I’m a 77 year old retired physician. For 1 year I had severe sciatic pain radiating from my right lower back to my right lower leg. I couldn’t walk more than 50 feet before the pain became severe. Dr. Georgiy Brusovanik performed surgery at Doctors hospital in Coral Gables replacing all the disk in my lumbar spine because the degeneration was severe.Procedure was done in two stages.The surgery was very successful.My recovery each time was shorter than i expected.I am now able to walk my dogs up to 12 city blocks per day.I am very pleased with the care i received and feel that Dr. Brusovanik expertise and kind manor helped me to achieve the success i had.

Dr. Burton Silver, MD
Dermatologic Surgeon
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Patients with fractures of the spinal column complain of pain in the neck or back. Fractures can occur after motor vehicle accidents or falls. The pain starts right away. Sometimes, the spine loses its ability to maintain normal posture. If the fracture is more serious, it may results in compression of nerves. In that case, patients will complain of pain that shoots from their neck to their arms or from their back to the hips. If the fractured bone compresses the spinal cord, the most serious situation, patients may loose sensation or strength in their extremities and may even become incontinent of urine or bowel. It is important to act fast – the longer nerves are compressed, the lower chance that surgery will help.

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Compression Fractures of the SpineThis type of fracture is a collapse of the vertebral bone that can affect one or more vertebra. It can result in a severe deformity of the spinal column. Compression fractures may affect any of the vertebrae, but most commonly occur in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar regions.

It is important to analyze each fracture. Most spinal fractures can be managed without surgery. Braces, medicine and time allow most fractures to heal without consequence. However, some fractures are more severe and compromise spinal stability. That means that walking, sitting and sometimes even turning in bed will move the fractured fragments and cause pain. A spine surgeon is necessary to analyze the fracture and determine the probability that it is unstable. X-rays, CT scan or an MRI may be very helpful in making such a determination. Frequently, time is of the essence, especially with compression of nerves or the spinal cord.

There are a few surgical options and in an injured spine it is especially important to perform minimally invasive surgery so as to avoid further injury to the person. Sometimes, a needle can be introduced into the back and the entire surgery can be done though that needle.

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KyphoplastyThis minimally-invasive procedure treats spine fractures caused by osteoporosis. It is designed to provide rapid back pain relief and help straighten the spine.

Sometimes, if the fracture is more severe, a minimally invasive operation can be done to restore posture and relieve pain.

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Lumbar pedicle screw fixation (CD HORIZONS Sextant)This minimally-invasive procedure uses special guides and fluoroscopic imaging to allow a surgeon to precisely implant stabilizing screws and rods in the spine while minimizing damage to muscles, tendons and other soft tissue in the back.

Spinal Fractures are very painful. It is important to avoid being in bed for prolonged period of time because of risk of pneumonia and other complications. Please don’t hesitate to call us for a consultation.

• Fractured Spine Article 1 [ Download PDF ]
• Fractured Spine Article 2 [ Download PDF ]

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