Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston, TX spinehealth.com

Relief from Lower Back and Neck Pain

      At the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI), we specialize
                 in non-surgical as well as surgical treatments
                                of Back and Neck Pain
     Conservative to Surgical Options: MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SUGERY
               "Applying Science to the Art of Medicine"
                              .....................................................................
                 Dr. Kraus is available for Neurosurgery consultation (surgical and non-surgical) in Houston.
                      Offices: 1) West Houston Medical Center
                                    2) Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital
                                    3) Katy
           FILM REVIEW: send an e mail

      To arrange an appointment, call 281-870-9292, visit neurosurgerypa.com, or   send an e mail
              For national and international patients, we can help with travel arrangements
                                 .......................................................................

                                            Dr. Kraus is honored to be listed in
                                            "Best Doctors in America" (2001-2008) and
                                             "Top Doctors of Houston, Texas" (2007, 2008, 2009)

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low back pain ache houston texas united states

Low Back Pain, can be very debilitating. The effects of Low Back Pain in the USA are staggering!!

last updated
June 19, 2009

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Spine Surgery: Sextant Minimally Invasive Fusion (Medtronic)

Minimally invasive surgery of the spine allows minimal tissue disruption and decreased muscle dissection, while at the same time accomplishing decompression and fusion of the spine. One very useful device and technique which enables the minimally invasive accomplishment of a spinal fusion is the Sextant device (Medtronic). This device allows the spine surgeon to place screws into the spine in a percutaneous manner (through the skin), and then place a rod percutaneously, which will connect the screws and allow for fusion of the adjacent levels.

Below, the Sextant device (Medtronic) is seen. Each of the long tubes will be attached in a minimally invasive percutaneous manner, to the screws in the spine. The arc or sextant device (Medtronic) is then attached to the tubes, and a rod, which is connected to the arc, is passed, through the skin, into the head of the screws, enabling a completely percutaneous fusion of the spine.

sextant, medtronic, minimally invasive percutaneous fusion

Below, a schematic of the spine is seen. Using c-arm (flouroscopy) x-ray imaging, the surgeon places a Jamshidi needle into the spine. Specifically, the surgeon places the Jamshidi into the pedicle of the spine.

jamshidi needle in pedicle of spine, minimally invasive spinal surgery

pedicle tap, with sextant, medtronic, minimally invasive spinal surgery

Above, a tap is seen being placed into the pedicle. This will allow threads to be placed in the bone of the pedicle. Subsequently, a screw will be placed.

pedicle screw being placed with sextant, medtronic

Above, a screw is being placed into the pedicle, using the sextant device (Medtronic).

sextant, medtronic

Above, the sextant device (Medtronic) is seen, attached to the pedicle screws which have been implanted into the spine. The arc of the sextant is seen, ready to pass a rod toward the pedicle screws.

rod in pedicle screws, sextant, medtronic

Above, a rod is seen connecting the two pedicle screws. It has been placed in a minimally invasive percutaneous manner, using the medtronic sextant device.

minimally invasive percutaneous placement of pedicle screws and rods with sextant, medtronic

A completely minimally invasive, percutaneous placement of pedicle screws and rods, with the sextant device, medtronic.

minimally invasive percutaneous fusion

When a minimally invasive percutaneous device (sextant, medtronic) is used, several punctate incisions are used to place the screws and the rods. As seen above, these are easily closed with suture, staples, or dermabond (glue).

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