Jan 17, 2008 2:01 pm US/Eastern
New Back Surgery Procedure Offers Fast Relief
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Back pain is said to affect 80 percent of Americans at some point in their lives, but now a new type of surgery is offering relief and getting patients back on their feet even faster.
Sabrina Wildman has dealt with back pain for years, and now she's ready for a change.
"It's not a way to live, I wouldn't wish this on my enemy, my worst enemy," she tells CBS 2.
Wildman's troubles began after the lowest disk in her spine was injured in a car accident, leaving her with chronic lower back pain.
But it turns out there's a light at the end of the tunnel for her.
Dr. Roger Hartl of the Weill Cornell Medical College plans to repair the disk with a new twist on an old technique: spinal fusion.
During a traditional fusion, a large incision is made in the back. The injured disk is removed and replaced with synthetic materials. Screws and rods are implanted to hold the spine in place.
The new technique uses a smaller incision in the tailbone. Surgeons use x-rays to find their way up to the spine, and just like in the other procedure, they replace the bad disk. But instead of two rods, a single screw is inserted in the disk to secure it.
"There's only minimal risk of injury to the nerves because you're completely avoiding the nerves," says Hartl.
The new technique leads to a speedier recovery too. Patients are back to normal in just two weeks, compared with six weeks for traditional surgery.
Bruce Mann had the surgery last year. He's already seen drastic changes in his life.
"I went skiing with my son last week, first time in like three years I skied," he says.
Before the procedure, Mann says he couldn't bend at all, but now he can easily touch the floor.
"My life is totally changed now," he admits.
Wildman hopes it will change her life as well.
Spinal fusion surgery is only one of many treatments out there for back pain today. Before having any procedure, make sure to explore all of your options -- both surgical and non-surgical -- with your doctor.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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