Posts Tagged back surgery
Emerging Robotics and the Spine review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Beaumont, Kingwood, Baytown
Posted by admin in back surgery, baytown, beaumont, houston, katy, laser, low back pain, physical therapy, robot guided, sugarland, woodlands on April 14, 2015
Emerging Robotics and the Spine
robot-guided, spinal column, back surgery, physical therapy, laser, Houston
Conventional back surgery is a costly process with a long period of post-operative care. Depending on the severity of the damage to the spinal column, months of physical therapy may be necessary to re-develop damaged muscles and restore patient mobility. Physicians generally make deep lacerations into the muscles along the spinal column, prolonging the recovery process for the sake of having vision of the surgical site. In addition to prolonging recovery via requiring months of physical therapy, this practice also exposes the patient to a higher risk for surgical site infection (SSI). As such, surgeons are on the lookout for new techniques that minimize damage around the incision sites as well as maximize the chances for patient safety during recovery.
robot-guided, spinal column, back surgery, physical therapy, laser, Houston
Minimally-invasive back surgery has improved upon traditional techniques by allowing for smaller, less destructive incisions at the surgical site. Rather than deep lacerations which are then pulled aside allowing the surgeon to see the injury, minimally-invasive back surgery uses a tubular retractor to open a direct pipeline to the site. Pieces necessary for the surgery, such as screws or plates to stabilize a compromised spinal column, are then fed through the tubular retractor to complete the surgery.
Robot-guided back surgery looks to further improve this process. Essentially, robot-guided back surgery uses a system that compiles data from a computerized tomography scan (CT scan) of each patient. This scan is then fed into a 3D planning system which allows the surgeon to make calculations in three-dimensional space prior to the surgery beginning. A robot also accompanies the surgeon during the operation, mainly to reduce the possibility of human error by indicating with a high degree of precision the places where the surgeon needs to make his or her adjustments. Ideally, robot-guided back surgery will serve to reduce the post-operative care period even further, necessitating less intensive physical therapy to regain patient mobility.
The laser is sometimes used in surgery. The laser is a tool which allows the surgeon to vaporize tissue, without the need for pulling or cutting it. The laser can cut, or coagulate, depending upon the type of laser, and the settings of the laser.
robot-guided, spinal column, back surgery, physical therapy, laser, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood
Nanotechnology (a field that involves changing the properties of matter on an extraordinarily small scale) also shows promising implications for a wide variety of medical disciplines, including back surgery. Presently, researchers are working on ways to regenerate damaged nerve cells in patients with spinal cord injuries, since these specialized nerve cells are unable to repair themselves. Nanotechnology may also be able to improve back surgery in the future by further reducing recovery time and allowing patients to retain a greater portion of their long-term mobility. The practices involved will likely lead to “smarter” medications that more efficiently bind to the body’s varying receptors, allowing patientsgreater control over their pain levels during post-operative care.
robot-guided, spinal column, back surgery, physical therapy, laser, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX treats patients with neck and low back pain. Experts use non-surgical means when possible, but employ minimally invasive surgical techniques when appropriate. KBNI cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
Keywords: robot-guided, spinal column, back surgery, physical therapy, laser, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood
Spine-related Ambulatory Surgery, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Less Invasive Spine Surgery review by KBNI Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Port Arthur, Galveston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Posted by admin in ACA, Affordable Care Act, ALIF TLIF PLIF DLIF XLIF AXIALIF, ambulatory surgery center, ASC, baytown, beaumont, herniated disc surgery, houston, infection, katy, less invasive spine surgery, lumbar fusion, minimally invasive surgery, neurosurgeon, neurosurgery, PPACA, spinal fusion, spine surgeon, spine surgery, sugarland, woodlands on March 30, 2015
Spine-related Ambulatory Surgery, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Less Invasive Spine Surgery
ambulatory care, back surgery, minimally invasive surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, ACA, ASC, ambulatory surgery centers
Historically, back surgery had a reputation for damaging muscles along the spinal column and requiring a long post-operative period of physical therapy to restore mobility. This is because traditional back surgery involves long, deep incisions that lacerate muscle and retract upon muscle so that the incision may be pulled open, giving the surgeon a full view of the incision site as well as the damage to be repaired in the spinal column. While this method is effective, it also poses a few serious risks to the patient’s health: the aforementioned lengthy recovery time (and compromised mobility during physical therapy) as well as the increased risk for surgical site infection (SSI) from keeping the patient’s internal workings exposed to open air (and thus possible contamination). There can also be additional spine pain during the recovery process of large open spine procedures.
ambulatory care, back surgery, minimally invasive surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, ACA, ASC, ambulatory surgery centers
Fortunately, recent advancements in both hospital technology and neurosurgery / spine surgery skills has made it easier for spine surgeons to perform spine surgery with less interruption of normal tissues surrounding the spine. Many spine procedures now use a device called a tubular retractor, which is a small metal tube that is inserted through a small incision near the patient’s spine. The tubular retractor grants the surgeon access to the damaged spinal column or herniated disc within the spinal canal. Any material threatening the patient, such as a fragmented spinal disc or piece of vertebral bone tissue, is extracted through the tubular retractor, while any equipment necessary for the back surgery (such as plates or screws to stabilize a damaged spinal column) is inserted through the retractor. Some procedures may require surgeons to use multiple retractors, but the small incisions damage the muscles along the spinal column far less than traditional deep incisions. This minimizes recovery time, reduces the risk of surgical site infection, and helps patients preserve their mobility during recovery.
ambulatory care, back surgery, minimally invasive surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, ACA, ASC, ambulatory surgery centers, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC)
Minimally-invasive surgery procedures on the spine also occasionally transform the classification of certain kinds of surgery. Whereas traditional back surgery requires a hospital visit, minimally-invasive techniques allow many kinds of surgery to be possible in an ambulatory care setting. In other words, instead of a hospital visit compounding the expense of certain kinds of surgery, patients (and insurance companies) are finding the benefit of performing spine surgery procedures in an outpatient setting. The Affordable Care Act (ACA, PPACA) of 2010 (also known as the ACA or Obamacare or PPACA) became famous for the mandate that required all US small business owners with 50 or more full-time employees to purchase health insurance coverage benefits for their full-time staff. As of 2015, the long-term effects of the Affordable Care Act (PPACA) remain to be seen. Sweeping re-classification of major surgical procedures has yet to emerge under the ACA / PPACA, as there are still very real practical concerns: how to prevent surgical site infection effectively, for example. New methods of pay for performance and bundled care payments may also change the way healthcare is evaluated and reimbursed, and will encourage decreased hospital stays and improved outcomes. New minimally invasive spine surgery techniques are emerging, however, so additional ambulatory care surgery may be increasingly employed in the future. Ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) are ideal for spine surgery procedures in which patients are expected to return home the same day, or within 23 hours of the surgery. There are also many conveniences to a patient, when having a surgery performed in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). The ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) are very well prepared to quickly and efficiently move patients through the preop evaluation process. The patient stays briefly in the preop holding area while the nurse evaluates the patient, the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist speaks with the patient, and the neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon identifies the patient (to prevent any wrong patient surgery from occurring). The patient is then taken back to the operating room, and put to sleep, and the neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon performs the procedure. The patient is then taken to the post op recovery room, and usually held there until the patient is awake enough, and the pain is well controlled enough, to allow discharge of the patient home.
ambulatory care, back surgery, minimally invasive surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, ACA, ASC, ambulatory surgery centers, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC)
Minimally invasive spine surgery employs less invasive spine surgery techniques to approach the spine. These minimally invasive surgery on the spine techniques can be used to perform lumbar discectomy for removal of a herniated disc, as well as for a lumbar fusion ( ALIF, TLIF, PLIF, DLIF, XLIF).
ambulatory care, back surgery, minimally invasive surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, ACA, ASC, ambulatory surgery centers, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC)
Physicians at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute have significant experience treating patients with diseases of the spine in an ambulatory outpatient setting. They are well versed in the full spectrum of treatments, and know when to advise conservative measures, and when to recommend surgical intervention upon the spine.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
Keywords: ambulatory care, back surgery, minimally invasive surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, ACA, Affordable Care Act, PPACA, ASC, ambulatory surgery centers, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Common Spinal Deformities, Spina Bifida review KBNI Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, TMC
Posted by admin in back pain, back surgery, beaumont, houston, katy, low back pain, lumbar fusion, lumbar stenosis, spina bifida, spine health, sugarland, Uncategorized, woodlands on March 24, 2015
Common Spinal Deformities and Spina Bifida
chronic back pain, back surgery, spinal deformities, spina bifida, spinal nerves, Houston
Most chronic back pain is the result of lifestyle. Too much sedentary activity (e.g. sitting at a computer monitor for an extended period of time) causes elevated tension in muscles along the spinal column, gradually starving them of oxygen and increasing the chances of painful muscle spasms. At the other end of the spectrum, too much physical activity or improper lifting techniques can accelerate the natural degeneration of the spinal discs (shock-absorbing pads between the vertebrae) and other vital components of the spinal column, leading to increased pain levels.
chronic back pain, back surgery, spinal deformities, spina bifida, spinal nerves, Houston
In some cases, however, lifestyle is not the root cause of chronic back pain. There are many structural spinal deformities, often congenital, that do not respond well to conservative treatments like physical therapy or anti-inflammatory pain medication. Whereas pain levels from a compromised spinal disc may be reduced by a physical therapy regimen designed to relieve pressure by developing muscles along the spinal column, spinal deformities often drastically compromise the integrity of the spinal column’s structure.
Spina bifida involves an opening in the lamina, which are not fused, and may involve a protrusion of the spinal nerves outside of the spinal canal where they are normally housed. Depending on the location of the protrusion, spina bifida may place patients at a much higher risk for traumatic injuries to the spinal nerves. As these nerves provide sensation to other parts of the body, damage to them can result in a loss of sensation, severe chronic back pain, or even paralysis. Spina bifida is caused by a congenital developmental disorder, in which the embryonic neural tube does not completely close. Spina bifida most commonly occurs in the lumbar and sacral areas. Spina bifida generally falls into one of three types: 1) spina bifida occulta 2) spina bifida with meningocele, and 3) spina bifida with myelomeningocele. Spina bifida occulta is generally asymptomatic, and most people don’t even know they have it. The most symptomatic type of spina bifida is that associated with a myelomeningocele, in which the spinal cord protrudes through the opening in the spine. The spina bifida meningicele and myelomeningocele occur in 1 out of every 1000 births.
spinal deformities, spina bifida, spinal nerves, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston
Other spinal deformities include scoliosis, which is a curvature of the spine that develops to varying degrees in patients. Most of the time its cause is unknown, but scoliosis may be triggered by muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. Some patients may be able to navigate their daily routines without corrective back surgery, but many patients require it in order to restore some manner of normalcy to their motion. Severe curvature of the spine can be incredibly disabling, reducing mobility and causing extreme chronic back pain. With modern corrective back surgery, however, chances at a relatively normal life are good for most patients.
Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal can be dangerous if it occurs in the cervical spine (cervical stenosis) , and troubling with pain and weakness when it occurs in the lumbar spine (lumbar stenosis) , because it places vital spinal nerves at a higher risk for injury, especially compression, which often in turn causes chronic back pain and symptoms of pain, numbness and weakness to the lower extremities. Prolonged nerve compression can damage the spinal nerves, impeding long-term sensation and mobility. Corrective back surgery is sometimes needed to relieve pressure on the spinal canal and expand the space at its narrowest point to reduce the chances of injury.
spinal deformities, spina bifida, spinal nerves, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX, have significant experience in diagnosing and treating spinal disorders. The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Keywords: chronic back pain, back surgery, spinal deformities, spina bifida, spinal nerves, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Mobility during Recovery from Back Surgery review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Memorial City
Posted by admin in back injury, back pain, back surgery, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, exercise, fusion, houston, katy, lumbar fusion, neck pain, physical therapy, post-operative care, recover, sciatica exercises, spinal fusion, spinal injury rehabilitation, spine mobility, spine surgery, sugarland, woodlands on September 27, 2014
MOBILITY DURING RECOVERY FROM BACK SURGERY
back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston
Normally, back surgery is treated as a last resort if more conservative treatments (i.e., physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, anti-inflammatory drugs, facet joint injections, etc.) have failed to adequately reduce pain levels and restore mobility. Physicians and patients alike should approach back surgery as a calculated risk, one taken to maximize long-term health and mobility while giving the patient the best chance at consistently low-to-moderate pain levels during recovery. Post-operative care is a different matter entirely, however, as many patients aren’t prepared for the loss in mobility that comes after major back surgery. Large incisions, which in many back procedures are necessary to give the surgeon vision of the damaged portion of the spine, also can severely damage muscles and other soft tissue along the spinal column. This trauma greatly reduces patient mobility during post-operative care, as the muscles have essentially been rendered unable to do their jobs.
back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
For patients, compromised mobility can present maddening challenges during post-operative care, not to mention complications. For example, surgical site infection (SSI) occurs from contamination of the surgical site, either during the operation itself or at some point during recovery. SSI is particularly dangerous if the contamination is internal, such as a contaminated plate or screw that has been implanted to stabilize the spinal column (lumbar fusion) . Patients will most likely be unable to adequately check their own incision sites for signs of infection, so family members and friends may be needed for not only this task, but to change the patient’s dressing as well.
Physical therapy / chiropractic therapy during post-operative care for back surgery is generally focused on preserving long-term mobility. If the muscles along the spinal column that were damaged by the surgeon’s incisions are not adequately worked during recovery, patients may soon find themselves incapable of bending and twisting beyond the physician’s weight-related restrictions. In other words, avoiding physical therapy can potentially result in a permanent reduction in range of motion. On the other hand, too much activity can de-stabilize implanted devices and re-tear healing muscles, prolonging the healing process and increasing the likelihood for additional corrective surgeries.
back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Physicians will likely recommend several checkup visits during post-operative care in order to accurately gauge your progress and make necessary adjustments to your physical therapy regimen. Some back pain is normal and expected, but if your pain changes suddenly or begins to radiate through your ribs, legs, or arms, seek medical attention. Radiating back pain and muscle weakness often signals spinal nerve compression, which over the long-term may cause nerve damage and permanent loss of sensation. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help mediate pain levels, though during the initial healing process, physicians may authorize stronger prescription pain medication.
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX have significant experience at taking care of patients with back problems, back injuries and other sources of back and neck pain. They frequently see patients who are suffering from the symptom of neck pain, low back pain, and mid back pain, and have never received imaging studies of the spine. Physicians at the KBNI will order the appropriate spinal imaging studies of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine as needed, and review the results with the patient.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Keywords: back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Infections, Pain and Back Surgery review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Galleria, Pearland, Kingwood, Spring, Memorial City, TMC
Posted by admin in back pain, back surgery, baytown, beaumont, fusion, houston, infection, katy, low back pain, lumbar, lumbar fusion, lumbar laminectomy, pain, smoking, spinal fusion, spine surgery, sugarland, woodlands on September 24, 2014
Infections, Pain and Back Surgery Review
infections, back surgery, pain, Houston
Physicians often advise back surgery as a last resort when more conservative treatment methods (anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, physical therapy) have failed to adequately reduce pain levels. Back surgery for pain is not only costly, but also occasionally necessitates a long period of post-operative care during which patients must work to re-develop muscles damaged by the back surgery incisions. Patients often head into surgery aware of the recovery period, but they also need to prepare for the low but distinct possibility of surgical site infection during post-operative care. Fortunately, infections from back surgery are an infrequent occurrence, but they must still be considered, watched, and prevented.
The extensiveness of some back surgeries may require deep or long incisions to provide the surgeon with adequate vision and access to damaged spinal discs or nerves. Major back surgery also goes hand-in-hand with a significant number of implanted devices, such as metal screws or plates ( back surgery fusion or spinal fusion )to stabilize a compromised spinal column. Though these materials are required to be sterile prior to surgery, they can still potentially become contaminated in various ways. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are bacterial populations that have developed resistances to several conventional (and even some last-resort) antibiotics ( bacteria such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), represent an increasingly dire problem for hospitals worldwide. In cases of major back surgery, the risk of contamination is increased due to the physical procedure itself: internal parts of the body remain exposed to the surrounding air for several hours. Any bacteria that have survived on the operating staff or on the implantation devices are capable of causing problems for the patient during post-operative care.
infections, back surgery, pain, Houston
Patients who want to minimize their recovery time and pain, as well as reduce the possibility of secondary back surgery will regularly monitor their incision sites for signs of back surgery infection. Back surgery patients occasionally do not have much mobility during post-operative care (especially if the surgery was extensive, like a spinal fusion or artificial spinal disc implant), so patients will need to communicate their needs and pain issues to family and friends. Have them check for redness, swelling, pus, and foul odors around the incision site. Patients must pay attention to their pain levels and note any sudden or drastic changes.
infections, back surgery, pain, Houston
Risk factors of the patient which increase the risk of infection during back surgery include smoking, diabetes, malnutrition, obesity, and poor personal hygiene. Hand washing is important before handling a wound. In a hospital, all visitors, nurses and physicians should wash their hands before entering a patient’s room, as preventative care. Patients who have any open sores or cuts on their body should alert the doctors and nurses before the back surgery, as the surgeon may potentially choose to cancel the operation until the open lesions heal. If a patients suffers an infection post operatively, all visitors, nurses and physicians should wear protective attire upon entering the room.
infections, back surgery, pain, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
It’s also possible that a patient’s infection may be entirely internal, without many symptoms around their incision site. They should monitor pain levels, and check in with their physician if they experience nausea, vomiting, chills, or fever. Depending on the location and severity of the infection, physicians will likely prescribe a course of treatment involving one or more courses of different antibiotics. In some cases, both surgical site infections and internal infections have the potential to reduce healing during post-operative care. Secondary surgeries may be necessary to correct the problems the infections create, and help relieve the pain they create.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
infections, back surgery, pain, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Keywords: infections, back surgery, pain, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
How Smoking Affects Spinal Fusion and Surgeries – Back and Neck Houston, Katy, Humble, Woodlands, Sugar Land, Kingwood, Memorial City, Austin, Dallas, Ft Worth, San Antonio
Posted by admin in low back pain, neck pain, spine surgery on May 15, 2014
Contact Us for Help
smoking, spinal fusion, physical therapy, osteoblasts, back surgery, Houston, Katy, Humble, Woodlands, Sugar Land, Kingwood, Memorial City, Austin, Dallas, Ft Worth, San Antonio
Spinal fusion is a procedure which fuses two or more vertebrae in the spinal column together. This surgical procedure can compensate for spinal discs (shock-absorbing pads between each vertebra) that have degenerated to the point where the spinal nerves are at risk for compression. The stress of major back surgery is such that smokers will often be tempted to smoke more in the aftermath and during recovery. Dr. Gary Kraus and Dr. Masaki Oishi at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston TX, have extensive history of performing fusion of the spine, including the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. They have several offices around Houston serving patients in Houston, Kingwood, Humble, Katy, Woodlands, Pearland, Memorial City, Quite simply, it is absolutely preferable that patients cease smoking for at least two months prior to spinal fusion and for at least six months after any major bone alteration within the spinal column. Better still if patients are able to quit smoking indefinitely. Nicotine, one of the primary addictive chemicals in cigarettes, is toxic to bone growth. The balance of the body’s osteoblasts (bone-growing cells) and osteoclasts (bone-eating cells) is severely compromised by smoking during both the pre- and post-operative periods. Large decreases in the number of osteoblasts means that bone generative capacity is vastly reduced, signaling a long (and possibly ineffective) spinal fusion process. Normally, patients decide on spinal fusion and similar back surgery due to increases in back pain and a corresponding decrease in mobility. If patients continue to smoke during the post-operative period, bone fusion—if it even takes place—will take much longer. This means that patients will face many more months of decreased mobility and elevated levels of back pain. Though a nicotine addiction may be strong, abstinence from smoking during the pre- and post-operative period will shorten recovery time significantly. Non-smoking patients will also be more capable of participating in aerobic portions of physical therapy, which stimulate the flow of blood and oxygen to areas around the spinal column. This extra nutrition will further speed the process of recovery. Though the precise method of physical rehabilitation may depend on the complexity of the spinal surgery and the patient’s overall health, the absence of nicotine from the patient’s daily life will optimize his or her chances at an effective spinal fusion. Patients suffering from low back pain and neck pain can easily make an appointment and be seen at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston and surrounding areas. No imaging or other studies are needed to be seen. The doctors at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute will order the appropriate testing.
smoking, spinal fusion, physical therapy, osteoblasts, back surgery, Houston, Katy, Humble, Woodlands, Sugar Land, Kingwood, Memorial City, Austin, Dallas, Ft Worth, San Antonio
Keywords: smoking, spinal fusion, physical therapy, osteoblasts, back surgery, Houston, Katy, Humble, Woodlands, Sugar Land, Kingwood, Memorial City, Austin, Dallas, Ft Worth, San Antonio
Minimally Invasive Surgery: Houston, Kingwood, Spring, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Humble: 281-713-6296
Posted by admin in minimally invasive surgery, sciatica, spine surgery on May 14, 2014
Contact Us for Help
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
physical rehabilitation, minimally invasive surgery, spine surgery, back pain, back surgery, sciatica, Houston, katy, spring, texas medical center, Woodlands, Sugar Land
Until relatively recently back surgery required large incisions accompanied by long periods of physical rehabilitation in post-operative care. With recent surgical advancements, however, new procedures have resulted in much shorter periods of physical rehabilitation. These surgical procedures—termed minimally invasive surgery or laporoscopic surgery—have revolutionized the way physicians approach not only back surgery, but several other varieties of major surgery as well.
Neurosurgeons specializing in spine surgery, Dr. Gary Kraus MD and Dr. Masaki Oishi MD PhD, at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston TX, have a vast experience in performing minimally invasive surgery of the spine. The procedures can be used to treat low back pain, neck pain, herniated discs of the spine, as well as sciatica. In some cases, spinal stenosis and spondylolosthesis can also be treated with minimally invasive techniques. Patients throughout the Houston and surrounding areas, including Katy, Spring, Woodlands, Sugar Land, Memorial City and the Texas Medical Center have trusted the neurosurgeons at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute for treating their spine with minimally invasive surgery. Call 281-713-6296 for an appointment.
Minimally invasive surgeries typically involve one or more small incisions into which physicians insert thin plastic tubes. The tubes then provide the means for small observation cameras to be inserted. Using these cameras, surgeons can continuously adjust their technique during the operation, minimizing scarring and ultimately decreasing the patient’s post-operative pain levels and length of recovery. New robotic surgical assistants further contribute to the process by plotting optimal routes of incision and minimizing the number of physical adjustments a surgeon makes.
Many types of back surgery, however, do not have minimally invasive equivalents. Thorough medical consultation should be a top priority for patients considering minimally invasive surgery, as a misdiagnosis could result in a less effective procedure. Should the patient be a good candidate, a shorter, less expensive hospital stay and a faster recovery is the norm. This makes physical therapy all the more necessary—patients may feel that they can skip the process entirely given that their pain levels during post-operative care are much lower. Patients are advised to follow up on their physical therapy sessions as well as any subsequent visits to their spinal specialist. This will minimize the possibility of additional back surgery as well as maximize the chances for an effective recovery.
Physical rehabilitation for minimally invasive surgery is often similar to other kinds of surgery. In the case of most back surgery, core strengthening is often emphasized to assist in load-bearing activities (lifting, sitting, and standing) as well as to pressure from the spinal discs. Patients will also receive information on how to change their daily lifestyles to minimize the chances of re-injury and subsequent surgery.
Neurosurgeons Dr. Kraus and Dr. Oishi, at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute, would be available for consultation to any patients suffering from low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, herniated discs, or any other spinal disorders. Even though they offer minimally invasive surgical approaches to the spine, they are able to treat many of their patients without the need for surgery. Patients from the Houston and surrounding areas including Katy, Spring, Woodlands, Sugar Land, Memorial City and the Texas Medical Center, can be seen without any prior testing or imaging studies.
http://www.neckpain.com/minimally-invasive-kraus-back-neck-institute.html
Keywords: physical rehabilitation, minimally invasive surgery, spine surgery, back pain, back surgery, sciatica, Houston, katy, spring, texas medical center, Woodlands, Sugar Land
Post-Operative Spinal Care
Posted by admin in post-operative care on March 27, 2014
Contact Us for Help
Post Operative Spinal Care
post operative spine care
Depending on the seriousness of the back surgery, patients often have a wide variety of physical therapy treatments available. Physical rehabilitation can be further augmented by several different medications, including muscle relaxants, pain medication, and steroid injections.
Patients may also be required to take antibiotics to guard against infection. Spinal surgical procedures typically require an incision which can vary in length and depth depending on the patient’s condition. Patients should check the incision periodically for any indications of infection—these signs can include redness and / or the appearance of pus around the wound. Follow-up visits to your physician and spinal specialist are also necessary. Physicians will monitor the patient’s progression along previously established guidelines for procedural recovery. Adjustments to each individual patient’s needs are then made based on age, physical rehabilitation, weight, and other factors. New courses of treatment can then be continuously recommended based on the findings.
Though physical rehabilitation is a crucial aspect of post-operative care for some back surgery patients, many physicians advise a period of mandatory rest that differs depending on the procedure. Patients must allow the spine adequate time to heal prior to exercising even in moderation. If physical rehabilitation is undertaken too quickly, patients run the risk of disturbing the adjustments made by the surgery—which can then severely damage their recovery, possibly even making further corrective surgeries necessary. Post-operative care during the rest period often includes restrictions on how much a patient can bend, lift, walk, or even move. These restrictions are especially important after surgical procedures that implant pins or other artificial devices into the spine. The body must be given time to adjust to these foreign bodies. If patients follow these steps, however, recovery is normally assured.
Subscribe to the KBNI RSS Feed
