Laser Spine Institute Blogtag:blogs.laserspineinstitute.com,2008-11-11://32009-11-19T16:43:38ZLaser Spine Institute's specialized team of medical experts provides the highest quality spine care, utilizing the advanced techniques of minimally invasive spine surgery in a state-of-the-art, outpatient, setting. Learn about industry and company developments, receive back pain and neck pain prevention tips, share your experience and interact with LSI's CEO, Bill Horne.Movable Type 4.21-enWhat Preventative Measures Can Be Taken Against Spinal Stenosis?tag:blogs.laserspineinstitute.com,2009://3.802009-11-19T16:29:51Z2009-11-19T16:43:38ZEarlier this month, I told you about LSI's commitment to educating the community and the various resources we provide. In that post, I wrote about our free interactive, educational seminars, where attendees learn about spine anatomy, available treatment options, and...Adminhttp://www.laserspineinstitute.com/
seminars, where attendees learn about spine anatomy, available treatment options, and can meet with a board certified physician for an MRI or a CT scan review.
However, I also want to ensure that information is available at your fingertips, so beginning today, I will share answers to commonly asked questions and provide you with resources for accessing information about Laser Spine Institute, minimally invasive spine surgery, as well as general information about back pain.
Dr. Craig Burns, Medical Information Specialist, answers today's featured question, which came from one of our former patient's daughter and can also be found on our Facebook page. Feel free to submit your questions by commenting on this post.
Q: I'm a petite 54 year old woman and my mom has spinal stenosis. I had a full body MRI at 50, which showed mild osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. I am very fit with a strong back and have no pain. Any advice as to what I can do now to avoid an outcome similar to my mother?
A: Genetics is a predictor of future potential medical issues. In addition to genetics, the daily wear and tear we place on our spines is also a very big contributor. As such, aging increases arthritis throughout our bodies and arthritic facet joints frequently cause spinal stenosis. Staying physically fit and maintaining an ideal body weight are good practices. If there is a small degree of spinal stenosis, the best exercise is swimming and a riding a recumbent bike. However, always remember to consult your physician before beginning an exercise regimen.
Laser Spine Institute Blog Homepage
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Doing the Right Thing: The Greatest Rewardtag:blogs.laserspineinstitute.com,2009://3.792009-11-17T15:58:27Z2009-11-17T16:14:15ZBy now, readers of my blog, employees, and colleagues know how much I value doing the right thing. I received the email below from a prospective patient and cannot recall experiencing a greater sense of pride than I did when...Adminhttp://www.laserspineinstitute.com/ Earning customer trust and confidence is not the easiest task, especially where health care services are concerned. Without the dedication and commitment of LSI's phenomenal staff and your continuous feedback through emails and comments, accomplishing this feat would not be possible. Both components have been essential attaining our goal of providing our patients the highest level of service.
Please feel free to comment on this post and share your experience, whether at LSI or other health care facilities.
Dear Bill:
I contacted the Laser Spine Institute a few weeks ago and found out I was a candidate for cervical surgery. I was so excited and worked with a wonderful patient advocate, Casey Sanders. I was put in touch with a nurse, Dee, because I am a coumadin and plavix patient because I am positive for Factor II and my body makes blood clots. I got clearance from my blood specialist and he sent all the information down.
After three of your anesthesiologists looked at my records they all agreed that the risk was too high that I could have substantial visual loss from possible blood clots. (that is where my blood clots tend to go, the retinal arteries.) They told me I was not a candidate for ambulatory surgery and should consider a hospital setting where I can be carefully monitored.
I have to tell you that I am in extreme pain, so I was very disappointed with the news. But I have a lot of respect for your facility and the doctors who put my best interest first. They did not try to do surgery in a situation that could have put me in a lot of danger.
So I just wanted to tell you how impressed I am with your facility, the physicians who made the decision, Casey Sanders and Dee, my nurse. I wish the Laser Spine Institute the best in the opening of their new facilities and would recommend them to anyone.
Sincerely, Crystal R.
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Laser Spine Institute Salutes Our Veteranstag:blogs.laserspineinstitute.com,2009://3.782009-11-11T15:28:48Z2009-11-11T16:36:20ZAdminhttp://www.laserspineinstitute.com/
Veterans Day, I hope that we will also be challenged to give of ourselves. By emulating the selfless character they demonstrated in protecting our nation, we truly embrace the sentiment of this special observance.
My father served in five major battles of WWII, and was one of the first men to land on Omaha beach during the Normandy Invasion. During years of battle far from home and family, my dad experienced what was perhaps one of his greatest challenges: the passing of his father. To compound his grief, his military obligations prevented him from attending the funeral. Despite the grueling demands of combat, my dad remained steadfast in his commitment to our country.
As I reflect on my dad's life and all the sacrifices of our servicemen and women, I am grateful for the freedoms and privileges of our country, and am saddened that many of the veterans who fought to protect those blessings struggle just to secure basic necessities for themselves. Let us consider how we can support these unsung heroes, especially in these difficult economic times.
Occasions like Veterans Day cause me to pause, reflect, and thank God for everything I have. To all those who faithfully served in our military, the employees of Laser Spine Institute salute you. Our company's commitment to Above and Beyond service was inspired by the kind of sacrifice that we celebrate today. ]]>
First Surgery Performed at Laser Spine Institute Philadelphia tag:blogs.laserspineinstitute.com,2009://3.772009-11-10T16:01:49Z2009-11-10T16:55:52ZAdminhttp://www.laserspineinstitute.com/
Dr. Vernon Morris, I am confident that LSI Philadelphia will embody the same level of professionalism, service excellence, and dedication to patient satisfaction as our other facilities. You can learn more about Dr. Morris from his profile below.
• Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery • Board Certified in Pain Management • AMA Award for Physician Recognition • Member Florida Medical Association
Dr. Morris came to LSI with an impressive background. Born in suburban Philadelphia, Dr. Morris attended Pennsylvania State University for his pre-medical education, followed by Temple University School of Medicine where he received his Medical Degree in 1974. Dr. Morris completed his internship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania before dedicating 4 years of orthopedic residency to hospitals, such as Temple University Hospital, Abington Memorial Hospital and Shriners Hospital. Dr. Morris was among the first spine surgeons in the 1980s to perform minimally invasive spine surgery.
Licensed in five states, and Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery as well as Pain Management, Dr. Morris left his practice at Highlands Joint and Spine Orthopedics in Sebring, FL in July 2007 to join the highly acclaimed medical staff at Laser Spine Institute. With vast experience in orthopedic surgery, 14 hospital staff appointments, and an extensive record of post-graduate education, Dr. Morris adds his profound knowledge and expertise to the team. In addition, he holds a list of medical publications, honors and awards such as the AMA Award for Physician Recognition in 1984, 1987, 1990 and 1993. Dr. Morris is also involved in several community organizations and holds memberships in medical societies such as the Florida Medical Association. Dr. Morris, an avid Eagles fan, is returning to his home State to lead the Pennsylvania LSI surgical team.
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Laser Spine Institute - From the Chief Spine Surgeon's Perspectivetag:blogs.laserspineinstitute.com,2009://3.762009-11-06T15:57:54Z2009-11-09T14:35:38ZAdminhttp://www.laserspineinstitute.com/
spine. This specialized focus partially accounts for our surgeons' high level of expertise and our impressive success rate. In addition to the advantages of having a surgical team with proven expertise in performing minimally invasive spine procedures, patients also benefit from the convenience of our signature five day process and unparalleled patient service. Dr. James St. Louis, Founder and Chief Spine Surgeon of Laser Spine Institute Tampa recently discussed how these and other factors attribute to our patients' surgical outcomes. Click here to watch the video. ]]>
Patient Education Resources Courtesy of Laser Spine Institute - Seminarstag:blogs.laserspineinstitute.com,2009://3.752009-11-04T21:48:57Z2009-11-04T22:16:25Z Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} LSI...Adminhttp://www.laserspineinstitute.com/LSI offers over several educational resources on general spine health, back and neck pain prevention, and treatment options. Each month, I will write about one of these resources and provide you with information on how they can be obtained. This month's feature is our educational seminars, which are held across North America and conducted by board certified physicians Michael Perry, M.D., John Spallino, M.D., Craig Burns, D.O. and Richard Richley, M.D.
Who Should Attend?
Our seminars provide useful information for anyone who is experiencing back or neck pain. Whether, you are exploring available treatment options, want a second opinion on your diagnosis, or specifically want to learn more about minimally invasive spine procedures, you will find our seminars beneficial.
What Can Attendees Expect?
1) General Presentation - Our physician provides a comprehensive overview of spine anatomy and back pain, discuss a variety of spine conditions, and available treatment options. After the physician's presentation, attendees have the opportunity to ask questions in an open forum.
2) MRI/CTScan Review - Before and after the general presentation, attendees have the opportunity to individually meet with our physician for a review of their radiographic images, i.e., MRI or CTScans, in addition to symptoms and condition discussion.
3) Scheduling and Insurance Information - Patient Coordinators are available after the medical discussion to provide scheduling and insurance information to attendees who wish to inquire further about LSI's surgical costs, relative to individual insurance plan, and appointment availability.
How to Register
You can view our seminar calendar or register for seminars by visiting spineseminar.com or calling 1-866-454-2911. Upcoming seminar locations include: Winnipeg, Boston, MA, Austin, TX Birmingham, AL, Long Island, NY and West Palm Beach, FL.
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Breast Cancer: A Personal Story of Challenge and Triumphtag:blogs.laserspineinstitute.com,2009://3.742009-10-27T14:41:15Z2009-10-27T14:44:52ZNext Monday, November 2nd marks an important day in the Horne household. My wife, Charlotte, will have her final reconstructive surgery to complete her recovery from breast cancer. She is now cancer free! This has been a long 14 month...Adminhttp://www.laserspineinstitute.com/ Charlotte was diagnosed in August, 2008 with triple negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive types. We were told that we had to hope we caught it early enough that it had not spread to her lymph nodes. A few days later, Dr. John Cox performed her surgery only to find a day later that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. As you can imagine, our hearts sunk and our family was devastated. But, as only Charlotte could do, she comforted the rest of the family. Her faith and spirit lifted the rest of us through a difficult time.
A second surgery was performed to remove lymph nodes, followed by extensive chemotherapy and weeks of radiation. It was a long journey, but each day, she faced the challenge with an amazing attitude. There were days when I was tired and just did not feel I could exercise, but each day, no matter how much chemo had been pumped through her veins, she got up and jogged on the treadmill or rode on her bike. I knew then that her incredible will to live would lead to her survival.
Now, 14 months later through all the hardships and different wigs we bought, her spirit remains the same. Her short haircut looks adorable and her smile is as infectious as ever. She talks to cancer patients each week, lifting their spirits and letting them know that it is not the end of the world. It helps and she knows it!
We are blessed to have Dr. John Cox in our life. His skin saving, nipple saving breast cancer procedure should be spread all over the world. He is a genius and a doctor who cares. If you know of anyone facing this horrible disease, you owe it to yourself to tell them to seek him out. We will never forget him. How fitting is it that as we wrap up breast cancer awareness month we are able to close the chapter on this long journey? I only hope that other victims of this disease can be just as lucky.
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LSI Acquires Aspen Back and Bodytag:blogs.laserspineinstitute.com,2009://3.732009-10-23T17:40:41Z2009-10-29T15:12:44ZAdminhttp://www.laserspineinstitute.com/ To this end, I am pleased to announce the acquisition of Aspen Back and Body, a widely recognized spine care brand. Aspen Back and Body has assembled a loyal following of thousands of clients looking for solutions to back and neck pain. ABB clients travel great distances - typically more than 500 miles - to take advantage of their unique "spine fitness" program offering, designed to assess and improve spine-related muscle strength, alignment, flexibility, as well as enhance general wellness.
This new non-surgical capability extends the portfolio of services we provide and broadens the range of patients we can serve. In addition to the strong services opportunity ABB represents, the acquisition also brings a spine care product portfolio. This is an exciting development, one that will allow us to help many more folks!
To our patients - thank you for choosing LSI and continuously recommending our services. Click here to learn more about Aspen Back and body.
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Laser Spine Institute's CEO, Bill Horne: Life After Spine Surgeytag:blogs.laserspineinstitute.com,2009://3.722009-10-22T13:16:17Z2009-10-29T15:12:17ZTuesday, October 20th marked the 5th anniversary of one of the most important days of my life. It was exactly 5 years ago that Dr. Jim St. Louis and his incredible team performed a minimally invasive neck surgery on me...Adminhttp://www.laserspineinstitute.com/ Five years ago, I was a miserable human being. I had no quality of life. I was in such pain and could not imagine how I was going to make it through the rest of my life. Today, I am pain free and I feel it is my duty to continue to PAY IT FORWARD and tell the world about the great things we do at LSI! Since that fateful day five years ago, we have helped over 12,000 patients "get their lives back." And, thanks to our patients and dedicated staff, we should help 40,000 to 50,000 more over the next five years. We are making a huge difference every day. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this great company.
So, thank you Dr. St. Louis, Dr. Perry, Dr. Hamburg, Jim Stafford, and Stacy Danahy for changing my life and the lives of 12,000 others. It has been an incredible ride. As Tim McGraw would say, "I can't wait til the next 30 years!"
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Laser Spine Institute Celebrates National Health Literacy Month & National Spinal Health Daytag:blogs.laserspineinstitute.com,2009://3.712009-10-15T16:08:21Z2009-10-15T18:56:29ZOctober is National Health Literacy Month and tomorrow is Spine Health Day, making this an opportune time to discuss health information resources. With the advent of the internet, it is relatively easy to get information on just about any topic,...Adminhttp://www.laserspineinstitute.com/National Health Literacy Month and tomorrow is Spine Health Day, making this an opportune time to discuss health information resources. With the advent of the internet, it is relatively easy to get information on just about any topic, but the freedom to post content renders an interesting mix of information, including everything from tall tales to facts. So, how do you know what is credible? The list below provides a few facts to consider. Please feel free to share any additional tips that you may have.
• Trusted Source -ensure that that the information on the website is written or contributed by health professionals, who have knowledge or experience related to the specific topic. In addition, the article should be written in a way that clearly distinguishes fact from opinion or allows the reader to make that distinction.
• Demonstrated Expertise - Claims of expertise and authority should be accompanied by supporting evidence. If the author or contributor is a current practitioner, what is their scope of experience, i.e., how many procedures has he/she successful performed?
• Verifiability - Practitioners and scientists who have been actively engaged in their field usually have verifiable credentials. As such, you are able to obtain information regarding education, training, experience, and practice record from local .gov websites or professional organizations.
• Relevance - Medical and scientific advancements, though occurring at a moderate pace, are ongoing. As such, always check to ensure that content on the website is being updated regularly. Sites that are organized archived by date or those with date stamps allow you to determine how up to date the information is.
I am sure that Aunt Molly or Uncle Tom mean well and they may even have some good information, but it is always a good idea to verify information with a practitioner. Fortunately, many health organizations are increasingly utilizing the internet to provide patients with free information. Individuals have also become proactive, sharing information gathered from trusted sources with similar conditions.
Spinehealth.com, spineuniverse.com, webmd.com, spine.org, and aaos.org are all good sources for health information. Our monthly newsletter, The Spinal Column, and our blog also provide valuable health information, contributed by current practitioners. This information can be found in the Ask the Doctor & Prevention sections of our newsletter and the Healthy Spine Tips & Emerging vs. Existing Science sections of our blog. To access any of LSI's courtesy services or resources, click on the links below.
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On the Horizon: Laser Spine Institute Philadelphiatag:blogs.laserspineinstitute.com,2009://3.702009-10-13T20:15:49Z2009-10-14T14:02:20ZAdminhttp://www.laserspineinstitute.com/A few weeks ago, I announced the opening of LSI consult facilities in Fort Lauderdale and The Villages, FL, and Beverly Hills, CA. Today, I am pleased to tell you that a third surgical center will be opening in Philadelphia next month. On several occasions, patients suffering from chronic back and neck pain have expressed concern regarding traveling long distances, which often involves being in confined positions for an extended period of time and sometimes exacerbates existing pain. In response to this consideration, coupled with the general growing demand for our minimally invasive procedures, we are making our services more geographically accessible. In the weeks ahead, I will be posting updates and additional photos. Click here to learn more about our new facility.
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Laser Spine Institute Doctor Profile: Dr. Stefan Prada, M.D.tag:blogs.laserspineinstitute.com,2009://3.692009-10-06T12:29:46Z2009-10-23T18:11:59ZAdminhttp://www.laserspineinstitute.com/ * Fellow of American Board of Orthopedic Surgery * Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons * Florida Medical Association * North American Spine Society
Dr. Stefan Prada joined Laser Spine Institute after 9 years of dedication to orthopedic surgery at a previous practice and in the U.S. Navy. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with his Bachelor's Degree in Biology in 1987, Dr. Prada went on to receive his Doctorate of Medicine from Albany Medical College in Albany, New York.
After completing his Surgical Internship at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, he began his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science in Little Rock, Arkansas. Upon completion, he served in the U.S. Navy as a physician. His many achievements include numerous research publications, Decoration of the Joint Meritorious Unit Award from the United States Naval Forces, among many other Military Decorations, and First Prize for the Outstanding Research Project from the 14th Annual Arkansas Orthopedic Forum.
Dr. Prada relocated to Florida in 2007 with his wife Donia, who is a nurse, along with their 3 children; Angelina, Isabella and Nicholas. He enjoys boating, jet skiing, and other water sports with his family.
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Laser Spine Institute Patient Testimonial: Stories of Hope and Courage 5tag:blogs.laserspineinstitute.com,2009://3.682009-09-29T17:16:12Z2009-10-22T20:59:00ZYvonne's story was featured in last month's issue of our monthly newsletter, The Spinal Column. Having led an active lifestyle, prior to debilitating back and neck pain, this story resonated with me, as I'm sure it will with many of...Adminhttp://www.laserspineinstitute.com/
The Spinal Column. Having led an active lifestyle, prior to debilitating back and neck pain, this story resonated with me, as I'm sure it will with many of you. Regaining the ability to do the things you love, whether it is walking to the park or on the beach, playing your favorite sport, dancing with your spouse, or holding a child or grandchild, is truly liberating. If you are experiencing back or neck pain, I hope that you find these stories encouraging and know that you're not alone. Enjoy!
Yvonne's Journal
As a result of an accident in 2006, Yvonne Renaud sustained thoracic [mid-back] injuries, which took a toll on her life. "I never ever understood or had much sympathy for people who complained about back pain...until I had an auto accident and started to walk in their shoes. Before I decided on spine surgery at LSI, I talked to past patients. Unfortunately, they had cervical or lumbar surgery, but I figured if they had good results, I was confident I would. A particular patient I spoke to had severe lumbar problems, had been taken to LSI in a wheelchair and he walked out the day of surgery. That was 4 years ago; he is walking and pain free today. The best part of your surgery is you don't do fusion. If patients only knew the choices they had besides fusion, more informed decisions would be made, without having to have additional fusion above and below the original fusions within a few years."
Eight months after surgery at LSI, Yvonne, 64, contacted her LSI family to report her outstanding outcome and new adventures.
June 8, 2009
Hello. My name is Yvonne Renaud and I had thoracic surgery November 20, 2008 with Dr. Wolff at your institute in Florida. He performed surgery for bulging discs with better than excellent results. They promised me 70-75% decrease in my pain. In 4 weeks, I attained that level and between 6-8 weeks the results went close to 90% improvement. As long as I "follow the rules" as set by my physiotherapist, Irene, I am basically pain free. If I skip the spinal exercises or rest periods, I have a small amount of pain usually by evening, but even that is well controlled with a couple Extra Strength Tylenol. This surgery has been a wonderful experience and has restored a quality of life I thought was impossible after my vehicle accident. Please consider me to be in LSI's Patient Spotlight. I know that the thoracic surgery is relatively rare, and I have had excellent results. I would love to talk to others who are considering this surgery!
June 30, 2009
To bring you up to date, we are on vacation, having left PA last Saturday. We are 300 miles from our intended destination of Tulsa, OK, where we should arrive tomorrow. This is a distance of about 1,300 miles one way. Saturday, we will slowly start back home, arriving home the weekend of July 11-12th; a total distance of at least 2,600 miles, all by motorcycle, and yes, I am driving my orange trike the whole way. My back is wonderful!
July 12, 2009
P.S. We returned from our 2 week motorcycle trip, from PA to Tulsa, OK; home by way of Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, West Virginia, motorcycling over 3,300 safe and delightful miles with me driving my beloved "Pumpkin Gold Wing" motorcycle. It was GREAT!!!!! A dream I never thought 2 ½ years ago I could ever do again! Thanks to the Laser Spine Institute, and Dr. Wolff...it has become reality!
July 13, 2009
Irene, the physiotherapist who worked with me after my surgery, told me about using a small pillow low down on my back for the correct support and no matter where I go, I use one faithfully. If I don't, ouchies! If I don't maintain good posture, my back tells me...ouchies. If I do it right...no ouchies!!! So once I started to get back into motorcycling and long distant driving at times, I tried many different custom (and expensive seats), as well as back rests. I found just one that works wonders for me. It is adjusted as far forward as it will go, and I can ride my Gold Wing trike 4-5 hours without back pain.
August 17, 2009
Ok, here is the picture of me in West Virginia "shooting the rapids", class 5 rapids, which are pretty darn nasty looking, huh? But boy oh boy what a LOT of fun they were! I am trying to talk my hubby into taking me back there the first part of September. I want to do the intermediate rapids, 6 hours on the river for my 64th birthday. Am I crazy or what?
To say that I am proud of the LSI Scottsdale staff would be an understatement. Drs. Weiss, Flood Luke, and staff have exceeded my expectations regarding surgical outcomes, service, and compassion. If you are among the 1,000 patients who have had surgery at LSI Scottsdale, welcome to our family! I hope we have helped you to get your life back and that you have rediscovered the things you missed and loved. Please feel free to share your experience by commenting on this post.
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Laser Spine Institute Expansion: Nationwide Consult Facilitiestag:blogs.laserspineinstitute.com,2009://3.662009-09-22T13:07:58Z2009-10-23T17:58:30ZAs promised, I am sharing photos of our new consult facility in The Villages, FL. Also, I am delighted to announce that within a few weeks, Laser Spine Institute consult facilities will be opened in Beverly Hills, CA and Fort...Adminhttp://www.laserspineinstitute.com/
Laser Spine Institute consult facilities will be opened in Beverly Hills, CA and Fort Lauderdale, FL. Click here to schedule a consultation and find out if you are a candidate for our procedures.
• Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery 
A few weeks ago, I announced the opening of LSI consult facilities in Fort Lauderdale and The Villages, FL, and Beverly Hills, CA. Today, I am pleased to tell you that a third surgical center will be opening in Philadelphia next month. On several occasions, patients suffering from chronic back and neck pain have expressed concern regarding traveling long distances, which often involves being in confined positions for an extended period of time and sometimes exacerbates existing pain. In response to this consideration, coupled with the general growing demand for our minimally invasive procedures, we are making our services more geographically accessible. In the weeks ahead, I will be posting updates and additional photos. Click here to learn more about our new facility.
* Fellow of American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
