What Are The Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Treatments? -EP 23

This week's episode is brought to you by a webinar that Dr. Michael Danko hosted with his practice, Premier Pain Institute. Two treatments are discussed are the zip procedure, also called posterior spine fusion and  Silo, a sacroiliac joint fusion. Dr. Danko explains how both of the treatments are used in his practice and have great outcomes. Tune in for all of the details. 

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. Danko discusses the minimally invasive spine technology from Aurora Spine and Pain, specifically the zip and silo products. 
• Dr. Danko and Dr. Feldheim are with Premier Pain Institute located in Cincinnati, Ohio. They have offices in Loveland, Ohio, Mt. Orb, Ohio and Hillsboro, Ohio.
• When are you a candidate for posterior spine fusion?
• Spinal stenosis is a reduced space around the nerves in the spinal canal; With this condition, patients typically have difficulty with standing and walking that amplifies their back and leg pain. Patients may also experience weakness and numbness.
• Degenerative disc disease is the condition where the discs in the vertebrae start to lose their cushioning over time and those discs can become painful. 
• During the process of degenerative disc disease, a condition called spondylolisthesis can occur where the bony structure starts to slip and is not aligned properly.
• Nearly all humans will experience degenerative discs at some point in their lives; 90% of people are affected by age 50. Dr. Danko reviews the symptoms you may experience with it.
• What is the treatment for degenerative disc disease? The first step is usually physical therapy and the modalities they have to offer. Dr. Danko explains the indication to progress to imaging, injections, and beyond.
• What is the zip procedure? It is the alternative to the pedicle screw fixation procedure. Dr. Danko explains the implant and how it works.
• What is the recovery process for the zip procedure?
• What is Silo? When do patients need it?
• Fusion sounds like a scary procedure but Dr. Danko explains how it is a safe, straightforward, outpatient procedure.
• If you believe that you are a candidate for any of these procedures, your first step is to discuss your situation with a provider at the office. 

3 Key Points:

1. Many patients that have ongoing back pain are sent for imaging to help detect what exactly is the problem. At Premier Pain they are often having  imaging performed to detect conditions like spinal stenosis, disc herniation, degeneration of the disc or vertebrae, and spondylolisthesis. The doctors use the images to piece together along with the patient symptoms to know where the target of exactly what they need to treat.
2. Dr. Danko explains the process of outpatient zip procedure and how it works as well as what the recovery process looks like.
3. The sacroiliac joint fusion performed with SILO is a safe and effective treatment. Dr. Danko explains how patients may end up being in need for the procedure. There is a progression in the conservative treatment plan including external supportive devices, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections before moving on to more durable solutions or permanent fixes.

Resources Mentioned:

• https://premierpaintreatment.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/PremierPainTreatment/
• Premier Pain Institute Phone #: 513-454-7246