Dr. Kenneth Light: Spinal Disc Implants, Fusion Reversal & Stenosis Treatment Improve Outcomes

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) August 03, 2011

Just a decade ago, the options for treating back pain and injuries were more limited, says San Francisco spine surgeon Dr. Kenneth Light. “For example, spinal fusions have been and continue to be a first choice among many spine surgeons to repair injuries and to address pain,” says Dr. Light.

“A spinal fusion procedure is routinely performed to address unstable vertebrae - spines that were slipping in various directions, or spines that were crooked, such as in scoliosis, to straighten and place the vertebra back into alignment,” says Dr. Light. “Spinal fusions are still appropriate for those conditions,” says Dr. Light. “The main disadvantage is that a spinal fusion makes the back abnormally stiff and unable to function as it normally would.”

Dr. Light, who recently performed the first spinal fusion reversal procedures on two women from the San Francisco area says spinal disc implants may be an attractive alternative for for many patients, and an option for those who still experience pain after undergoing a spinal fusion procedure.

“Spinal disc implants were developed in Europe about 20 years ago and the results were very good,” says Dr. Light. “But it wasn't until about six or seven years ago that they were finally approved for use in the United States by the F.D.A . I believe that spinal disc replacement is the single greatest advancement in spinal surgery in the past 50 years,” says Dr. Light. “Spinal disc implants also allow for a nearer to normal range of motion, which can considerably improve a person’s quality of life,” he says.

Spinal stenosis - start with a correct diagnosis.
“With the aging population, more people are having difficulty walking,” says Dr. Light - “There are 3 reasons why people over the age of sixty have problems walking: hip arthritis, arteriosclerosis, and spinal stenosis. All 3 conditions can present the same symptoms, so you could have hip surgery when you actually need stenosis treatment, for example’” says Dr. Light. ”The right diagnosis is essential, which is why it’s important to seek a qualified orthopaedic surgeon who can determine what is causing the symptoms.”

For additional information visit http://www.drkennethlight.com or call 415.673.4500.
Media inquiries, contact Gary Grasso, Director, Doctor's P.R. Medical News: http://www.doctorspr.com or call 626.222.7955.

Dr. Kenneth Light graduated from the Cornell University College of Medicine in New York City. He completed his residency in Orhopaedic Surgery at the University of California in San Francisco., and completed a fellowship in spinal surgery under the guidance of Edward H. Simmons at the State University of New York in Buffalo.

Dr. Light was director of the spine clinic at San Francisco General Hospital, and was founder and medical director of the San Francisco Spine Center at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, is board certified with the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at University of California, San Francisco. He is currently in private practice in San Francisco where he specializes in reconstructive surgery in patients who have had failed back surgery.

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