Health Quest 6
For patients with a damaged disc, pinched nerve or other issues in the neck,
cervical spine specialists at NDH and VBMC use special minimally invasive
techniques to reach the exact spot on the spine that's been damaged. By sliding
tiny tools into small openings, they are able to remove the damaged disc and
release pressure on the joint.
"Once the disc is removed, there's an empty place in the joint that we have to
correct," says Dr. Richard Perkins, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with
NDH and Orthopedic Associates of Dutchess County. "For years, the only option
was to fuse the joint together — and this is still an excellent choice for a lot of
patients to alleviate pain. Now, however, we offer a different solution."
A NEW DISC
Much like someone who gets a new knee or hip, patients who qualify for the
advanced procedure, known as artificial disc replacement, receive a new disc to
replace the defective one. Made of a special hardened plastic called polyether
ether ketone, or PEEK, the replacement disc is inserted between two vertebrae,
aiding movement.
"is new generation of implants allows us to preserve more natural motion
in the neck," says Dr. Nicholas Renaldo, board-certified orthopedic spine
surgeon with VBMC and Orthopedic Associates of Dutchess County. "Patients
don't have to wear a brace after surgery, and some are even less likely to develop
certain complications, such as further damage to the remaining discs."
Most patients are able to go home the same day they receive an artificial disc
replacement in the neck.
VISIT THE PHYSICIAN DIRECTORY AT HEALTH-QUEST.ORG TO FIND A SPINE SURGEON.
"Damage to the joints in the neck can be
debilitating, keeping patients from enjoying life,
making a living or doing daily tasks. Artificial
disc replacement allows us to help patients get
back to the lives they love. We use the same
minimally invasive techniques we've perfected
helping hundreds of other people with neck issues
combined with the latest technology for rapid
recovery and improved range of motion. That's
what our job is all about."
—Dr. Richard Perkins, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon
with Northern Dutchess Hospital and Orthopedic Associates of
Dutchess County
A new technique used at Northern Dutchess Hospital and Vassar Brothers Medical Center allows neck surgery
patients to move more freely.
Necks in Motion
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NEW PROCEDURE KEEPS
