All Posts in Category: Lumbar Surgery

Screwless | Lumbar Interbody Fusion (S-LIF) [Updated 2024]

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Are you struggling with sciatic nerve pain or spinal instability that’s interfering with your daily life? Traditional spinal surgeries often require long recovery times and can be quite invasive. However, thanks to the revolutionary S-LIF (Supine Lateral Interbody Fusion) technology, there’s now a far less invasive option for lumbar fusion surgery.

Developed exclusively at Legacy Spine & Neurological Specialists, the S-LIF is transforming spinal surgery by offering patients a minimally invasive approach with faster recovery times and fewer complications.

What is the S-LIF Procedure?

The S-LIF is currently the least invasive option for lumbar fusion surgery available worldwide. This advanced procedure is a step beyond the MIG-LIF procedure, which was first developed by Dr. Scott Schlesinger in 2015. MIG-LIF was a groundbreaking outpatient surgery performed through a keyhole incision, but Dr. Schlesinger saw room for further improvement.

By applying his expertise in microsurgical techniques—honed through years of performing complex brain surgeries—Dr. Schlesinger developed the S-LIF, making it even less invasive than its predecessor. Today, S-LIF offers a state-of-the-art solution for patients requiring decompression and fusion of the lumbar spine, using the smallest possible incision.

Who is a Candidate for S-LIF?

While the S-LIF procedure is an exceptional option for many, it is not suitable for all patients. Some individuals with more severe spine conditions may still require traditional, more invasive surgery. However, for patients who qualify, the benefits are substantial. If you’re suffering from sciatic pain, compressed nerves, or spinal instability, this could be the ideal minimally invasive solution to restore your quality of life.

Why Choose S-LIF?

Here’s why S-LIF stands out among lumbar fusion surgeries:

  • Minimally Invasive: Performed through a keyhole incision, leading to less pain and faster recovery times.
  • Outpatient Procedure: No need for an extended hospital stay. You can return home the same day.
  • Faster Recovery: Patients experience significantly shorter recovery periods compared to traditional lumbar fusion surgeries.
  • Reduced Risk: Lower complication rates due to its less invasive nature.

Meet the Pioneers of S-LIF at Legacy Spine & Neurological Specialists

The S-LIF procedure is exclusively performed by Scott Schlesinger, MD, and Dominic Maggio, MD, two of the top neurosurgeons in the country.

Dr. Scott Schlesinger, MD

Dr. Schlesinger has been a leading neurosurgeon since 1992. He trained at UT Southwestern and completed a fellowship in Lausanne, Switzerland. Over his career, Dr. Schlesinger has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, consistently being named among the Best Neurosurgeons in the state. As the founder of Legacy Spine and Neurological Specialists, Dr. Schlesinger developed the S-LIF procedure, using his microsurgical expertise to push the boundaries of minimally invasive spine surgery.

Dr. Dominic Maggio, MD

Dr. Maggio joined the Legacy Spine team in July 2021 and has quickly established himself as an outstanding surgeon specializing in both the S-LIF procedure and other advanced spinal surgeries. Dr. Maggio trained at the University of Virginia-National Institutes of Health neurosurgery program and completed a fellowship at Ohio State University. His skill set includes complex and minimally invasive spine surgery techniques, for which he has received multiple awards for both his research and clinical expertise.

Is S-LIF Right for You?

If you’re tired of living with back pain or numbness caused by spinal issues, the S-LIF procedure could be the life-changing solution you need. Not all patients are candidates, but for those who are, this procedure offers the least invasive option for lumbar fusion surgery available today.

Contact Legacy Spine & Neurological Specialists Today

Want to learn more about S-LIF or find out if you’re a candidate for this cutting-edge procedure? Call us today or send us a message through our website. Our dedicated team is ready to help you on the path to a pain-free life.

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Sacroiliac Joint Pain [Updated 2024]

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There are many causes for low back pain that are treated here at Legacy. One common condition that can often be overlooked originates at the sacroiliac (SI) joints. They are located where the ilium of the pelvis meets the sacrum—the left and right sides of the sacrum.  Strong ligaments and muscles hold the SI joints in place and allow only a few millimeters of movement when the body bears weight or flexes forward. Arthritic and certain age-related degenerative disorders may gradually erode protective joint cartilage, which can subsequently lead to instability and pain that can mimic some of the symptoms of lumbar pathologies.

Understanding Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction

The Role of the SI Joints

The sacroiliac joints play a crucial role in transferring weight and forces between the upper body and the legs. Strong ligaments and muscles support these joints, allowing limited movement. This movement is essential for activities such as walking and lifting. However, the SI joints are also susceptible to dysfunction, leading to lower back pain.

Causes Beyond Arthritis and Degeneration

While arthritis and degenerative disorders are common culprits of SI joint dysfunction, other factors can contribute to or exacerbate the condition:

  • Injury: A fall, car accident, or any impact that affects the lower back can injure the SI joints.
  • Pregnancy and Childbirth: The body releases hormones during pregnancy that allow ligaments to relax, potentially leading to altered joint function and pain.
  • Gait Issues: Abnormal walking patterns can place uneven pressure on the SI joints, leading to dysfunction.
  • Hypermobility or Hypomobility: Either too much or too little movement in the SI joints can cause pain.

Identifying SI Joint Dysfunction

Diagnostic Challenges

SI joint dysfunction can mimic other lumbar spine disorders, making diagnosis challenging. A comprehensive assessment is crucial, which may include:

  • Physical Examination: Specific maneuvers, such as the FABER (flexion, abduction, and external rotation) test, can indicate SI joint involvement.
  • Imaging Tests: While X-rays, MRI, and CT scans can help rule out other conditions, they may not always clearly identify SI joint dysfunction.
  • Diagnostic Injections: Injecting a local anesthetic into the SI joint is often the most definitive way to diagnose SI joint dysfunction.

Expanded Treatment Options

Conservative Approaches

  • Manual Therapy: Chiropractic adjustments or osteopathic manipulation can help alleviate pain by restoring proper alignment and function.
  • SI Joint Belts: These can provide additional support, especially during pregnancy or early stages of rehabilitation.

Advanced Treatments

  • Radiofrequency Ablation: This minimally invasive procedure can provide long-term pain relief by disabling the nerves that send pain signals from the SI joint.
  • SI Joint Fusion: In severe cases, surgically fusing the SI joint may be considered to stabilize the joint and reduce pain.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • Exercise: Tailored exercises to strengthen the core, pelvic floor, and buttocks can improve joint stability.
  • Posture: Educating patients on proper posture and ergonomics can prevent further strain on the SI joints.

Recent Advancements

Recent research has focused on improving diagnostic techniques and treatment outcomes for SI joint dysfunction. Innovations in minimally invasive surgery, such as robotic-assisted SI joint fusion, have shown promising results, offering greater precision and potentially faster recovery times.

Conclusion

Understanding the complexities of SI joint dysfunction is crucial for effective treatment and management. By considering a wide range of causes, employing thorough diagnostic strategies, and utilizing both conservative and advanced treatment options, healthcare providers can offer relief to those suffering from this condition. Staying informed about the latest advancements in treatment can further enhance patient care.

Adding these details will provide your readers with a comprehensive understanding of SI joint dysfunction, its impact, and the multifaceted approaches to treatment available at Legacy. This expansion not only enriches your original content but also positions your blog as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand and find relief from low back pain.

 

 

 

Sources:

https://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/sacroiliac-joint-pain/sacroiliac-joint-animation

https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/sacroiliac-joint-dysfunction.htm

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30 Year Anniversary of Dr. Schlesinger’s Publication of a Landmark Article!

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It is the 30 year anniversary of the publication by Dr. Scott Schlesinger of the landmark article on the technique of minimally invasive far lateral disectomy approach.   The publication was the outcome of a one year fellowship in minimally invasive neurosurgery at Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV)  in Lausanne Switzerland.   This detailed study of the microanatomy of this unique approach along with the technique was published in ACTA Neurosurgica and subsequently presented to the European  and American National Neurosurgical societies.

The operations main benefit is it spares the removal of the entire spine joint on the side of surgery (facet joint) thus minimizing the iatrogenic risk of future spinal instability and therefore lowers the chances of needing a lumbar fusion procedure.  Therefore the standard alternative to this MIS approach involves doing a simultaneous lumbar fusion with instrumentation or in many cases the delayed need for such.   The far lateral approach to ELLDH has been used by the authors in thousands of cases over the last 30 years both in Switzerland and in the United States with excellent outcomes.  Also the anatomy learned in this research has subsequently been used by Dr. Scott Schlesinger to develop the SLIF MIS fusion surgery.  This uses a far lateral approach for a “screw-less” standalone MIS decompression and interbody fusion.

Learn more about the unique offerings at Legacy Neuro of the SLIF and other MIS procedures including the ELLDH surgical option.

Click below to view the original article and to view several videos regarding this approach!

Microsurgical Anatomy and Operative Technique for Extreme Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniations

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

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