Todd Lansford, MD, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon at South Carolina Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center shares his insights on what spine surgeons are excited about today.
Summary
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Discusses Exciting Trends in Spine Surgery Today
About Dr. Todd Lansford
Dr. Todd Lansford is an experienced orthopedic spine surgeon based in Charleston, South Carolina. With a decade of practice under his belt, he specializes in adult degenerative deformity and minimally invasive techniques that improve patient outcomes and reduce recovery time.
The Exciting Developments in Minimally Invasive Surgery
One of the most exciting trends in spine surgery today is the increasing use of minimally invasive techniques. As Dr. Lansford explains, these procedures can reduce patient discomfort, scarring, and the length of their hospital stay. Minimally invasive surgery also often enables a much quicker return to normal activities.
Dr. Lansford is passionate about this new approach and the results it's providing. "Minimally invasive spine surgery is providing a way to reduce the recovery period from typical procedures," says Lansford. "This leads to decreased need for opioids, and better outcomes. Patients are getting back to work and to their normal activities much sooner."
Moving Surgeries to Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Another trend that Dr. Lansford is paying close attention to is the move to perform more surgeries at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). This approach can provide cost savings for patients and may reduce the risk of hospital-derived infections.
There's just one catch: at present, Medicare doesn't allow lumbar fusions in surgery centers. Dr. Lansford is hoping this will change in the near future, however: "I am optimistic that Medicare will allow lumbar fusions in surgery centers for growth in the next two years," he explains. "It is something I lecture on and is a passion of mine."
Making the Right Choices in Minimally Invasive Surgery
As beneficial as minimally invasive surgery can be, there is an element of concern as well. Because these procedures are relatively new, it's essential for surgeons to ensure they're making the right choices for the patient.
Dr. Lansford also has some concerns about the potential for results to differ between different surgeons: "The level of training and experience among spinal surgeons in this field varies greatly. It is imperative to select a surgeon with specific knowledge and expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery."
Find a Qualified Spinal Surgeon Near You
If you're looking for a qualified spinal surgeon to discuss your options, Dr. Lansford and other experienced lumbar surgeons are available throughout the country. With the exciting developments in minimally invasive surgery, there is hope for a quicker, less painful recovery for those in need.
Note: This is an AI generated transcript, not edited by a staff writer and is solely intended for educational purposes. If you have any questions/concerns, reach out to podcasts@beckershealthcare.com
This episode aired on 10/01/2022 and can be listened here.
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