When an MRI report says that a herniated disc is “touching,” “contacting,” or “abutting” a nerve, it means that displaced disc material has reached or come into contact with a nearby nerve root as it exits the spine. These terms describe the relationship seen on the MRI, but they do not establish that the nerve
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A healthy spine has natural curves that help the body remain balanced, absorb stress, and move efficiently. Flatback syndrome develops when the lower spine loses too much of its normal inward curve, which shifts the body forward and makes it difficult to stand upright without compensation. Patients often describe the feeling that they are constantly
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Spinal fusion can be an effective treatment for certain spine conditions, especially when a painful or unstable segment needs to be stabilized. However, fusion also changes how the spine moves. Once one section no longer has normal motion, the discs, joints, and nerves above or below the fused level may absorb more stress over time.
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Becker’s Spine Review reports on Dr. Todd Lanman’s rapid return to practice following his 12th spine surgery and eighth lumbar procedure. The July 30 surgery treated lumbar spinal stenosis at L2-L3 and L3-L4 and included decompression of both levels and removal of hardware crossing the sacroiliac joints. Dr. Lanman returned to patient care the following
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Spinal Surgery News profiles Dr. Todd Lanman in a wide-ranging interview exploring his path into spine surgery, more than 35 years of clinical experience, and his work advancing artificial disc replacement and motion-preserving care. Dr. Lanman also discusses the Synergy Disc, the growing role of AI and 3D technology in surgical planning, insurance barriers, and
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The FDA has approved Spineart’s BAGUERA® C cervical disc for one- and two-level cervical disc replacement, giving surgeons another motion-preserving option for patients with cervical disc disease. With more than 80,000 devices sold worldwide and long-term clinical data supporting sustained motion at the treated level, the approval represents another meaningful step forward in alternatives to
Read MoreA 48-year-old man came to me after living with chronic low back pain for two decades—including sharp, stabbing pain at L2–3, persistent lower lumbar aching and pain extending into both legs. After comprehensive evaluation and imaging, we determined he was a candidate for a four-level lumbar artificial disc replacement with ProDisc-L—an off-label use of the
Read MoreThis case of Flat Neck Syndrome highlights an important conversation we need to be having in spine surgery. Medicine cannot always be one-size-fits-all. Some of the most complex patients require us to think beyond traditional treatment pathways and consider carefully selected, evidence-informed off-label approaches when clinically appropriate. “Off-label” does not mean experimental or unsafe. It
Read MoreA 32-year-old woman presented with a three-year history of severe low back pain and left-sided lumbar radiculopathy following a prior L5-S1 fusion. She rated her low back pain as 8/10 and her leg pain as 9/10. Her symptoms had become profoundly debilitating, limiting her ability to stand for prolonged periods and resulting in long-term dependence
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