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Introduction
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The Back Institute (www.backinstitute.com provides www.betterspinesurgery.com) is the pre-eminent center in the world for Non-Traumatic Spine Surgery. With surgical centers in Los Angeles, New York and Northern Europe and a staff of world-renowned surgeons, anesthesiologists, neuroradiologists, pain and rehabilitative specialists, we are the leader in herniated disc treatment.
A non-traumatic discectomy can provide an effective way to remove, decompress and repair damaged discs without traumatic, permanently spine-altering surgery. It is effective, very low risk, and allows for a faster return to work and to daily activities. Patients are discharged the same day of the procedure with just a band-aid. There are no stitches.
Only very recently have surgeons begun to experiment with less traumatic spine surgery procedures. However, the Back Institute has had over twenty years of experience in developing the field of outpatient, non-traumatic (spine friendly) surgery, equipment, and techniques. The Back Institute's specialty in non-traumatic discectomy procedures has been favorably reviewed by world-renowned leaders in spine surgery and has been recognized as a better alternative to the outdated, old style of traumatic spine surgery.
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| Back Institute is the leading center for Non-Traumatic Disc Surgery |
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David Ditsworth, M.D. - [Click here to see his CV]
Dr. Ditsworth is the Chief Neurosurgeon and Founder of Non-Traumatic Technique for disc removal.
He has treated many thousands of patients over the past 20 years. The Non-traumatic technique has an extremely high success rate!
Since there is no muscle, bone or joint trauma, this technique is tolerated by the patients much better than traumatic access disc removal techniques.
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Our unique procedures: What is a non-traumatic surgery?
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A Non Traumatic Discectomy is an outpatient surgical procedure to remove herniated disc material. The procedure may be performed in the operating room or special procedures room at the hospital. Patients are administered a local anesthesia, consisting of an injection of anesthetic in the muscle (not a spinal block).
Then, with the help of x-ray fluoroscopy and a magnified video for guidance, a small specially designed endoscopic probe is inserted through the skin of the back, between the vertebrae and into the herniated disc space. Tiny surgical attachments are then sent down the hollow center of the probe to remove a portion of the offending disc. Sometimes, the microsurgical attachments can be used to push the bulging disc back into place and be used for the removal of disc fragments and small bone spurs.
On average, the procedure takes about 45 minutes to an hour. X-ray exposure is minimal. You normally will feel little, if any, pain or discomfort. Upon completion, the probe is removed and a small Band-Aid is placed over the incision. There are no stitches.
The amount of nucleus tissue removed varies, and the supporting structure of the disc is not affected by the surgery. In comparison to large incisions required for open surgery, the access route to the disc in minimally invasive surgery consists of only the probe's small puncture site, usually the size of a freckle.
A Non Traumatic Discectomy is different from an open lumbar disc surgery because there is no traumatic back muscle dissection, no bone removal, and no large skin incision. The risk of complications from scarring, blood loss, infection, and anesthesia that may occur with conventional surgery are drastically reduced or eliminated with this procedure. Non Traumatic Discectomy was invented to be an effective treatment for herniated discs while avoiding these risks.
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Difference between
Non-traumatic "NEW" technique andTraumatic "OLD" technique. |
NON-TRAUMATIC NEW TECHNIQUE
- Muscle, Bone and Joint are not cut.
- Relieves Nerve Pinching.
- Herniated Disc Material Removed.
- Annular Barrier Wrapping Remains.
- No Stitches.
- Band Aid only.
- No Inpatient Hospital Stay
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TRAUMATIC OLD TECHNIQUE
Muscle, Bone and Joint are cut/removed.
Scar Tissue Develops Throughout the Surgical Area.
Annulus Disrupted; High Recurrence Rate (10-15%).
Bone Remains Open.
Hospital Stay-Long Recovery Period.
Ill Effects May Be Permanent-Constriction From Scarring, etc.
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Finest Equipment
Mission Statement
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Our Primary Mission is:
To prevent patients from suffering the irreversible consequences of unnecessarily traumatic spine surgery and to provide better alternatives.
Quote from our 2007 book chapter.
2007 Book Chapter - in the medical textbook - Decision Making in Spinal Care - Chapter 63; Copyright 2007 by Thieme
"Minimally invasive" has become a trite phrase that has lost its meaning and is used by different authors to describe totally different things.
In the spine field, it is time to replace this language with a less ambiguous perspective focused on whether there is access trauma or not.
Any procedure that is larger in the approach to the pathology than is necessary creates potential morbidity for the patient from the access itself.
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