Disc Replacement to Preserve Motion
Patients understand that disc replacement is a great way to preserve motion compared to a spinal fusion, but they often ask what will happen 5, 10, 15 years down the…
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery 12 Years Ago
12 years ago this was a minimally invasive spine surgery, which shows just how much this field continues to evolve! Here's an actual look inside this patient's spine to see the…
Restoring Lordosis with a Cervical Disc Replacement
Restoring lordosis – a natural, slight inward curve – with a cervical disc replacement at C4-5 C5-6. Let's check the lateral because it's looking g-o-o-d. Struggling with chronic back or…
One Trick Ponies in Spine Surgery
No one trick ponies here. Some doctors specialize in one specific surgery. This means they only perform that surgery, regardless if it's in the patient's best interest. Flexibility as a…
Final Thoughts on Tiger Woods, Insurance, & Disc Replacement Surgery (Part 5/5)
(Part 5/5) The technology for disc replacements is here but insurance carriers seem slow to adapt. Closing out my talk on Tiger Woods and spine surgery with one last thought…
Something I Wish I Knew About Tiger Woods’ Spine Surgery
(Part 4/5) Talking more about Tiger Woods. As an avid golfer who's experienced a range of back problems, Tiger has undergone multiple surgeries throughout his career. What do you think…
My Question About #TigerWoods’ Lumbar Disc Replacement (Part 3/5)
(Part 3/5) My question (or I should say one of my questions) regarding #TigerWoods' lumbar disc replacement: Did he have a vascular surgeon? Here's why I ask. Struggling with chronic…
Mel Uses Bolt Cutters on 6mm Cobalt Chromium Spinal Rods
#FlashbackFriday to last week when Mel completely CRUSHED IT in the OR. You don't often see women in orthopaedic surgery using bolt cutters but here Mel is, cutting 6.0mm cobalt…
My Take On Disc Replacements
Some surgeons prefer to focus on just disc replacements, but as a spine surgeon, I love being able to give my patients the operation they NEED instead of just the…
Treating Spondylolisthesis with a Laminectomy
The theme today is tight. (And unfortunately, by "tight" I don't mean "cool".) This young and active octogenarian has spondylolisthesis – where a vertebra slips forward onto the vertebra below…