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CONDITIONS TREATED + Acute and chronic neck and back pain + Arthritis + Cervical spine conditions + Herniated discs + Lumbar spine conditions + Osteoporosis + Sciatica + Scoliosis + Spine trauma/injury + Thoracic spine conditions turns the corner for them; however, some patients don't respond to conservative treatments, and at that point we consult a surgeon, if we haven't done so previously. The Spine Center provides patients with the opportunity to see multiple experts during the acute phase of their injury, which better educates them and allows them to make an informed decision regarding their care." Common conditions that may lead to surgical intervention include arthritic pressure on the nerves, herniated discs, scoliosis, spinal stenosis and spondylo- listhesis — the forward displacement of a vertebra caused by the loosening of bone that may not always require surgery. Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery While a last option, surgery may be a necessary treatment for back pain. Most minimally invasive spine surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures with accelerated recovery periods and minimal blood loss. Many may be performed in as few as 30 minutes. "For patients suffering from spine disease with neck or low-back problems requiring surgery, we want to operate in the least invasive fashion possible," Dr. Perkins says. "Performed with precise tools, minimally invasive surgery requires a smaller incision, and the vast majority of patients return home the same day." Dr. Perk ins rout inely per for ms minimally invasive cervical and lumbar procedures, including: + Anterior lumbar interbody fusion. This procedure is typically indicated for patients with degenerative disc disease. The surgeon removes a damaged disc and implants new bone tissue to hinder movement. Minimally invasive lumbar interbody fusion cuts surgical time in half, compared with the traditional open procedure. + Bone fusion. This procedure joins and realigns two or more vertebrae to halt the slippage associated with arthritis. + Cervical and lumbar laminectomy. This surgical option opens the canal in the vertebrae to stop compression of the spinal cord. + Cervical and lumbar total disc replace- ment. In approximately 30 minutes, Dr. Perkins can perform this procedure and replace a disc, which affords the patient enhanced, natural movement. The artificial disc is comprised of tita- nium and a plastic polymer that allows the segment to move, so the patient will have more normal or more physiologic motion when the surgery is over. This procedure promotes continued spine health in the future, notes Dr. Perkins. neurological issues to be addressed. Any kind of treatment is acceptable that meets a patient's needs, and should a specific therapy become ineffective, we can always explore other options." Surgical Spine Care When pain management, physical and alternative therapies are not producing fast or efficient pain relief, Dr. Dentico continues the team's multidisciplinary approach by consulting with Dr. Perkins to advance the care protocols. "Back pain, if left untreated, may take up to nine months to resolve, but if chronic radiculopathy persists, we want to hasten recovery," Dr. Dentico says. "Every patient is different when it comes to therapies. Some patients have a chiropractic treatment or physical therapy session and find that it Physical Medicine Director Cathy Leonard helps a patient perform a trunk extension exercise. Dr. Perkins reviews a spine surgical candidate's X-ray. SPECI A L FE AT UR E 1 8 | Mid Hudson MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M