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Minimally Invasive Back Surgery Provides Patients with a New Lease on Life

W W W . m A R y w A s H I N g T o N H E A L T H c A R E . C O M 3

Back pain is a common complaint, and it’s estimated that eight out of 10 Americans

will experience it at some point in their lives.

But debilitating back pain—the type that impacts everyday movements, limits activities, and even disrupts sleep—is a serious medical condition that can eventually wear people down.

“I treat patients whose whole lives have been disrupted by pain. They have tried various therapies, injections, narcotic medications, and surgeries to treat their back pain and have basically been through the ringer,” says Robert G. Squillante, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon at Fredericksburg Orthopaedic Associates and Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC).

One of the common spinal conditions patients suffer from is sacroiliac (SI) joint disorder (see below). Although major “open” surgery was previously used to treat the condition, an effective new procedure called minimally invasive SI joint fusion is now available at MWHC.

One of the country’s leaders in minimally invasive SI joint surgery, Dr. Squillante is the only surgeon in the region trained to perform the procedure. And Mary Washington is one of 20 or so hospitals chosen to participate in the nationwide study of minimally invasive SI joint fusion.

Understanding the SacroiliacThe sacroiliac joint is critical to human movement because it connects the pelvis to the sacrum, the lowest part of the spine. Its main job is to absorb the

learn moreFor more information about minimally invasive spinal surgery at Mary Washington Healthcare, visit www.HMI.mwhc.com.

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impact to the spine when a person walks or moves. When the joint is injured or its supporting ligaments become loose through wear and tear or a fracture, the pain it causes could be gradual or acute.

Symptoms of a damaged SI joint may affect a person’s weight-bearing capabilities and cause pain in the upper leg (one or both legs), buttocks, or spine when sitting, lifting, walking, running, or sleeping.

Because the symptoms mimic other back problems, SI joint conditions may be attributed to other spinal disk disorders, such as spinal disk disease. SI joint pain is one of the most underdiagnosed types of low back pain. It takes a detailed evaluation, advanced imaging services, and the expertise of Dr. Squillante and the MWHC spinal team to effectively diagnose an SI joint disorder as the cause of low back pain. SI joint surgery is usually considered after other more conservative options, including physical therapy, have been tried.

Dr. Squillante takes the time to explain each patient’s options, including the minimally invasive SI joint surgical procedure, so they fully understand the mechanics of their own body.

“I lay out their condition, present their choices, and I give them my opinion, but ultimately, they are the captain of their ship,” he says.

Small Incision, Big EffectDuring minimally invasive SI joint surgery, Dr. Squillante makes a small incision in the lower back and inserts slender surgical instruments.

Then he guides three small titanium implants through a thin wire and positions them across the SI joint in order to fuse it. This fusion helps to stabilize and strengthen the joint, and reduce tissue and nerve irritation. The procedure typically takes about an hour and patients usually stay overnight at Mary Washington. Most patients can resume their daily activities and return to work in a matter of weeks.

“This surgery is so much more advanced than it was even 10 years ago,” says Dr. Squillante. “Using state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques benefits patients because they are able to bounce back and return to normal life more quickly.”

Life-Changing SurgeryFor patients who may have spent years dealing with unrelenting pain and limited movement, minimally invasive SI joint surgery provides welcome relief. After surgery, working, staying active, and playing with their kids are once again on the “doable” list.

“I am proud to offer this exciting option to patients who are living with SI joint pain,” says Dr. Squillante. “I love what I do and my ultimate goal is to make their quality of life much better than it was before.” •