Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work and doctor visits. In fact, one half of all working Americans say they have back pain symptoms each year. The good news is that 80 to 90 percent of people with back pain(1) will get better within four weeks. The key is having a good diagnosis followed by proper treatment.
The Team Approach
The Institute of Clinical Orthopedics and Neurosciences has created a special Spine Care Program designed specifically for patients with back pain. It reflects the vision that a core group of dedicated specialists, working together, can provide faster recovery and improved outcomes.
Each physician is board-certified, with special training in spine disorders. The team also includes a clinical coordinator who facilitates care, as well as specialists in spine and neurosurgery, neurology, pain management, physical medicine and rehabilitation, radiology, physical therapy and psychology. These specialists work together on each case to determine the best course of treatment.
ICON’s Spine Program was awarded a Certificate of Distinction for Spine Surgery by the Joint Commission and is the only hospital in the Inland Empire area and one of only two in Southern California to have this certification.
THE TREATMENT PLAN:
Following an initial assessment, patients are referred to ICON’s Spine Program practitioners for treatment. The treatment plans start with conservative methods of back pain management, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, heat and cold therapy, special exercises, or massage. If pain does not resolve, other options are discussed, including minimally-invasive surgery. These options result in fewer complications, less pain, faster recovery and return to normal activity. One example of minimally invasive surgery is robotically guided spine surgery with the SpineAssist by Mazor Robotics. Desert Regional Medical Center surgeons are trained in the use of this technology, which offers greater accuracy for pedicle screw placement among other spine procedures.
MAZOR ROBOTICS RENAISSANCE GUIDANCE SYSTEM
The Mazor Robotics Renaissance Guidance System takes spine surgeries to another level. Surgical teams use the Mazor to create a 3D image of each patient’s anatomy—designing a surgical plan unique to each individual. During the surgery, the robotic mounting system is aligned to provide for better accuracy. Imagery is taken and compared with the images taken before the surgery. The guidance system is then calibrated to line up with the surgical plan. The surgeon then begins the procedure, knowing that everything from the angle to the placement of the surgery is precise. Greater precision in the plan means greater accuracy in the surgery—and the chance for a speedy recovery.
Spine Patient Assessment Board
ICON’s Spine Patient Assessment board meets monthly to present and discuss summaries of individual cases. These bi-monthly meetings and case presentations are open to all community physicians, allowing for peer and interdisciplinary input. Such review ensures a comprehensive approach to treatment.
Workers Compensation Patients
ICON is pleased to provide care for workers compensation patients. We work with employers to ensure that their employees receive fast, appropriate care. The initial spine assessment at ICON ensures that employees receive written plans, timelines and goals for recovery and return to work. Though surgery may be a last option, if it is necessary, we will recommend it up front. This avoids delays or lengthy treatments that cost time and money without showing improvement. Click here for more information about our Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program.
Our Spine Surgery Medical Staff
- Blake Berman, DO, Neurological Spine Surgeon, Director of Spine Program
- Javed Siddiqi, MD, PhD Neurosurgical Spine Surgeon
- Silvio Hoshek, MD, Neurological Spine Surgeon
- Rosalinda Menoni, MD, Neurosurgical Spine Surgeon
- C. Edward Anderson, MD, Pain Medicine Specialist
- Anita Lara Chatigny, PhD Clinical Psychologist
- E. Scott Pretorius, MD, Radiologist Dept. of Radiology, DRMC
- Navid A. Zenooz, MD, Radiologist Dept. of Radiology, DRMC
- Henry Jones, MD, Radiologist Dept. of Radiology, DRMC
- Monica Dejeu, DPT, Physical Therapist
Spine Surgery Outcomes
At ICON, our goal is simple: to return patients to normal function as quickly and safely as possible. Our program is dedicated to providing the highest quality care.
To track improvement, we ask ICON patients to complete a Back Pain Survey before surgery and again at regular intervals. Patients rate their improvement in specific activities of daily living. Listed below are results for 3 of the 10 questions. The higher the percentage score, the greater the improvement in back pain. The percentage improvements, corresponding to the greater time periods after surgery, indicate specific functional improvement associated with spine surgery.
If you or a loved one are experiencing chronic back or neck pain, call ICON today to learn what treatment options are available today!
