Jeffrey R. Carlson, M.D.
Using this system is a win for everyone involved.
NEWPORT NEWS, VA (PRWEB) December 22, 2016
On December 6, 2016, an OSC Fellowship- Trained Spine Surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey R. Carlson, performed an L5-S1 ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) on a 56 year-old male patient, using the Synfix Evolution ALIF System at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, VA. This is the first time this fusion system has been used in Virginia.
ALIF is a spine fusion technique used to access the spinal vertebrae by entering the patient through the abdomen. Often, it is combined with a posterior fusion because of the requirement for more rigid fixation to treat instability. Posterior fusions tend to have more post-operative pain complications for the patient than anterior fusions.
The Synfix Evolution ALIF System is a stand-alone device, meaning there is no need to turn the patient over and additionally fuse their posterior spine for increased stability. This greatly reduces trauma and post-surgical pain for the patient. In addition, surgery time is reduced, as are surgical costs. Specialized instruments optimize surgical efficiency and there are a wide range of size options to fit the patient’s anatomy.
“Using this system is a win for everyone involved”, said Dr. Carlson. “The patient is under anesthesia for a much shorter time, experiences less pain post-operatively, and recovers more quickly, having only one surgical site with less trauma to muscle and tissue. The hospital sees cost savings with less OR time and fewer resources used. As the surgeon, saving time under anesthesia for the patient decreases the surgical risks and a strong anterior fusion allows the fusion procedure to be less painful.”
About Orthopaedic & Spine Center
Orthopaedic & Spine Center offers specialized Orthopaedic, Interventional Pain Management and Regenerative Medicine services, including spine care, sports medicine, total joint replacement, pain management and Workers’ Compensation Injury Management. Their physicians have full staff privileges at Mary Immaculate Hospital. Orthopaedic & Spine Center is located at 250 Nat Turner Boulevard in Newport News, VA. For an appointment, call (757) 596-1900, and for more information on the practice and its physicians, visit chooseosc.com.