Key Advancements in Spine Surgery: Providing Patients Enhanced Outcomes

The prospect of spine surgery can invoke a deep sense of anxiety and uncertainty. However, the latest advancements in the field are offering patients a beacon of hope and assurance. Dr. David Herzig and Dr. Philip Schneider, both from Holy Cross Health, provide insights into the most recent developments in spine surgery.

Tech-Forward, Surgeon-First

At Holy Cross, there have been several initiatives implemented over the past few years surrounding technological advancements. One primary goal is to improve patient outcomes. Surgeons are able to do so by using technology, much like a GPS system, to navigate safer and more accurate procedures.

In the operating room, three-dimensional imaging involves an intraoperative CT scan called the O-arm. Many people are familiar with CT scans, but most hospitals in America don't have such a capability in the operating room. This technology allows for greater precision during the surgical procedure.

“Within the hospital itself, we have protocols that increase patient safety, including decreasing the need for narcotics and opioids. We also have programs where we can limit and minimize the risk of infection or any complications,” states Dr. Schneider.

Additional advancements include 3D-printed porous titanium implants and minimally invasive access points such as anterior lumbar procedures. “We're able to perform the newer types of techniques. These advancements augment classic techniques, but you still can’t solely rely on technology for surgery,” notes Dr. Herzig.

Ultimately, technology doesn’t replace the surgeon in any way. Rather, it serves as an aid to assist procedures and elevate outcomes.

Holy Cross: Certified Center of Excellence

Holy Cross is a certified spine surgery hospital, afforded this designation by The Joint Commission, as well as by BlueCross/BlueShield. Dr. Herzig and Dr. Schneider advise anyone who is considering spine surgery to ask of their facility certain questions, such as the following

· What is the complication rate?

· What is the infection rate?

· What is the readmission rate?

· Does your hospital have the latest technology?

· Is the facility fully up-to-date?

And, most importantly, is the hospital certified as a “center of excellence”? Holy Cross is proud to say they check all of the boxes when it comes to safety and positive outcomes.

“Holy Cross Hospital is the first hospital, not just in Montgomery County but in the entire Washington D.C. metropolitan area, to receive distinction by The Joint Commission as a Center of Excellence for Spine Surgery. And, it's been re-confirmed and re-certified four separate times over the years,” shares Dr. Schneider.

“This is important because it's a stamp of excellence. It means your hospital does things very, very well. You have superlative nursing care, you have a safe environment,” he continues. “It also means your staff communicates with each other very well. The nurses talk to each other, they talk to the doctors, they talk to the anesthesiologists. All this means you have good outcomes.”

To connect with either Dr. Herzig and Dr. Schneider, please visit the Holy Cross website at www.holycrosshealth.org/spine .