One of the most remarkable advancements in medical technology and spinal treatment occurred more than 20 years ago. At the request of the Federal Drug Agency (FDA), leading spine surgeons at selected practices around the United States began exploring the feasibility of replacing damaged vertebral discs with those that were man-made. An artificial disc is an elegant concept because it restores motion between the vertebral bodies instead of fusing them to other discs and locking them in place. However, improving on what Mother Nature “created” is always a challenge. Fortunately, the spine specialists at Texas Back Institute (TBI) were up for the task. To see the full article visit: www.texasback.com/blog #discreplacement #Artificialdiscreplacement #backpain #Neckpain #spinecare #richardguyer #scottblumenthal #jessicashellock #texasback

Some may argue on the surface they don’t have much in common, as martial arts are typically used for self-defense or attack, where as medicine is used to heal and care for patients. But, when talking with Dr. Jessica Shellock, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon and Dr. Sheena Bhuva, Physiatrist, about their life in medicine and the martial arts there is much more in common between the practices. Learn more at www.texasback.com

Read the full blog here: https://texasback.com/concern-about-concussions-at-the-draft-combine-what-nfl-players-have-taught-us/ Many athletes have sought expert medical attention from Texas Back Institute and two exemplary neurosurgeons, Dr. Akwasi Boah (https://texasback.com/find-a-physician/name/akwasi-boah/) and Dr. Thomas Kosztowski (https://texasback.com/find-a-physician/name/thomas-kosztowski/) These two neurological experts recently offered insights on the diagnosis and treatment of concussions. Every year, the National Football League (NFL) stages its annual “Draft Combine,” where highly regarded college players undergo medical examinations and perform drills for teams that might consider drafting them in the spring. This week-long event also serves as an opportunity for league officials and medical specialists to update the teams and the public on the state of prevention and treatment of NFL players from injuries suffered in games and in practices. Since the 2017 season, the league has instituted several rule changes and on-field concussion protocols. A spokesman for the NFL said that the league is particularly interested in whether key rule changes, such as banning the lowering of the helmet to initiate contact and eliminating blind-side blocks, has reduced injuries. In the not-so-distant past, having a concussion was perceived as an “occupational hazard” for professional football players and many players ignored the risks of these injuries. Now, athletes in all sports and at all levels - middle school, high school, college and professional, are concerned about the health risks of head injuries.

Read the full blog here: https://texasback.com/the-future-of-spine-surgery-will-involve-3d-printing/ There is an interesting intersection at work between the disciplines of mechanical engineering and orthopedic surgery. For example, spine surgeon Dr. Michael Hisey of Texas Back Institute earned his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from The California Institute of Technology. Of course, he then went on to medical school and specialized in orthopedic surgery, but his fascination with engineering continues to this day. This partially explains his interest in the 3D printing of medical devices. A Brief History of 3D Printing While it seems that 3D technology has just recently burst on the scene, in fact, it has been around since 1981. It was originally known as “additive manufacturing” and was invented by Hideo Kodama of Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute in Japan. The first medical application of 3D printing occurred in 1999 when scientists at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine printed synthetic scaffolds of a human bladder and then coated them with the cells of human patients. The newly generated tissue was then implanted into the patients with little to no chance that their immune systems would reject them, as they were made of their own cells. The market for 3D printing is growing rapidly. One example of this growth is Essentium Inc., a Texas-based 3D printing company that is transforming additive manufacturing for use in a broad range of industries. Read the full blog here: https://texasback.com/the-future-of-spine-surgery-will-involve-3d-printing/

Dr. Scott Blumenthal (https://texasback.com/find-a-physician/name/scott-blumenthal/) joins the podcast to talk about Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery, how the technology has evolved since he helped bring it to the United States nearly 20 years ago, and what can be done for the small percentage of patients that may need a revision surgery. Find more information about Total Disc Replacement athttps://texasback.com/treatments/surgical-treatments/fusion/tdr/ Join us at: https://www.facebook.com/texasbackinstitute/ Follow the conversation: https://twitter.com/TexasBack Watch More at: https://www.youtube.com/texasbackinstitute

Read the Full story here: https://texasback.com/how-a-new-treatment-for-adhd-might-offer-relief-for-epilepsy/ There’s new hope for those who suffer from the debilitating condition of epilepsy. A minimally invasive procedure recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children holds promise for helping the 65 million people suffering from epilepsy. One of the neurosurgeons who helped evaluate this new treatment for the FDA is a member of the team of specialists at Texas Back Institute – Dr. Thomas Kosztowski. Do you or a loved one suffer from epilepsy? Have you seen symptoms of this condition and are concerned about treatment? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kosztowski or other neurosurgeons at Texas Back Institute. Read the Full story here: https://texasback.com/how-a-new-treatment-for-adhd-might-offer-relief-for-epilepsy/

Dr Michael Hisey Talks Sciatica - Symptoms And Treatments by Texas Back Institute

Dr. Rey Bosita talks about Swimming And Diving Injuries and How to Avoid them. by Texas Back Institute

Read the full story here: https://texasback.com/why-this-texas-doctor-received-physician-of-the-year-honors-for-life-changing-work-halfway-around-the-world/ A selfless spine specialist at the renowned Texas Back Institute travels halfway around the world every year with a team of dedicated volunteers to Ethiopia to perform some of the most complex spine surgeries in the most challenging of circumstances. For his relentless pursuit of life-changing surgery to patients who are critically disabled with spinal deformities such as scoliosis, Dr. Ted Belanger was recently named 2018 Medical Missions.Org Physician of the Year. In typical fashion, Dr. Belanger was humbled by the international honor. “I was nominated by a colleague for this award for the work I have been doing for the last nine years,” Dr. Belanger said. “I have an annual mission to Ethiopia where I perform free spine surgeries, primarily for advanced spinal conditions and deformities such as scoliosis, and treatments for tuberculosis, traumas and infections. We have also been fortunate enough to bring some patients from Africa to the United States who needed more extensive procedures. “Since 2010, when we started this mission, we have done surgery on more than 125 patients in Ethiopia. Plus, we have transported five other patients to this country for procedures. “The committee from Medical Missons.Org felt that these actions qualified for the “Physician of the Year” award and I am humbled by their decision.” Read the full story here:https://texasback.com/why-this-texas-doctor-received-physician-of-the-year-honors-for-life-changing-work-halfway-around-the-world/

Dr. Rey Bosita, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon at Texas Back Institute talks about herniated discs, and the symptoms that you need to watch for. What is a herniated disc? Between each bony vertebral body is a disc that acts as a shock absorber and a hinge. As we age, the disc becomes dehydrated, making it less supportive and more prone to injury. Even a healthy, well-hydrated disc can be injured. The disc is composed of the annulus, which is a tough tissue that makes up the outside of the disc. The nucleus pulposus is the jelly-like substance contained in the center of the disc. A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus breaks through the outer tissue. A herniated disc is very common and may or may not cause symptoms. Stretching or tearing of the annulus may result in back or neck pain. The discs are immediately in front of the spinal cord and exiting nerves, so when the herniated disc or protrusion compresses the spinal cord or nerves, leg or arm pain and numbness or weakness may occur. Find more here: https://texasback.com/conditions/herniated-disc/

Dr. Ted Belanger talks about Spinal Instability in this short, but informative podcast. Spinal Instability is described as excessive motion of vertebral bodies in relation to one another is considered spinal instability. Some motion is, of course, normal. Motion can be described as instability when the motion is significantly greater than that at adjacent levels. Spinal instability can be the result of an injury, degenerative process, tumor, previous surgery or congenital condition. Symptoms of spinal instability may include neck or back pain, nerve pain and muscle spasms. Find More here: https://texasback.com/conditions/spinal-instability/