Spine Surgery

Surgery usually involves removing or manipulating parts of your spinal anatomy that press against your spinal nerves, with a goal of relieving your symptoms. Most spinal surgery takes from one to five hours. Surgery is most often easier on the patient who is in good physical condition prior to the procedure; therefore, your doctor may prescribe a pre-conditioning program as you prepare for surgery.

Other preparations for surgery include reduction of medications (talk with your doctor before altering any medications), blood storage through self donation, weight reduction, and stopping or reducing your smoking habit. Psychological health is also important; counselors or family members may be of help to you before and after surgery

Lumbar Disc Replacement

Orthopaedic Center of the Rockies is proud to offer Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement to our patients with disabling low back pain. The Charite' Artificial Lumbar Disc has recently been approved for use by the FDA. Patients who have been through an extensive rehabilitation program and persist in having disabling low back pain may be candidates for this exciting new procedure. Whereas most spinal surgery is performed on the back of the spine, the Artificial Lumbar Disc is inserted on the front side of the spine.

This technology offers a great alternative to many patients who would have previously had a lumbar fusion operation. Other potential advantages of Artificial Disc Replacement vs. fusion surgery:

• decreased hospitalization and recovery time
• decreased time to resume full activity
• restoration of spinal motion
• preventing degeneration of additional discs in the spine

For more information on the Charite' Artificial Disc  please see http://www.charitedisc.com

Cervical Disc Replacement

Dr. Robert Benz and Dr. William Biggs are performing cervical disc replacement surgery in selected patients.  This may be a good alternative to cervical fusion for treatment of cervical disc herniations. 

Disc replacement surgery generally results in the following benefits compared to fusion surgery:

• quicker healing time
• quicker return to activity

Currently the Medtronic Prestige is the only FDA approved device for cervical disc replacement.  To schedule an evaluation from one of our physicians please call (970)-493-0112.  For further details on the Prestige Disc press here. Link http://www.prestigedisc.com/