Neurosurgeons at Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch Using New Mesh-Like Device to Make Spine Surgery Safer

Chicago — May 22, 2007 — Neurosurgeons at the Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch are the first in the Chicago area to use a new device that is designed to make neurosurgery safer and prevent additional operations.

Today, thousands of patients suffer from pain in their lower back, frequently radiating into the buttocks and legs due to herniated discs, or rupture in the tissue that surrounds the disc. This causes the soft inner part of the disc to push out and compress the nerve root, causing intense and debilitating pain.

To treat this, neurosurgeons perform a discectomy, which requires they make a small incision in the outer layer of the disc, called the annulus fibrosus. Then, the surgeon removes the portion of the disc that is applying pressure to the nerves.

However, according to neurosurgeon Dean Karahalios, MD, of CINN, the disc could re-herniate through this opening or defect in the annulus fibrosus, resulting in relapsing pain and additional surgery. Statistics show that approximately 10% or more of patients have reherniation following a lumbar disectomy and many of these patients require a re-operation.

To help address this problem Dr. Karahalios and his colleagues are using a new approach called Anular Disc Repair. After removing the offending portion of the disc, Dr. Karahalios implants a barrier to facilitate the healing process of the anulus fibrosus. The barrier is an umbrella-like mesh implant made of polyethylene that is inserted through the defect and opened up to act like a seal against the disc material that might otherwise push through after the surgery.

"This procedure provides a unique new method for re-enforcing the anulus fibrosis following a discectomy procedure," said Dr. Karahalios. "Previously, we did not have a reliable method of closing the anulus of the disc and when it is not repaired, the material inside may re-extrude, compress the nerve root, and result in recurrent pain and re-operation"

According to Dr. Karahalios, the procedure adds minimal time to the overall procedure and is easily completed. Patients are usually walking the same day and commonly begin physical therapy and exercise within 10 days to two weeks.

As in most cases of spine-related pain, surgery is considered only after conservative methods such as medication or physical therapy, are ineffective.

For more information call 1-800-446-1234.