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Medical Breakthrough Revolutionizes Spinal Surgery |
| The BAK implant, a new device used to fuse and stabilize the vertebrae, provides surgeons with a less invasive alternative to the traditional pedicle screw technique for correcting herniated and degenerative discs. For the 200,000 patients who undergo back surgery each year, this new FDA-approved technique has dramatic benefits: reduced risk to the patient, shorter hospital stay, less pain and recovery time.
Dr. Kenneth Light, president of the Spine Network of California, is one of the most experienced surgeons in the country using this technique.
"With the traditional pedicle screw technique," Dr. Light said, "we have to cut through several layers of muscles which have to be held open for up to five hours. As a result, there is a considerable loss of blood, more post-operative pain and a longer recuperation time."
"Now, with the BAK implant, we only have to make a five inch incision in the patient's abdomen. The degenerative or herniated disc can be removed and the BAK implant is inserted," Dr. Light said. "The surgery time is cut in half and patients have improved muscle strength. They can bend, walk, and get on with their life much more quickly." He emphasized that instead of a 6-12 month recovery period, although followup is still necessary, most patients are able to return to work in just 6-12 weeks. |
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| Less invasive surgery, (layers of back muscles don't have to be cut which reduces loss of blood.)
Reduced surgery time, (from 4-5 hours to 2 hours.)
Less bleeding, (with the pedicle screw technique often there is as much as 1000-1500 cc's of blood loss.)
Less post-operative pain, (pedicle screw implants often cause pain.)
Improved muscle strength and increased flexibility and movement.
Significantly shortened hospital stay and recovery time, (6-12 weeks versus 6-12 months.)
Cost of surgery is significantly less, approximately $3,800, (versus $4,200-$5,500 for traditional pedicle screw implants.)
Cost of average post-operative disability claims are nearly three times less, ($8,274 versus traditional pedicle screw implants at $31,463.)
Return to work sooner, (fewer work days lost due to disability.)
High rate of success, (versus high rate of re-operation for removal of pedicle screws.) |
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| A five inch incision is made in the abdomen and the damaged disk is removed. The BAK implant, a hollow, square-threaded titanium cylinder, is packed with bone graft from the patient's hip and inserted in the disc space. The disc space fuses and the bone grows through the implant. The BAK implant helps prevent vertebrae from pinching nerves and can be used from the L2 down to the sacrum.
"At a time when more than 12 million Americans suffer from chronic lower back pain," says Dr. Light, "the BAK implant is a new technological development with far-reaching medical, psychological and financial impact." |
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| The Spine Network of California is committed to informing the public as to how they can protect their backs and their health. Further information about the network itself may be found here, and we are quite accessable at either trudy@spinenetwork.com or 1-888-673-4575. An appointment can be arranged within 48 hours of your call. The following readings may also be of interest to you:
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