All Posts Tagged: little rock neurosurgery

s-lif spinal surgery for pain relief

Screwless Lumbar Interbody Fusion (S-LIF) [Updated 2025]

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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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Numbness of the Hands

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Patients frequently complain of numbness and tingling of the hands.

The most common causes include:

    • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
    • Ulnar Nerve Compression
    • Spinal cord compression and other conditions of the spinal cord that cause cervical myelopathy.
    • Cervical radiculopathy
    • Peripheral neuropathy.
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Smoking adds complicated risks to spinal procedures

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Many surgeons, especially neurosurgeons, urge patients to stop smoking before spinal procedures, particularly, spinal fusions.

Why?

An extensive amount of research has found that smoking cigarettes prolongs the healing process and causes complications. Below is a list of problems that can arise:

  • Decreased rate of successful fusion (called non-union or pseudoarthroses)
  • Poorer clinical outcomes, including pain reduction
  • Poor rehabilitation after surgery, and prolonged healing process
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Pilates

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When it comes to injuries and back pain, it is important to find exercises that are easy on the spine. Pilates is one of the best exercises to maintain and support a healthy spine. When looking for a Pilates program or studio, make sure to do the following:

1.Let your instructor or trainer know of any previous injuries and your medical history
2.Pick a Pilates studio that encourages neutral spine positions and training.
3. Always engage your pelvic floor and abs to protect the lower back

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Ulnar Neuropathy

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Ulnar Neuropathy is a disorder that involves the ulnar nerve (one of the major nerves in the arm).  Ulnar neuropathy is usually due to entrapment in the elbow area, the region of the “funny bone”.  This entrapment may be spontaneous and related to thickening of adjacent ligaments and muscles. This can be related to a prior injury in the area with associated scar formation that leads to a delayed onset of the nerve compression often years after the injury “tardy ulnar palsy”.

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Congratulations to Dustin Johnson for his Playoff Opener Win

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The Play by Play

Dustin Johnson is cool under pressure! Despite falling five shots behind Jordan Spieth after five holes Sunday in the Northern Trust, Johnson never panicked.

The seemingly insurmountable deficit was wiped clean in five holes, with Johnson making two birdies and Spieth finding water on the sixth hole for a double-bogey. Spieth, then making another bogey on the ninth. From the 11th on, Johnson out-dueled Spieth and won the opener of the FedExCup Playoffs with two great performances on the final hole.

On the 72nd hole, Johnson, facing a make-or-break situation, buried an 18-footer  for par to force a playoff, and then claimed the hardware on the first extra hole, when he unleashed the longest drive on the 18th all week — a 341-yarder that easily cleared the lake — and then struck a 60-degree wedge to 3 feet and made the putt to win.

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What is Sciatica?

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In order to best understand sciatica, it’s important to first understand the literal “ins and outs” of what it’s caused by, what it feels like and how to treat it.

The first misconception to address is that sciatica is not an actual medical diagnosis- it’s a symptom of a medical condition.  More specifically, it’s the uncomfortable symptom of tingling, numbness, weakness or pain running from the lower spine, through the buttock, into the back of the thigh and down through the foot- the route of the largest single nerve in your body, the sciatic nerve.

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prevent back pain

Prevent Back Pain on Plane Rides

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Holiday season is quickly approaching and some of our patients are booking their flights to go home to see family they don’t get to see any other part of the year. We love to see their excitement. But hate to see the anxiety that ultimately sets in when they think of the low back pain they experience when sitting for a long period of time.

By the very nature of the word “vacation”, a person should experience the act of vacating their normal routine; including dealing with chronic back pain. So we’ve put together an action list for those flying to family and friends this season to help them prevent back pain on plane rides.

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Neuro vs Ortho

Neurosurgeon vs Orthopedic Surgeon: Which is Right For You?

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When a patient begins to experience back pain that will require a specialist’s attention, many consider making an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon to be the natural next step. While orthopedists do specialize in the entire musculoskeletal system and have training in spinal surgery, they aren’t always the right choice for every patient. While orthopedic surgeons are trained to treat bones, joints and ligaments all over your body, neurosurgeons spend their six to seven years of training focusing solely on your brain, spine and nervous system. This concentrated focus often helps a neurosurgeon have a deeper understanding of the delicate nuances of the spine.

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