Dr. Kenneth Light: Spinal Fusion Reversal & Correct Stenosis Diagnosis Improve Results.

Normal Spine & Spinal Stenosis Images

San Francisco, CA - Dr. Kenneth Light recently performed the first spinal fusion reversal procedures on two women from the San Francisco Area. He says that spinal disc implants may be an attractive alternative for for many patients, and an option for revision surgery those who still experience pain after undergoing a spinal fusion.

Until recently, the options for treating back pain and injuries was more limited, says Dr. Light. “For many years, spinal fusions have been and continue to be the first option among most spine surgeons to repair injuries and to address pain,” says Dr. Light.

“A spinal fusion procedure is routinely performed to address unstable vertebrae - spines that were slipping in various directions, or spines that were crooked, such as in scoliosis, to straighten and place the vertebrae back into alignment,” says Dr. Light. “Spinal fusions are still appropriate for those conditions,” says Dr. Light. “The main disadvantage is that a spinal fusion makes the back abnormally stiff and unable to function as it normally would.”

“Spinal disc implants were developed in Europe about 20 years ago and the results were very good,” says Dr. Light. “But it wasn't until about six or seven years ago that they were finally approved for use in the United States by the F.D.A .  “Spinal disc implants allow for a greater range of motion, which can considerably improve a person’s quality of life,” he says.

Spinal stenosis-
“With the aging population, more people are having difficulty walking,” says Dr. Light - “There are 3 reasons why people over the age of sixty have problems walking: hip arthritis, arteriosclerosis, and spinal stenosis. All 3 conditions can present the same symptoms, so you could have hip surgery when you actually need stenosis treatment, for example’” says Dr. Light. ”The right diagnosis is essential, which is why it’s important to seek a qualified orthopaedic surgeon who can determine what is causing the symptoms.”

For additional information visit www.drkennethlight.com or call 415.673.4500.
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