Radiofrequency ablation
treatment now available for spinal tumors
Minimally invasive technology , close to home
A treatment system specifically used for treating painful tumors that have spread to the spine from cancer in other parts of the body is now available at TMC . Orthopedic Spine Surgeon at Texoma Medical Center , Brian Rose , MD , FAAOS , says he has been treating patients for about two years .
The treatment serves a dual purpose . Dr . Rose states , “ Radiofrequency ablation enables us to treat tumors using a small incision . Once the tumor is destroyed , we strengthen and stabilize the spine by filling in the affected areas with a cement-like material . The procedure usually takes less than one hour and following a short time in recovery , patients can go home .”
Dr . Rose says that the person ’ s pain level is greatly reduced . For older patients with other health conditions , the minimal side effects are a plus . This often allows the patient to proceed with radiation therapy and / or chemotherapy without severe pain .
Enhancing treatment options for patients
The new treatment is an extension of kyphoplasty , a procedure already performed at Texoma Medical Center for patients with spinal pain due to compression fractures that result from osteoporosis . “ Kyphoplasty is a very similar procedure . The difference is that no ablation is needed . The patient ’ s vertebrae need support , so we fill any fractures or pockets with the cementlike substance , and patients can get relief fairly quickly ,” says Dr . Rose . “ Many patients who previously rated their pain as a ‘ 10 ’ tell us it dropped to a ‘ 2 ’. It ’ s exciting to be able to offer these solutions . We are trained to be as minimally invasive as possible , which equates to minimized pain and quicker recovery for the patient . These two procedures fall right in line with that .”
Brian Rose , MD , FAAOS Orthopedic & Spine Surgeon
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Individual results may vary . There are risks associated with any surgical procedure . Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if minimally invasive surgery is right for you .
Brian Rose , MD Texoma Orthopedic and Spine 903.465.2190
20 • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021