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 Lumbar Spine Stabilisation/Normalisation
Mr. D'Urso performs surgery to relieve back pain and
related problems. As part of the surgical procedure
to "normalise" or "stabilise" the
spine, Mr. D'Urso may use either the DIAM System or
the Wallis Implant, as an alternative to traditional
spinal fusion. These implants are the latest in spinal
surgery technology, and avoid the need for more invasive
spinal fusion procedures, thus allowing retention of
motion in the affected spine segment. See detailed information
Regarding both of these systems in the "Technology"
section of this site.
As discs lose their water content because of disease
or age, they lose their height. As a result, the vertebrae
become closer, causing the nerve openings in the spine
to become narrower. When a disc ruptures in the lumbar
spine, it puts pressure on one or more nerve roots or
on the spinal cord, causing pain and other symptoms
in the back and legs. Many people with disc degeneration
respond to a non-surgical approach that includes physical
therapy and exercises to strengthen the back and abdominal
muscles, ant- inflammatory medication and the avoidance
of repetitive jarring activities. If this approach does
not work, surgery may be needed. Surgical options include
fusion and instrumentation, microdiscectomy, or insertion
of a newly developed Stabilisation (also called Normalisation)
implant.
The affected area of the spine is exposed in a minimally
invasive fashion. The stabilisation implant is then
inserted between the bony prominences that project backwards
from the spine, known as the spineous processes. The
implant is secured to the spineous processes by means
of artificial ligaments which hold the implant in place
and help to provide stability but without fixing the
spine rigidly. The implant and the ligaments are not
seen on x-rays, but markers show the position of the
implant on the x-ray seen below.
No operation for back pain can provide a guarantee
of improvement in symptoms. However, the stabilisation
procedure has a number of advantages. The procedure
is minimally invasive, being undertaken through a relatively
small incision on the back. The muscles of the back
suffer only a minimal disturbance and recuperation is
relatively quick. Movement at the operated part of the
spine is preserved, a benefit in itself but also in
protecting other parts of the spine from additional
stress.
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X-rays taken while bending forwards
(left) and arching backwards (right) three months
after surgery, showing how movement is preserved.
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What Happens Afterwards?
Immediately after surgery, you will be moved to the
recovery room where you will remain for a few hours
while your recovery from the anaesthesia is monitored.
After you awaken fully, you will be taken to your hospital
room. You may have a drainage tube in your wound and
your doctor may prescribe medicines to control pain
and nausea. Ask Mr. D'Urso about your hospital stay
and your specific recovery plan following surgery. It
is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully
to recover from surgery as quickly as possible and increase
your chances of a successful outcome.
After surgery Mr. D'Urso may refer you to a physical
therapist that will teach you exercises to improve your
strength and mobility. The goal of physical therapy
is to help you become active as soon as possible, using
safe body movements that protect your back. You and
your surgeon will continue to work together during your
recovery. Before you leave the hospital, Mr. D'Urso
may schedule follow up visits with you so he can evaluate
your progress.
Click here
to view the Spinal Stabilisation Implant Overview
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How
is the surgery performed?