PITTSBURGH (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Every year, U.S. surgeons perform
more than half a million back surgeries to relieve disc-related pain. As
many as 30 percent of those patients have recurrent problems. Orthopedic
specialists are testing a new procedure that might prevent patients from
needing a second surgery.
Imagine not being able to walk, sit, or bend without feeling intense pain.
"By the time I came home every day, I was close to tears, and the only
comfortable position I could find would be lying flat on the floor," back
patient JoAnn Seaman told Ivanhoe.
A herniated, or damaged disc in Seaman's lower spine was pushing against a
nerve. Surgery was the best option. Typically, doctors remove the portion of
the disc causing the pain, but it leaves a hole behind. This can lead to
another injury.
"At least 10 percent of the patients who have a discectomy will have a re-herniation
of that disc," Eugene Bonaroti, M.D., a neurosurgeon at West Penn Allegheny
Health System in Pittsburgh, Penn., told Ivanhoe.
Doctors are now testing a device designed to close the gap for good. The new
repair system acts like a mini-sewing machine. The tip of the device is
inserted into the disc wall. It anchors sutures on either side of the hole
and pulls it shut for patients. It means reducing the risk of a second
surgery.
"For him to give me the hope that I could keep this from re-herniating, I
was excited about that," Seaman said.
Getting patients back on their feet-pain free, and keeping them that way.
Doctors say the repair system cannot be used for every disc surgery. If the
hole is too large or too close to the edge of the bone, it won't work.
There's a risk the device can increase risk of infection or dislodge and
move to another area of the body.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Dan Laurent
Public Relations
Allegheny General Hospital
(412) 359-8602
