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The Bonati Procedures

 

Treatment Options

      There are some non-surgical treatment options that can temporarily decrease the inflammation caused by spinal stenosis, such as:
 

·

A gentle physical therapy program, including:

 

      Aerobic conditioning

      Pool exercises

      Strengthening exercises

      Flexibility exercise

· Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen
· Epidural steroid injections. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the spinal canal and to the area of the inflammation.
· Bracing is generally not recommended for long-term use. If used for too long, bracing can lead to de-conditioning of the muscles that support the back.
· Acupuncture or chiropractic manipulation can also be attempted.

 

      Since conservative treatment for stenosis such as bracing, bed rest, physical therapy and pain management cannot improve the narrowing of the spinal canal, they have few proven long term benefits. There is, likewise, one absolute indication that decompressive surgery on the spine is required and that is progressive weakness. If progressive weakness interferes with your lifestyle, then surgery would be necessary.


      Patients who choose “open” fusion procedures are usually hospitalized for several days and can only return to normal activities after two to three months. Elderly patients have higher rates of complications from “open” fusion surgery, as do overweight patients, diabetics, smokers and patients with multiple medical problems.


      “Open” fusion surgery eliminates motion and prevents the slippage or curvature from worsening after surgery. The surgeon may use screws and rods to hold the spine in place while the body heals the bone together.


      There are many risks with “open” fusion surgery, including:

 

            Bleeding

            Infection

            Blood clots

            Reaction to anesthesia

            Tear of the sac covering the nerves (dural tear)

            Failure to relieve symptoms

            Return of symptoms after some time

            Failure of the bone fusion to heal

            Failure of screws or rods

            Need for further surgery

            Injury to the nerves

 

      There is a development in spinal surgery that has changed the way patients with spinal stenosis are treated. The surgeons at The Bonati Institute have developed ways to perform decompression procedures through an incision as small as ¼ inch. This arthroscopic technique results in less pain after the operation and allows for a quicker return to normal activities.


      Dr. Alfred Bonati pioneered the application of endoscopic and arthroscopic laser surgery to problems of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, such as spinal stenosis, spondylosis, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and previous failed open back surgery. His world-famous Bonati Procedures have been awarded six U.S. Patents, and have been performed successfully more than 22,000 times.


      Arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive surgery that allows for direct visualization of the exact site of the pathology via an endoscope. Unlike old-fashioned "open" back surgery, these advanced outpatient spine surgeries usually can avoid dissection of the muscle and removal of the bone. Because these surgeries are minimally-invasive, patients with cervical, thoracic, or lumbar disc problems experience far less trauma.


      For more information: www.bonati.com

 

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