Patient Information Presentation
The spinal column extends from the base of the skull to the tailbone and is made up of thirty- three bones known as the vertebrae. The first seven vertebrae (the cervical vertebrae) are in the neck and are numbered C1 through C7. Nerve compression in this area can cause neck pain, which may radiate down the arms to the hands and fingers.
The next twelve vertebrae make up the thoracic region (T1 through T12); the ribs attach to these vertebrae and protect the heart and lungs. Few spinal problems can occur in this region; it is usually very stable due to its support from the ribcage.
The lumbar region is the lower back, which contains five vertebrae (L1 through L5). The lumbar spine plays a significant role in motion and flexibility. It is the source of most motion and supports most of the body weight. Overload or taxing movements may strain the structure, compress the nerves and cause back pain, which may radiate down the legs to the feet.
Each vertebra is composed of a body and a spinous process which protect the spinal cord and nerve roots. The vertebrae in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions are separated by discs. Discs serve as cushion between the vertebrae, helping to protect them and the nerves that run from the spinal cord to the rest of the body.The regions beneath the lumbar spine are the sacrum (S1 through S5) and coccyx (a series of small bones often called the tailbone). These are fused, and they do not have discs between them.
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Lower Back Problems (lumbar):
Degenerative Disc Disease refers to the gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae. As we age, the water and protein content of the body's cartilage changes. This change results in weaker, thinner and more fragile cartilage. Because both the discs and the joints that stack the vertebrae (facet joints) are partially composed of cartilage, these areas are subject to wear and tear over time (degenerative changes).
Spondylolisthesis is the slippage of one vertebrae upon another. There are multiple "types" of slippage. The degenerative type is commonly seen in the elderlyand the "isthmic" type is commonly seen in the younger population. In the degenerative "older" type, the patient usually has symptoms of spinal stenosis with increased chance of back pain. If the slippage is unstable, back pain becomes more significant. The isthmic (younger) type of slippage is likely present from early adulthood; patients tend to become symptomatic in their 20s or 30s.
Spinal Stenosis is a common problem noted in the elderly population. Stenosis is a fancy term for a narrowing of the spinal canal. As we age, the joints in the spine become arthritic and form bone spurs; the ligaments "thicken" and the discs collapse and "protrude" into the spinal canal. The spinal canal has limited space, and as the bony spurs, discs and ligaments invade the canal, the nerves have less room. The increasing pressure on the nerves causes back and mostly leg pain which usually worsens with standing or walking; the leg pain is usually relieved by sitting or lying down.
Problems in Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar/Sacral regions of the spine, including:
- “Sciatica”
- Back pain with or without radiating leg pain
- Back pain that involves the hips, buttocks, and legs
- Numbness in the leg(s) or feet
- Weakness of the muscles of the leg(s)
As well as:
Bulging Disc, Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Arthritis of the Spine, Pinched Nerve, Scar Tissue, Foraminal Stenosis, Facet Disease
Ruptured or Herniated Disc
Small, spongy discs cushion the individual bones that form the spine, or backbone. When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep the spine flexible. When a disc breaks down, or is damaged, it may tear, bulge or break open. This is called a herniated disc. It may also be called a bulged, slipped or ruptured disc.
The AccuraScope™ Discectomy and Neural Decompression (“D.N.D.”) Procedure:
- The AccuraScopeTM D.N.D. is a Minimally Invasive, Natural Opening procedure used to both diagnose and treat Inter-vertebral discs and Spinal Stenosis.
- Using live x-ray for guidance, the doctor inserts an endoscopic fiber optic scope, like a small tube, through a small incision in the skin, into a natural opening at the base of the spine.
- The doctor examines the inside of the spine and the discs of the lower back, from both sides of the spinal canal, to identify any tears, ruptures, herniations, bulges, or other abnormalities.
- The doctor actually finds inflammation and actually diagnoses the source of pain.
- The doctor then uses a number of instruments to shrink the damaged disc(s), or spinal stenosis, and relieve pressure on the spinal nerve(s).
- The procedure is usually completed in 30-45 minutes. Many patients experience immediate relief.
- Patients are returned to a recovery area and are usually discharged approximately one hour after surgery. Patients can walk the same day as their procedure, and can start gentle physical therapy exercises the next day.
- Many patients can return to work and resume normal activities the following day, and most can return within one week.
North American Spine is the world’s sole provider of the AccuraScope™ procedure.
D.N.D. is a Minimally Invasive, Natural Opening procedure that results in:
- Tiny incision with minimal scarring
- Diagnosis of the cause / source of the pain
- Earlier treatment
- Rapid recovery and potential immediate relief
- Less pain after prodecure and less chance for recurrence
- Minimal risk of damage to muscles, bone, nerves or blood vessels, especially when compared to “minimally invasive” procedures
- The normal structure of the disc is maintained
- Highly successful
In layman’s terms, the primary difference between the AccuraScope™ and traditional Laserscopic procedures is that the AccuraScope™ procedure follows laterally, along a natural opening in the spinal column, thereby allowing both the diagnosis and the treatment along the entire lumbar path (L1–L5). No one else can treat multiple levels in a single procedure.
Most people are unaware that it is back surgeries that cause much or most of patients recovery issues. The actual “fixes” at the source are generally similar among the procedures (i.e. the removal of unwanted tissue), but the invasiveness and associated trauma of the procedure dictates 90% or more of the outcome. The pictures below depict the relative invasiveness of the three most common back surgery alternatives:
Traditional "Open Back"
Endoscopic
AccuraScope™
