News & Press
Injections before Surgery: Failures of my methodology
Introduction: to describe the pitfalls and failures of a common pre-surgical diagnostic pathway, ie epidural steroid injections and facet injections to isolate the source of a patient’s pain.
Background: multilevel, degenerative disc disease appears on an MRI of most patients after a certain age. Back pain is also very common, but physicians are often unable to reliably pinpoint which specific disc causes a patient’s pain, especially if there is no neurological component, or “sciatica”. To say in another way: when a patient has pain in his back while sitting, that is associated with sciatica in the back of the thigh, back of the calf or bottom of the foot, an experienced surgeon will immediately recognize that this patient’s pain is in the distribution of the S1 nerve root. Nerves begin in the brain and traverse the spine on the way to the extremitie. Read More
Dr. Brusovanik Contributes to Jiu-Jitsu Article
Dr. Brusovanik Contributes to Jiu-Jitsu Article | Click Here to Download PDF Article
Dr. Brusovanik was featured in Ocean Drive Magazine
Dr. Brusovanik was featured in Ocean Drive Magazine | View Article
Coronavirus Update | Back Pain Emergencies
Coronavirus Update | Back Pain Emergencies————————————————————-
Coronavirus Update | Safe Medications for Back Pain
Coronavirus Update | Safe Medications for Back Pain——————————
Especialista garantiza el regreso de Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
Especialista garantiza el regreso de Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
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What are the parts of the spine that cause nerve compression?
What are the parts of the spine that cause nerve compression?——————————
“Lumbar Stenosis = difficulty walking” with Dr. Brusovanik
“Lumbar Stenosis = difficulty walking” with Dr. Brusovanik——————————
Dr. Brusovanik discusses innovations in spine surgery on Telemundo
Dr Brusovanik discusses innovations in spine surgery on Telemundo——————————
Dr Brusovanik on Mexico City’s Las Estrellas
Dr Brusovanik on Mexico City’s Las Estrellas——————————
Dr. Brusovanik discusses back pain with Dr. Mena
Coronavirus Update | Back Pain Emergencies————————————————————-
Dr. Brusovanik on the Paul Castrono Show – March 14, 2019
Dr. Brusovanik on the Paul Castrono Show – March 14, 2019
Dr. Brusovanik on the Paul Castrono Show – 1 of 2 March 2019
Dr. Brusovanik on the Paul Castrono Show – 1 of 2 March 2019
Dr. Brusovanik on the Paul Castrono Show – 2 of 2 March 2019
Dr. Brusovanik on the Paul Castrono Show – 2 of 2 March 2019
Problemas comunes de dolores de espalda en los atletas
Read Full Article on Listin Diario
Los problemas discales y cervicales que causan dolor en el cuello, las piernas, brazos y hombros, así como debilidad en miembros inferiores y superiores, figuran entre los principales problemas de salud que afectan a los atletas, sobre todo a los que practican deportes de alto rendimiento y requieren de giros bruscos en el cuerpo.
No obstante, esos problemas de columna y los dolores del nervio ciático no sólo son propios de atletas, sino que son frecuentes también en la población general en diferentes edades, que presentan dolor en la espalda baja y el cuello, cuyas causas, aunque muchas veces se asocian a la postura, no son del todo conocidas.
La revelación fue hecha por el doctor de origen ruso Georgiy Brusovanik, ortopeda especialista en columna con manejo de técnicas mínimamente invasivas; ejerce en Miami y estuvo recientemente en el país ajustando acuerdos con las autoridades del Ministerio de Deportes y del Comité Olímpico, que lo convertirán en el médico principal de columna de los atletas olímpicos del país. Destacó que jugadores profesionales de fútbol americano tienden a sufrir mucho de esos padecimientos de columna, cuello y espalda baja, así como los peleadores, jóvenes que practican tenis, golf y los beisbolistas, fruto del esfuerzo y giro brusco del cuerpo al momento de lanzar o batear la pelota, que puede generar desgaste de los tejidos blandos alrededor de la columna.
Los problemas discales requieren tratamiento quirúrgico; antes se utilizaban técnicas más invasivas que paralizaban el movimiento de columna, donde el 25% de los pacientes tenían que volver a ser operados cada 10 años, pero que ahora se utilizan tecnologías novedosas mínimamente invasivas que reducen esa incidencia a un 3%.
Spinal Replacement Options
I am excited to live in 2018 where as a spine surgeon I can use the current available technology to its fullest and where on a daily basis new advances of technology are taking place. Spine surgery has progressed significantly and especially so, with advancement of minimally invasive spine surgery. The young spine surgeon can sneak into the canal, correct the problem, and sneak out; thereby inflicting minimal damage. This imparts faster recovery and less postoperative pain. Some patients go home the same day and take no pain medicine after surgery.
We have come to a point in history where we can replace most parts of the spine. Disc replacement has been in various stages of development over the past 20 years. There are some 15-year studies out of Europe and some younger studies out of United States with very promising results. Neck disc replacement has especially been shown to have better satisfaction rates and earlier return to work than fusion surgery. Lumbar disc replacement lags in a quality of research but is another very promising technology. We are able to remove cancers and block and replace them with 3D-printed bone. In my armamentarium, are metal and plastic cages that can be placed through very small incisions and once in place can be deployed where by oscillating its mechanism, the cage will expend in 1, 2, or 3 planes. This can fill larger bony defects and replace the bony component of most aspects of the human spine.
Georgiy Brusovanik, M.D.
GB/st
Robotic Spine Surgery
Robotic spine surgery has already changed the precision of modern day minimally invasive spine surgery. Historically, placement of instrumentation in order to stabilize the spine or correct and hold a deformed spine would require a large incision. Muscles would have to be stripped off the bone in order to find a perfect starting point for placement of screws, for example. Even still, a significant amount of guessing was involved because of a three-dimensional shape of the human vertebrae.
Screw placement accuracy improved with the use of x-rays, neuromonitoring, and computer guidance. All of the above methods have allowed regeneration of spine surgeons to use smaller, more sparing incisions, and a less invasive technique. The most recent innovation improves on the past by increasing the accuracy of placement to 99.9% by using a CAT scan and some intraoperative data. This is a very promising technology that can make a six-hour operation with a 2% error rate into a two-hour operation with a 1% error rate. This is a huge improvement when it comes to spine surgery.
Georgiy Brusovanik, M.D.
GB/st
Dr. Brusovanik as seen on PBS
Dr. Brusovanik as seen on PBS
SO FLO Health & MY VIP Interview
SO FLO Health & MY VIP Interview with Dr. Brusovanik
Cancer Markers
Screening tests in medicine are designed with the disease prevalence in mind; that means that for a condition that is not dangerous and occurs rarely, screening tests really would not make sense. However, for conditions that ARE preventable early, if caught early, and for conditions that are more common, sometimes it is very reasonable to have a screening test such as mammography for breast cancer. Some screening tests are very expensive and that has to be kept in mind because screening tests are applicable to the entire population, therefore costs matters in the approach to screen. And that is exactly why insurance companies will not authorize certain screening tests. It simply is not cost effective. But in the game of life, I would want every additional chance that I could find.
Cancer markers are not that expensive. There are no general guidelines to screen for pancreatic cancer, brain cancer, or testicular cancer (with exception of manual exam). Some cancer markers have a poor prognostic value because of a high rate of false positives. Some screening tests do not provide full confidence because of a significant rate of false negatives. But for me, additional $150 per year, is a worthwhile expense if I can catch one of these deadly cancers way in advance. So whether it is covered by insurance or not, I ask my primary care doctor to order some cancer markers and I offer to pay him cash if insurance refuses to pay for it and I would advise you to do the same.
Georgiy Brusovanik, M.D.
GB/st
La Fundación Pro Mundo Libre de Tabaquismo FUNDACOT US
La Fundación Pro Mundo Libre de Tabaquismo FUNDACOT US, entregaron un reconocimiento al Dr Georgiy Brusovanik, por su entrega a las obras sociales altruistas tanto en Los Estados Unidos así como en las islas y el Caribe. Entregan Dellanira Herasme Florian, Presidente y José Rosario Ventura, Director Relaciones Publicas Internacionales
Practicing new Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery approaches on cadavers
Dr. Brusovanik and the team are practicing new Minimally invasive spine surgery approaches on cadavers. The only safe way to improve the techniques.
Nuevos Métodos De Cirugía Moderna Con El Dr. Georgi Brusovanik & Victor Camara En Ustedes Y Nosotros
Nuevos Métodos De Cirugía Moderna Con El Dr. Georgi Brusovanik & Victor Camara En Ustedes Y Nosotros
Dr. Brusovanik was chosen as the new director of spine surgery for the myVIP Medical Center.
Dr. Brusovanik was chosen as the new director of spine surgery for the myVIP Medical Center.
Reconocido cirujano de la columna da a conocer novedosa técnica
Nuevos Métodos De Cirugía Moderna Con El Dr. Georgi Brusovanik & Victor Camara en Ustedes y Nosotros Clic aquí para leer el artículo
Nuevos Métodos De Cirugía Moderna Con El Dr. Georgi Brusovanik & Victor Camara en Ustedes y Nosotros
Nuevos Métodos De Cirugía Moderna Con El Dr. Georgi Brusovanik & Victor Camara en Ustedes y Nosotros
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Why do pregnant women have more back pain?
First: Increased oxytocin – is associated with increased tissue flexibility and elasticity. This allows the pro inflammatory disk tissue to sneak out of its margin and cause irritation of the long ligament behind the disks (posterior longtitudinal ligament). The same mechanism causes nerve irritation, since nerves glides right behind the disks. Nerve irritation presents as “sciatica” and back pain. Frequently, these symptoms continue after delivery and the solution is fast and reliable. Just please, first, get an MRI and confirm the diagnosis. Thats the most important step to recovery.
Second: increased weight does put more pressure on the spinal disks making disk herniation more likely.
Last: increased lordosis – as the uterus get bigger and bigger, most pregnant women assume a lordotic posture. That means that the back is arched more towards the back to lift the weight off the front. Furthermore, abdominal muscles get stretched and that makes the back muscles work harder. That may result in muscle fatigue and pain.
Furthermore, this adaptation also puts more pressure on the little joins that connect each of the vertebrae and that in itself may cause back pain.
Epidural & Delivery
Low back pain is very common after pregnancy and may affect up to 90% of pregnant women. A common statement female patients have for Dr. Brusovanik is “my back pain began after my epidural during labor”. There are multiple studies that have found that there is no significant difference in the prevalence of back pain among those females who had epidurals for labor and those who did not. The belief that an epidural given for labor pains can cause chronic back pain is rather common, even among medical professionals.
An epidural anesthesia during labor is a procedure involving a needle which is inserted in the epidural space (outer layer of spinal canal) of the lumbar spine. An epidural anesthesia is the most common method of pain relief during labor and more than 50% of women giving birth at hospitals use epidural anesthesia. Many studies have shown that if low back pain is experienced at the later stages of pregnancy, the patient tends to attribute her pain to the epidural given for labor.
There are several factors which have been shown to attribute to back pain after childbirth, with and without an epidural. The most common cause is gestational back pain, which can affect about 40-90% of pregnant women. Gestational back pain is believed to be attributed to the hormone called relaxin, which is produced during pregnancy to loosen the ligaments of the spine and pelvis making the joints more flexible to open up the birth canal for childbirth. The spine may potentially become more susceptible to lumbar muscle strain or disc injury.
Dr. Brusovanik and Victor Camara discuss cervical disk replacement for neck and shoulder pain and take calls from Victor’s fans on Facebook Live
Dr. Brusovanik selected to be Head of Spine Surgery
Dr. Brusovanik was recently selected by the staff of the Miami Medical Center to be the Head of Spine Surgery.
The Miami Medical Center
Dr. Brusovanik is proud to announce the opening of a brand new 5 star hospital facility that is covered by insurance where he performs spine surgery.
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Dr. Georgiy Brusovanik is featured on NYFightlife as the physician for the USKBA Action Sports
Dr. Georgiy Brusovanik is featured on NYFightlife as the physician for the USKBA Action Sports
Dr. Seth Kaufman Joins the Miami Back & Neck Specialists Team
Dr. Seth Kaufman joins the Miami Back & Neck Specialists team to bring the practice to a whole new level of excellence and patient care. Personalized patient care is what sets Dr. Seth Kaufman apart. Dr. Kaufman’s years of experience in helping patients find relief for their pain is unrivaled. Whether you suffer from neck pain, back pain and/or knee pain Dr. Kaufman’s treatment can help. The practice is not only one of the top pain management treatment centers in the industry but also a top Miami pain management treatment facility as well. For more information about Dr. Kaufman visit his Pain Management Miami Website.
Mayor Hernandez and Councilman Gonzalez present Dr. Brusovanikwith a proclamation, naming Feb 24th, the Dr. Brusovanik Day!
The City of Hialeah presented Dr Georgiy Brusovanik with a Proclamation declaring today February 24, 2015 as Dr Georgiy Brusovanik day in honor of his many contributions to the community. The Proclamation was eloquently presented by the Honorable Councilman Luis Gonzalez who touched on the struggles and adversities immigrants face in their homeland when they decide to come to the United States. Councilman Gonzalez and Dr. Brusovanik are two exemplary leaders in our community who labor with conviction. Today was a reminder that we live in a country of opportunity where regardless of your origins you can achieve anything through hard work.
WSVN 7 News: Patients in Pain Cured by Miami Spine Surgeon
Dr. Brusovanik was featured on WSVN 7 News
Dr. Brusovanik receives the key to the Miami/Dade county in recognition for all the good he’s doing in the community and how he is changing lives. Click Here to View Full Story on WSVN’s Website
Grand opening of our Spine centerat Doctors’ hospital
Grand opening of our Spine center at Doctors’ hospital. The center features “relax the back” chairs, free valet and pain management service as well.
3 Simple Ways to Alleviate Common Back Pain
3 Simple Ways to Alleviate Common Back Pain
Back and neck pain may have a long list of possible causes. However, the most common cause of pain is muscular. If the pain radiates (shoots down to) the arms or legs, there is a strong possibility of nerve compression and a consultation with a spine doctor is warranted. However, for the common back and neck pain try the following simple steps:
1. Low Back Stretching.
This is a direct way to relieve the back spasm. Just like a leg cramp, the long muscles of the back go into a “tetanic” contraction (a spasm) and that is very painful. Flexion and extension stretching is a gray way to start the morning. It re-distributes the blood flow and important minerals such as calcium that are important for smooth contraction and relaxation of the muscles. Stretching also, prepares the muscles for the daily activities so that getting in and out of the car or lifting one’s keys off the floor isn’t painful.
2. Abdominal Strengthening
The human spine is deep inside, almost in the middle of the body. The lower vertebrae work like a fulcrum, or a pivot, and the spine sways with the pull of the abs and the back muscles. If the back muscles over pull, one begins to develop pain due to the compression of the spinal facet joints (intervertebral joints). A strong abdomen counters the pull of the back muscles. A set of a 100 crunches in the morning will immediately set the right tone and you may notice an improvement in back pain with every movement. Avoid lifting the lower back off the floor during this exercise. Focus on abdominal compression while lifting the shoulder blades only. The arms can support the head but avoid flexing the neck.
3. Hamstring Stretching
The hamstrings are a unique group of muscles because they cross two joints – specifically the knee and the hip joint. Most muscles only cross one joint. The hamstrings attach to the bottom of the pelvis, or more precisely deep under the butt cheeks. Therefore, tight hamstrings will pull the pelvis against the muscles of the thighs and legs and that in itself can cause back pain. You may notice that placing a couple of pillow under the knees will improve back pain as well. The reason why that works is that flexed knees and flexed hips result in a relaxed position for the hamstrings. Daily hamstring stretching can be done together with stretching of the Achilles’ tendon which will prevent Achilles tendinitis – a common cause of pain at the bottom of the foot. I like to lean against a wall, and by keeping my knee straight, push the foot into an acute (sharp) angle with the floor.
There are many ways to stretch and to do crunches. It’s always a good idea to seek an opinion of a trainer, a physical therapist or a doctor to make sure the proper technique is used and this may lower the chances of injury. If the pain persists or if the exercises make the pain even worse don’t wait and talk to your spine doctor.
Georgiy Brusovanik, MD
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
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Dr. Brusovanik to work with Internationally recognized Surgical Center at Doral.
Dr. Brusovanik will perform advanced minimally invasive spine surgery at the Internationally recognized Surgical Center at Doral..
Watch our latest Spansih TV Spot
Dr. Brusovanik Spanish TV spot featuring a recent patient testimonial.
Click Here to Watch the Video
Dr. Brusovanik gave a lecture in front of the Florida Orthopedic Society
Dr. Brusovanik giving a lecture to the Florida Orthopedic Society regarding the advances in minimally invasive treatment of stenosis and back pain on May 29th in Key Largo, Florida. Click Here to View Image
Dr. Brusovanik announces the winner of 2013 Scholarship at the Noche En Honor Al Medico Dominicano
Dr. Brusovanik was happy to announce the winner of 2013 Scholarship at the Noche En Honor Al Medico Dominicano – Dr. Araliia Almeida Taveras! Click Here to View Image
ZNS Bahamas on 5/8/2013
Dr. Brusovanik Interviewed on Radio Bahamas
Dr. Brusovanik Interviewed on Radio Bahamas
Dr. Brusovanik was named the Physician of the Month at Palmetto Medical Center.
Dr. Brusovanik was named the Physician of the Month at Palmetto Medical Center.
“It has been a real challenge starting a Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery program at Palmetto Medical Center. I help patients with neck pain that radiates to the shoulders and arms and back pain that is felt down the thighs and legs. However, to perform these intricate surgeries safely, I rely on a large team. I would really like to thank every member of my team. Everyone makes it their first priority to take care of the patients. The nurses, the anesthesiologists, the surgical techs, the radiology techs, the scrubs and my colleagues have dedicated themselves to provide the kind of care that I would want for my family. Thanks everyone for your hard work and dedication!” Click Here for PDF Version
Doctor Brusovanik was recently featured on a news radio show.
Doctor Brusovanik was recently featured on a news radio show. During the interview, Dr. Brusovanik discussed the common fear of spinal cord compression and disk herniation; most spinal conditions can be helped with non operative means.
Doctor Brusovanik was recently featured in the El Nuevo Herald
Doctor Brusovanik was recently featured in El Nuevo Herald newspaper. Click here to read the Full Article [Spanish]
