Archive for the ‘spine’ tag
Innovative 3D Model Technology Helps Surgeons Treat Kyphosis and Scoliosis
In the quest for better methods to treat Scoliosis and Kyphosis of the spine, one innovative company has developed 3D Model technology, called an ACRM (Anatomically Correct Reference Model) that can greatly enhance the surgeon’s ability to fully analyze the effect of Scoliosis on the patient’s spine, thereby giving the surgeon an edge that those without Three-dimensional technology lack. As a new technology many Surgeons who perform Kyphosis and Scoliosis surgeries may not be aware of this valuable resource as yet. As a patient seeking Scoliosis and Kyphosis treatment you should ask your medical provider if he is aware of this new innovation and if not he/she should consider it.
These 3D models are created from the information provided by the patient’s own CT and MRI scans of the affected areas. An advantage of Three-dimensional models is that they identify defects that 2-D images do not, which helps the surgeon do a better job. These models are not estimates, they are exact replica models of a patient’s spine and accurate to within 1/35th of a millimeter. This is an industry-changing innovation as it gives the surgeon the opportunity to actually hold this replica of the Scoliosis spine in their hand and allows them the opportunity to do a pre-surgery evaluation and practice the technique prior to actual operation.
When you have Scoliosis and Kyphosis of the spine, knowing the physician you are dealing with stays on top of new technology such as this helps to bring peace of mind when it comes to such a delicate Scoliosis operation. These models can be used to help the medical provider explain to you in detail exactly what they are seeing and exactly what will happen during your treatment for Kyphosis and Scoliosis.
Orthpaedic Surgeons who are already using the Three-dimensional models in their own practices are very pleased with the advantages they are experiencing over 2-D imagery. There is a cost reduction to patients of over $10,000 due to total Scoliosis and Kyphosis surgery time being reduced 10-15% since the Surgeons have the ability to practice the surgery beforehand. There has also been a reduction in patient mortality since the surgeon can locate potential problems ahead of time and anticipate them. Patient care can also be optimized now that everyone involved can be made aware of exactly what can be expected and prepared for.
With so many advantages to the patient, it would be to everyone’s benefit if all orthopedic Surgeons began using the Three-dimensional model technology developed and marketed as ACRMs. When it comes to something as detailed as your back, you want to know your surgeon is not only highly talented, but also using the most up-to-date technology available.
ACRM Corp is pioneering the production and sales of patient specific, Anatomically Correct, three-dimensional Reference Models, from CT and MRI scans to assist with cranial or spine surgeries. Visit their website (www.ACRMcorp.com) for more information about how these three-dimensional models can help your orthopaedic physician in their pre-surgical planning.
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How 3D Models Are Beneficial in The Treatment Of Kyphosis and Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a painful debilitating condition of the spine that affects more than 20 million people in the United States. Treatment of scoliosis of the spine ranges from observation, to physical therapy, to bracing and in the most advanced cases, anterior or posterior spinal fusion surgery. Surgery is recommended if the progression of the disease is more than 40-50 degrees. Spinal fusion is the most common type of scoliosis surgery performed. This surgical treatment for scoliosis involves placing grafted bone in the vertebral column so that the column becomes fused. Planning for this surgery involved the surgeon reviewing X-rays to determine a plan of care.
Imagine if this plan of care could be developed using an anatomical model of your accurate spine, with the precise curve. Imagine if a surgeon was able to practice their technique on this three-dimensional model and have the advantage of a test run prior to ever cutting your skin. This technology is no longer a dream it is real. Today surgeons have the ability to use Anatomically Correct Reference Models (ACRM) in their planning process.
These models not only increase the efficiency of surgeries they can actually decrease the surgery time. A decrease in surgical time means a savings to you as the patient. The cost of the ACRM will more than pay for itself with the decrease in surgery time and operating expenses. An ACRM typically averages between $500 to $1000. In fact the use of a 3D model has been shown to reduce surgery time by an average of 7-10%. With the cost of orthopedic surgeries (including the hospital, anesthesiologist, orthopaedic surgeon, nursing staff and equipment) averaging $18,000 per hour with an average surgery time of 7-10 hours, the patient is looking at a net savings in excess of $11,000. In addition, the shorter surgery time means a quicker recovery for the patient and a decrease in the mortality rates associated with these surgeries.
Scoliosis treatment is complicated and expensive. When looking at the ranges of therapy if you find yourself leaning toward a surgical intervention for your scoliosis wouldn’t you want your surgeon to have every available technology in planning your care? It makes sense to give our physicians every advance possible. In our quest to provide better healthcare, we need better methodology.
The use of anatomical correct reference models is great improvement in the care and management of scoliosis.
ACRM Corp is pioneering the production and sales of patient specific, Anatomically Correct, 3D Reference Models, from CT and MRI scans to assist with cranial or back surgeries. Visit their website (www.ACRMcorp.com) to learn more about how these 3D models can help your orthopaedic surgeon in their pre-surgical planning.
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Important Information About Chiropractors
What Do Chiropractors Do?
Part and parcel of the chiropractic visit is the adjustment of any misaligned vertebrae which may in turn be causing you a lot of pain and overall discomfort. A lot of people don’t understand the whole spinal manipulation process.In fact, these manipulations are proven techniques for relieving spinal pain. While you might be somewhat uncomfortable about the experience the first time you visit a chiropractor, it is significant to remember that she or he went through years of training in order to refine her or his experience and skill. You’re not dealing with some quack whose messing around with your spine but a medical professional who’s trained by experts and knows what he’s doing.
Sometimes patients say they hear a pop coming from their spine when he twists their back and spine. A lot of patients become alarmed by the sounds that sound like something breaking inside them. But the truth is that those cracking sounds are just gas bubbles being freed from your disc when they’re moved back into place. It sounds like something bad is happening, but it’s actually good.
A chiropractor’s reputation is defined by the duration of the pain relief he delivers for his patients. Oftentimes patients will visit a doctor expecting the effects of their treatment to last forever. The difference between a surgeon and a chiropractor is your surgeon does one fix and the results last a long time. But a chiropractor treats you by moving bones and strengthening muscles and his relief lasts only as long as the patient can keep from moving those bones and muscles from their proper places. Chropractic treatment can result in either long-term or short-term relief.
While this may not sound like much, keep in mind that injuring your spine by every day lifestyle choices is easily done and just as easily fixed. When you first visit your chiropractor it might take several visits before you see any results.But once you’re inital treatments have taken effect, subsequent visits will be less frequent and more productive. Discuss this concern with your chiropractor so that you will understand how the adjustments will affect your overall health and how often they might need to be repeated in order to take hold more completely. Additionally, speak to your chiropractor about concerns you might have about your everyday activities and how they might be impacting your musculoskeletal health. A chiroprator is a holistic healer whose concerned not only with just your spine but also with your whole body and its everyday wear and tear!
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