Good Morning Spine » Spinal Stenosis

Stewart G. Eidelson MD — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 06:53:51 +0000

Do yourself a favor and aak about your post- operative care. Who is going to make rounds and explain what was done. Surgeon tend to make smalll changes that are in the consent but can be confusing. I make this clear prior to surgery as each case is quite unique. Please also look at new section at top for consultation from outside the Florida area.

Stewart G. Eidelson MD — Wed, 26 May 2010 08:16:38 +0000

I am amazed how many patients are not adequately treated for neck or cervical disease. Many patients have weakness in their deltoids or numbness into their digits not realizing there is severe compression of spinal cord. Because their pain may not be as great compared to sciatica, useless amounts of therapy and neglect occur. Patients should know this pain and weakness relates to a combination disc herniation and secondary bone spurs that compress the spinal cord. A problem can lead to permanent loss off function. New surgical techniques using a microscope can give a great outcome if applied early in the care plan. Most patients are not properly evaluated or diagnosed. Know all your options!

Stewart G. Eidelson MD — Thu, 06 May 2010 10:13:42 +0000

The use of hardware in spinal procedures is very confusing. Patients need to have this explained in a way so they embrace the concept when necessary to stabilize the spine. Many patients with severe stenosis with leg pain have collapse of bone around the exit of the nerve roots and these devices keep the bone away from the the nerve when patients are walking.The goal is a much better quality of life after surgery which usually means less pain when standing or walking. Certainly, not all patients require these device when there is a less severe form of stenosis.

Stewart G. Eidelson MD — Sat, 01 May 2010 09:47:38 +0000

Operated on 95 year old patient with spinal stenosis and he left hospital 2 days. The newer technologies allow faster recovery and lower complications in such an extremely high risk patient. It still is very unfortunate that active senior delay due to fear the possibility of considerable pain relief and increase funtional lifestyle. Again, we tried every other option to no avail before making this difficult decision.Patients need to know all their options.

Stewart G. Eidelson MD — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:13:41 +0000

Age is not an issue rather quality of life for decisions regarding surgery. I operated on 95 year old doctor’s father who actually was up and left hospital second day after laminectomy and fusion three levels. He was still living in his own home and driving to places. I believe there many elderly patients that do not realize withproper planning and cautious surgery they can be helped. These patients do poorly with medication for pain.

Stewart G. Eidelson MD — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:00:44 +0000

I do recommend a less complex procedure if patients have complex co-morbitities such as cardiac requiring blood thinners. However, sometimes this will require taking them back for a second procedures if the results are not adequate rather then having one 4 or 5 hour first surgery. Safety ranks number one in my planning.

Infection

Stewart G. Eidelson MD — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:30:28 +0000

One of the most concerning complication of spinal surgery can be an infection. This reported problems can occur in 15 percent of elective surgeries requiring hardware such as rods and screws. I believe that if patients seek early contact with their surgeon the consequences can be minimized. Unfortunately, any delay can serious change the outcome. I give everyone of my patients my home and cell number for this very reason. Early detection can allow prompt initiation of antibiotics that can resolve the superficial wound infection from becoming a complex recovery.When a patient has redness or drainage that occurrs 1 vto 2 weeks after surgery they must become aggressive to let their surgeon know.

Wellness

Stewart G. Eidelson MD — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 09:56:54 +0000

I have recently begun to ask patients to consider their diet and nutritional preparation prior to surgery. We ask all patients to take vitamins but review specifics if they are taking any herbal products. I also try to get them exercising within their pain limits two weeks prior to surgery as well. We all feel, as a team ,this has clearly improved patients outcomes and ability to handle pain in post- operative phase of their care.

Spinal Stenosis

. Stewart G. Eidelson MD — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:17:38 +0000

I encourage the audience to submit their questions regarding spinal stenosis and less invasive treatment. The staff will be bringing several articles and videos from Ortho-spine.com.Thank you from the staff at “good morning spine”.