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Minimally-Invasive Techniques Revolutionizing Spine Surgery, Says NJ Spine Surgeon, Dr. Richard Rhim
Minimally-Invasive Techniques Revolutionizing Spine Surgery, Says NJ Spine Surgeon, Dr. Richard Rhim
Dr. Richard Rhim explains benefits of minimally-invasive spine surgery over that of traditional “open surgery.”
Westwood,
NJ,
United States of America
(sardnews.org)
10/10/2012
In the past, when patients were suffering from a spinal condition like degenerative disc disease, disc herniation or lumbar spinal stenosis, an "open" surgical procedure was often the only viable treatment option. Today, surgeons like New Jersey's Dr. Richard Rhim are embracing a cutting-edge trend in the world of orthopedic medicine: minimally-invasive spine surgery.
"Just as minimally-invasive techniques changed the face of shoulder and knee surgery, minimally-invasive spine surgery is now becoming the ideal treatment option for many suffering from a painful spine condition," explains Dr. Rhim. Minimally-invasive spine surgery refers to a procedure performed through very small incisions. It is most often achieved with the aid of endoscopic visualization and image guidance.
Commenting on the benefits of these minimally-invasive techniques, Dr. Rhim offered a few suggestions. "While an open surgical procedure can certainly be effective, it's not without its drawbacks - mainly, greater insult to the body," explains Dr. Rhim. "Minimally-invasive endoscopic procedures offer several advantages, including less blood loss, reduced muscle retraction and therefore less soft-tissue damage."
Explaining why patients have embraced a less-invasive approach, Dr. Rhim offered this: "In terms of patient experience, the benefits are also significant," reports Dr. Rhim. "These include less pain, a shorter hospital stay and less post-operative scarring."
Asked to speculate on the future of minimally-invasive spine surgery, Dr. Rhim concluded succinctly, "Spine surgery is a rapidly evolving field in which improved technology and implants have changed the way we take care of patients. Our practice well understands the benefits of a minimally-invasive approach. This, in combination with our commitment to continuing education, translates into a better patient experience, improved accuracy and most importantly, greater patient satisfaction."
About Dr. Rhim
Dr. Richard Rhim is a highly respected spine surgeon in New Jersey. Board certified and fellowship trained, Dr. Rhim received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine. Completing his orthopedic surgery residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Dr. Rhim went on to train at a combined orthopedic and neurosurgical spine fellowship at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston.
Dr. Rhim specializes in spinal reconstructive surgery utilizing the latest minimally-invasive and microsurgical techniques as well as traditional open surgery, where appropriate.
Practicing at Active Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Rhim can be reached at (201) 358-0707 in Westwood, (201) 343-2277 in Hackensack or at www.activeorthopedic.com
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About Active Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
Dr. Rhim specializes in spinal reconstructive surgery utilizing the latest minimally-invasive and microsurgical techniques as well as traditional open surgery, where appropriate.
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