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]]>Spinal Fusion Treatment
Spinal fusion surgery connects two vertebrae in the back to form an interlocking column to hold your body upright.
The surgical treatment is performed to correct the following conditions:
- Herniated, bulging, or slipped discs
- Congenital spine conditions from birth
- Infections in bones or soft tissues
- Pinched nerves in neck or lower back
- Scoliosis in adults or children
- Spondylolisthesis or lower back pain for slipping vertebra
- Spondylosis or crack between two vertebrae
- Spinal stenosis when space around the spinal column is too narrow
- Spinal fractures or injury caused by osteoporosis or trauma
Boev Clinic may recommend spinal fusion if you have sharp pain in the back, legs, or buttocks. Other symptoms can include weakness or tingling in one or both legs, plus numbness in one or both legs.
Recovery From Spinal Fusion Surgery
During the surgery, our board-certified neurological surgeons fuses the vertebrae permanently and places bone graft material between the vertebrae. Metal plates, rods, and screws may be used to hold together the vertebrae while the bone graft heals.
After spinal fusion surgery under general anesthesia, expect to remain in the hospital for several days. Recovery is a gradual process. Once home you will spend a few weeks recovering in bed and resting. Expect to still have pain and be on pain medication at first, but it will begin to subside as the weeks progress.
Follow our provider’s instructions and return to some activities as recommended. You may begin physical therapy at 4 to 6 weeks after surgery to increase range of motion and to strengthen your back and surrounding muscles. It could take 4 to 6 months to fully recover with a return to normal activities during this time.
Schedule a Spinal Fusion Consultation in Rochester & Canandaigua, NY
Don’t hesitate to contact Boev Clinic if you sustain a fever higher than 100.4, redness, tenderness, or swelling, the chills, or any drainage from the wound site. Contact our board-certified neurological surgeons at (585) 342-2638 if you would like an evaluation of your back pain and find out if a spinal fusion might be helpful. Schedule a consultation at our clinics in Rochester and Canandaigua, NY today.
Sources: Recovering from Spinal Fusion Surgery | Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (ibji.com)
Fusion | National Spine Health Foundation
Spinal Fusion: What It Is, Purpose, Procedure, Risks & Recovery (clevelandclinic.org)
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]]>Symptoms of an Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysm
Small aneurysms in the brain are usually not symptomatic, but if they become larger, there may be several signs as they press on tissue and nerves to the eye.
As they grow larger, you may notice the following signs:
- Pain above and behind one of your eyes
- Numbness/weakness
- Drooping eyelid
- Paralysis on one side of your face
- Vision changes or double vision
- Dilated pupils
It can also cause mild chronic headaches.
If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, contact Boev Clinic for an evaluation. A physician will do tests to determine the size, location of the bulge, and whether treatment is needed.
Early Signs of a Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysm
Once an aneurysm begins to leak or ruptures into the brain, certain signs become evident. Blood begins to fill into the brain and as time passes can increase the likelihood of death or disability.
Serious signs of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm include:
- Severe headache known as a thunderclap headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
These symptoms require a call to 911 to quickly get access to medical help. Don’t ask someone to drive you to the hospital.
What Causes Brain Aneurysms?
Some risk factors are genetic and others are due to lifestyle choices, age, and certain medical conditions.
The following factors can all contribute to a brain aneurysm:
- Family history
- Smoking
- Alcohol or drug abuse, especially cocaine use
- High blood pressure
- Aging (older than 70)
- Being a woman
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- An infection in the blood vessel
- Binge drinking
- Head injury
Schedule a Cerebral Aneurysm Consultation in Rochester & Canandigua, NY
Researchers believe high blood pressure is the most common cause of a rupture. Don’t wait. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm, it is best to call 911 for assistance. Contact Boev Clinic at (585) 342-2638 to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing the signs of an unruptured brain aneurysm. We have clinics in Rochester and Canandaigua.
Sources: Warning Signs & Symptoms – Brain Aneurysm Foundation (bafound.org)
Trinity Hoblit | Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation | Fernandina Beach
Brain Aneurysm: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)
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]]>Open Surgery vs Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Traditionally spine surgery is performed with a large incision. In order to reach the surgical area, surgeons must pull the tissue and muscle out of the way. This can cause significant damage to the muscles as they are pulled apart resulting in a longer recovery period, more pain, and more time at the hospital. It can also involve more blood loss and increased risk for infection.
Traditionally spine surgery is performed with a large incision. In order to reach the surgical area, surgeons must pull the tissue and muscle out of the way. This can cause significant damage to the muscles as they are pulled apart resulting in a longer recovery period, more pain, and more time at the hospital. It can also involve more blood loss and increased risk for infection.
With minimally invasive spine surgery, Boev Clinic makes several very small incisions about ½ inch each. These tiny incisions through your skin can be made in your back, side, chest, or abdomen.
Next a metal tube called a retractor (or sometimes endoscope) is placed inside one of the incisions creating a tunnel to the area being treated. The retractor maintains the muscles in an open position instead of cutting them. Boev Clinic uses the small instruments which fit inside, and if bone or disc materials need to be removed, they exit via the retractor. Any devices needed like screws or rods are installed via the same incision.
Throughout the surgery, the spine surgeon uses a special operating microscope, high-resolution camera, computer assisted guidance and real time x-rays of the spine.
At the end, the retractor is taken out, allowing the muscles to revert to their usual position. This accounts for less tissue damage.
What Are the Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
These types of surgery allow for a shorter hospital stay and can even be performed as an outpatient.
Other advantages include:
- Better cosmetic results with smaller incisions
- Less blood loss
- Reduced risk of muscle damage
- Less risk of infection and post-operative pain
- Less rehabilitation required
- Less need for pain medications after surgery
- Less risk of problems from general anesthesia when performed as an outpatient and using local anesthesia
- Shorter recovery time: months instead of up to a year
Always find an experienced board-certified surgeon like Dr. Angel Boev in Rochester. There is much less to be concerned about if you are a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery.
Contact Boev Clinic at (585)342-2638 for an evaluation if you are experiencing back pain and want options for minimally invasive spine surgery.
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