EXPANDING THE RANGE OF TREATABLE CASES
The need for change
Patients with long-term back problems pose many challenges to medical practitioners and it is widely acknowledged that the true sources of back pain may not be perfectly understood. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that much conventional thinking has been derived from anatomical analysis of cadavers or from surgeons working with fully anaesthetised patients.
Diagnostic difficulties
In addition to the foregoing, it is clear that diagnoses based upon the results from ‘distant’ techniques such as X-rays, MRI scans and CAT scans can sometimes come down to a matter or experience, judgement and interpretation rather than of factual evidence. Sadly, this has occasionally resulted in patients being told ‘You’ll just have to live with it’ or ‘The pain is all in your head’.
A New approach
Today, The Spinal Foundation offers a viable alternative to the status quo; employing leading-edge ‘Aware State’ diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery to dramatically expand the envelope of cases that can be treated (click link for list). Indeed The Spinal Foundation has already enabled almost 6000 patients to enjoy a fuller and more active existence by their surgical interventions.
A better solution
A wide range of patients can be treated including those with infirmities or disabilities, failed back surgery or deemed too old for surgery. Treatment is generally on a ‘Day Case’ basis and with minimal blood loss and tissue disturbance, a faster recovery and an earlier return to normal life is expected. Patients can be referred directly to The Spinal Foundation or via your Primary Care Trust for potential NHS treatment.
Effective sustained treatment benefit
Aware State Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery are delivering encouraging results in well over 80% of cases treated when reviewed 2-4 years later, and 70% still satisfied 10 years later. In addition, these procedures are often carried out on a ‘Day Case’ basis, with far less consumption of anaesthetics, material resources and personnel; all of which indicates that these techniques offer a compelling alternative to traditional spinal surgery.
Earlier recovery
The benefits to the patient are also considerable. Keyhole surgery means less blood loss and tissue disturbance, resulting in a much earlier recovery and return to normal life and work. Moreover, these techniques are less traumatic than traditional open surgery and less radical than Fusion Surgery, preserving the patient’s options for future surgery as techniques advance.
Encouraging results
Over the last 20 years, The Spinal Foundation has successfully treated over 10,000 complex cases using laser "keyhole" surgery on patients who would otherwise have required a major intervention such as fusion surgery. At the same time a wealth of knowledge has been acquired that is not available to conventional doctors and surgeons and PCT’s may be unaware of the opportunities that now exist.
