Replay of: Webcast on Posterior Lumbar Decompression and Fusion with Instrumentation and Bone Graft

First Seen CME Live Webcast: Tuesday, September 21, 2004, 5:30 pm EDT (21:30 UTC)

The University of Maryland Medical Center

Baltimore, MD- On Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004 at 5:30pm (EDT), The University of Maryland Medical Center presented a live webcast of lumbar decompression and spinal fusion surgery. The surgery was performed to treat spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on nerves in the back, and a related condition involving slippage of the vertebrae known as spondylolisthesis. Both conditions cause pain and weakness in the lower back and legs, and many patients have difficulty in walking.

Now Open - Join a Discussion on The Posterior Lumbar Decompression and Fusion with Instrumentation and Bone Graft
The University of Maryland Medical Center is hosting a forum for the next 7 days, featuring Dr. Daniel Gelb and his surgical team to answer your questions.
Click Here to join the discussion.

	Posterior Lumbar Decompression and Fusion

Spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis occur as people age because the ligaments around the spine thicken and the discs, or cushions, between the vertebrae start to deteriorate. Between 250,000 and 500,000 Americans over age 50 experience symptoms of spinal stenosis.

Posterior Lumbar Decompression and Fusion

The surgery is more successful in relieving pain in the legs than in the lower back. Patients who have had the surgery are typically in their late 60s and early 70s, but people in their 40s and also in their 90s have benefited from the procedure, the surgeons say. Before opting to have surgery, most have tried more conservative treatment, such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy.

Dr. Daniel Gelb, MD, Vice Chair of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine performed the lumbar decompression and spinal fusion surgery with Steven C. Ludwig, MD, co-director of the University of Maryland Spine Center and an assistant professor of orthopaedics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Vincent D. Pellegrini, Jr., MD, chair of orthopaedics at the University of Maryland Medical Center and professor and chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, explained the procedure and provided background information during the webcast. This surgical webcast has been approved for AMA PRA credit, which is sponsored by the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Click here, about the procedure, to read more.