A spinal disc herniates when the covering of the disc cannot hold the gel-like material inside, due to injury, overuse or aging. Often the inside portion of the disc will rupture through the covering, kind of like a jelly doughnut that is squished. Because the spinal nerves are right next to the spinal discs, the… Read more »
Category: Spine Surgery
Does Time Spent in Surgery Affect Outcomes?
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD Whenever I discuss an upcoming surgery with my patient, there are lots of questions that come from the patient themselves, their family members and/or their caregivers. One question that most patients don’t ask is “How long does the actual surgery take to perform?” In general, patients want the surgeon to “take… Read more »
Desiccated, Degenerated, Bulging, and Herniated – Your Guide to Spinal Disc Disorders
Mark W. McFarland, DO The spinal disc is a marvel of nature – a cushion between our vertebrae to absorb the shocks and traumas of everyday life, a tough ligament that helps create stability for the spinal bones and a joint which allows for some spinal mobility. There are 23 discs in the spine, six… Read more »
Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Mark McFarland, Completes Milestone Case With NanoFUSE® Biologics Technology
Dr. Mark McFarland completed his 50th case using NanoFUSE Biologics. MALDEN, MASS. (PRWEB) APRIL 17, 2019 NanoFUSE Biologics announced today that Dr. Mark McFarland completed his 50th case using NanoFUSE Biologics. The operation took place on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, Virginia. Dr. McFarland performed a posterior lumbar interbody fusion and… Read more »
Tiger Woods: A Story of Triumph over Back Pain and Spine Issues
by Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD Congratulations to Tiger Woods on his 5th Masters Golf Tournament win! I’ve followed Tiger’s career with interest, given his history of back problems and subsequent spine surgeries. As a spine surgeon, I’m often asked by patients “What activities that I enjoy will be limited after my spine surgery?” There’s been… Read more »
Swallowing Difficulties after Cervical Spine Surgery
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD When I discuss cervical spine (neck) surgery with my patients, using the anterior (front of the neck) surgical approach, I am often asked about the effects of surgery on swallowing. In anterior cervical spine surgery (ACDS), I move the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (eating tube) from their normal resting place to… Read more »
Dr. Mark McFarland Trains on the Globus and Brain Lab Robotic & Navigation Systems for Spine Surgery
This past weekend, Dr. Mark McFarland went to Philadelphia, PA to learn about, explore and be trained on the Globus Robotic and Navigation System for Spine surgery. OSC Surgeons are constantly learning about new products and services to improve surgical technique, the surgical experience and outcomes for their patients. Dr. McFarland is in the process… Read more »
Depression and Spine Surgery
Mark McFarland, DO Imagine this scenario: You have had significant, unrelenting back pain for months. You’ve seen several doctors and had x-rays and an MRI. You were diagnosed with a major spine issue, such as spinal stenosis or a herniated disc. You’ve tried various conservative treatments, like physical therapy, oral medications and epidural steroid injections,… Read more »
SWARM™ Interactive Videos now ADA Compliant for Hearing and Sight Impaired
We are happy to announce that the ViewMedica On-Demand web player, offered by OSC, for patients to view animated surgical procedures, is now accessible, meeting WAI-A and section 508 standards of the United States Rehabilitation Act. Government rules encourage health providers to make all their web content accessible for blind, hearing impaired and other disabled… Read more »
March Lecture Features Dr. Jeffrey Carlson – OSC Spine Specialist
Effective Treatments for Pinched Nerves, Slipped Discs and Spinal Stenosis Join Dr. Jeffrey Carlson as he discusses both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for common conditions of the spine. Learn about Less Exposure Spine Surgery, which involves a smaller incision, much less blood loss, trauma, and time under anesthesia than traditional surgery. Most surgeries are… Read more »