| |
|
Innovative Spinal Surgery in Replay of a Live Webcast
New Surgical Technique Allows Less Invasive
Operation
First Seen October 7, 2003, at 5:00 p.m. EDT (21:00 UTC)
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The archived video of a new minimally
invasive approach to spinal surgery first broadcast live on the internet at
5:00 p.m.
EDT on
October
7, 2003, from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center is now available
for on-demand viewing
The surgery, a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), employs a new tubular
retraction method that requires only a small skin incision and “splits” the muscle
covering the spine to create a small portal through which surgeons can repair
the spinal damage.
The objective of the surgery is to relieve pressure on the nerve that passes through the space between the vertebrae from the spinal cord. The pressure is created when the disc that normally fills the space herniates or ruptures and presses on the nerve root, often resulting in severe pain in the back, buttocks or leg.
The minimally invasive technique allows patients to leave the hospital sooner, with less post-operative discomfort and quicker recovery and rehabilitation.
Charles L. Branch Jr., M.D., who helped to adapt the minimally invasive technique known
as METRx for PLIF, performed the surgery. Branch is professor and chair of
neurosurgery at Wake Forest.
Read more about the procedure.
The webcast uses Realplayer to display
both video and synchronized slides in side by side windows. Viewers can download
a free copy of the player here.
It is not necessary to purchase any of Real's premium players or subscription
plans. The free basic player is all that is required to view the surgery.
|
|
|
|
