damaged spinal discs. Surgery isn’t a first-line approach. Non-surgical procedures to repair your disc and relieve your back pain may be recommended before suggesting surgery.
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If your back pain keeps you awake at night, limits your mobility or independence, or otherwise reduces your quality of life, set up a consultation to learn more about your treatment options.
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The best person who understands this is a surgeon that is specialized in disc replacement surgery. Not all fusion surgeons are well-versed in disc replacement surgery and technology. You should look for a surgeon who understands the intricacies of this procedure and why it's important to offer it as an option.
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My goal for all my patients is to get them moving again. Fusion is not always the answer. I want to explore all possibilities with you to get you back on your feet.
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I BE ASKING IF I WANT A DISC REPLACEMENT?
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Disc replacement is a type of spine surgery that removes a damaged spinal disc and replaces it with an artificial disc. Instead of a traditional fusion, the artificial disc preserves motion in the cervical and lumbar spine and potentially lowers the chance of a re-operation by up to 300%.
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As a patient, there are questions that you should be asking to see if you are a viable candidate for the disc replacement procedure. Common questions we get in our practice are listed below.
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1. What decides if I am eligible for a disc replacement?
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2. I was recommended a fusion. Should I get a second opinion?
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3. Do I need images in order to be assessed for this procedure?
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4. Why should I want a disc replacement vs. a fusion?
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5. Is the surgeon I am talking to qualified to perform a disc replacement? How many have they done before?
WHAT IS TYPICALLY DONE: OUTCOMES & DIAGNOSIS
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Once you’re under anesthesia and prepped for surgery, your surgeon uses cutting-edge robotic technology to make a small incision in your spine. Using special surgical tools to visualize your spine and perform the operation, your surgeon carefully extracts your damaged disc and inserts the replacement disc. This will help preserve the anatomical motion of your spine. This procedure can be quick, and you may or may not need to stay in the hospital overnight.
You will need physical therapy to support your recovery. You must attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to ensure the disc replacement successfully repaired your spine and relieved your pain.
Set up a consultation today to learn more about disc replacement and if it’s right for you.