Neck injuries are common among athletes. When assessing the nature of a neck injury, valuable diagnostic tools include considering any neurologic component and comparing the initial symptoms with the current symptoms, according to Jeffrey L. Gum, M.D., a spine and orthopedic surgeon with Norton Leatherman Spine. A video of the event or an eyewitness account…
As health care providers, it’s essential to stay aware of the evolving surgical techniques and technologies in spine surgery. In a presentation by John R. Dimar II, M.D., spine surgeon with Norton Leatherman Spine, several questions were raised regarding the widespread promotion of minimally invasive techniques and their applicability in complex cases. Dr. Dimar cautioned…
Robot-assisted sacroiliac joint (SIJ) fusion surgery can, in about 1% of cases, injure the superior gluteal artery (SGA), but preoperative imaging, precise robot-assisted screw insertion and soft tissue protection can mitigate risks, according to a recently published study in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons. The study describes the case of an 80-year-old man who…
Prehabilitation, or “prehab,” refers to optimizing general health and well-being before surgery to improve surgical outcomes. Prehab takes a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on strength and aerobic exercises, nutrition, smoking cessation, alcohol reduction, and psychological factors such as mitigating stress, anxiety and depression. The approach is primarily designed for patients who are at the highest risk…
Spine surgeries have come a long way from the large open procedures that were the standard of care for many years. A wide range of minimally invasive surgeries are now possible for patients, with excellent results and faster recovery. Our goal with minimally invasive surgery is to decrease soft-tissue disruption yet accomplish the same results…
Until recently, opioids have been the analgesic of choice for managing back pain before and after surgery. Now we are in the midst of an opioid crisis and know all too well the many drawbacks of opioids. At Norton Leatherman Spine, we take seriously our role in reducing this public health catastrophe. We are working…
Osteoporosis in the aging population is now estimated to affect over 10 million people and significantly affects postmenopausal women, although the condition can occur in other groups. There are many predisposing factors, including a family history (genetics), race, smoking, alcohol abuse, chronic illness, cancer, deficient vitamin D3 levels and living a sedentary lifestyle. The condition…
Difficulty with standing balance is a frequent clinical issue with multiple possible etiologies. It may be seen with normal aging or common pathologies such as diabetic neuropathy. In patients with cervical degenerative disease, progressive standing and gait imbalance can be an indication of cervical spinal cord dysfunction, termed cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). As opposed to…
Studies have shown patients with diabetes who have poorly controlled blood sugar are more likely to have more adverse outcomes after elective surgery. At the same time, patients do not want to wait for spine surgery. Waiting means prolonging their pain, disability and immobility — and results in significant patient dissatisfaction. To improve surgical outcomes…
After completing a pair of spinal fellowships in the latest surgical techniques and technologies, Shawn W. Adams, M.D., has joined Norton Leatherman Spine and Norton Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Adams’ fellowships covered complex adult spine, deformity and minimally invasive techniques. “I try to develop a relationship with my patients and partner with them to get the…
Norton Healthcare has been named the first Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence in the country by DNV, a national accrediting body. This designation is given to organizations that demonstrate excellence in diagnostic services, surgical services and therapies related to orthopedic and spine care. To receive the Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence…
Even though I’m a neurosurgeon specializing in spine, I spend a lot of time talking to my patients about issues other than their backs. Rarely do I see back pain in isolation. Before they undergo spinal surgery, patients who are obese or who have osteoporosis or have poorly controlled diabetes all have risks we need…