OCR’s Spinal Surgeons Present Seminar
For Immediate Release: May 20, 2008
Contact: Armi Hall, OCR Marketing, (970) 419-7140, ahall@orthohealth.com
Orthopaedic CenterМ_s Spinal Surgeons Present Seminar May 27 with PVHS Aspen Club
The Orthopaedic Center of the RockiesМ_ spinal surgeons will discuss back and neck problems and treatments, including new artificial disc technologies, during a free seminar May 27 at Poudre Valley Hospital.
Drs. Robert Benz and William Biggs will discuss the new artificial discs and other treatments for back and neck disorders in a special program for Aspen Club members and the community Tuesday, May 27, at 6:30 pm in CafМц F at PVH. To register, call the Aspen Club at 970-495-8565.
Because of age, injury, or other factors, people can develop serious problems such as disc herniation (bulging disc) and narrowing of the spinal canal (the passage for the spinal cord and nerves). These problems will usually produce pain or weakness in the shoulders, arms, or legs. Occasionally there can be enough pressure on the spinal cord that we develop problems with co-ordination. Simple tasks such as buttoning buttons or writing our names become more challenging. With these symptoms, it is best to check with your physician to see if further testing needs to be done.
In the past, disc herniations in the neck generally required removal of the degenerated disc and fusion of spine. Now, new treatments involving placing an artificial disc in the neck may be a better option for certain patients who meet the criteria for the operation. This treatment preserves motion of the spine and decreases the chance that additional surgeries will be needed.
If a narrowing of the spinal canal creates pressure on the spinal cord in several places, a procedure called a laminaplasty may be an option. This surgery involves opening the spinal canal without completely removing the bony covering over the nerves. In addition it avoids doing a fusion, thus maintaining motion of the spine.
