Indianapolis, IN (June 2, 2009) — Dr. David Schwartz, orthopaedic spine surgeon for OrthoIndy and the Indiana Orthopaedic Hospital (IOH) is one of the few surgeons in Indiana to perform Anular Disc Repair using the Xclose™ Tissue Repair System, developed by Anulex Technologies, Inc. The system is designed to prevent recurrent disc herniations in patients who have undergone lumbar discectomy procedures. Dr. Schwartz has performed the most cases in Indiana.
A lumbar discectomy is performed to repair a disc herniation. During the procedure, spine surgeons remove a portion of the disc that is applying pressure to the nerves. The procedure typically requires the surgeon to make an incision in the outer layer of the disc, which is called the anulus fibrosus. Previously, there was no easy method to close the anulus following the removal of the tissue. Therefore, surgeons commonly left the anulus to heal on its own.
Many patients find relief with this procedure, but also face the possibility that the disc can reherniate through its opening in the anulus, resulting in continuing pain and potentially requiring additional surgery. Approximately 30 percent of patients, where the anulus has been left to close on its own, have pain following a lumbar discectomy and an estimated 15 percent of patients require re-operation.
Following a lumbar discectomy, the Xclose Tissue Repair System is utilized by Dr. Schwartz to advance the healing process. Two polyester bands are placed on either side of the tissue defect or incision and are easily drawn together to reapproximate the tissue. This procedure is done as an outpatient and patients are walking the same day and often begin physical therapy and exercise within ten days to two weeks.
For more information on Xclose Tissue Repair System or Dr. Schwartz, please contact Kasey Peterson or Tracey Maxson.
About OrthoIndy and the Indiana Orthopaedic Hospital
Founded over 40 years ago, OrthoIndy is one of the most highly respected orthopaedic practices in the Midwest. With over 65 physicians providing care to central Indiana residents at ten convenient locations, OrthoIndy provides leading-edge bone, joint, spine and muscle care. OrthoIndy physicians also provide care to the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, Indiana Ice, Indianapolis Indians, IndyRacing League and Dance Kaleidoscope, as well as local colleges and high schools. On March 1, 2005, OrthoIndy opened the Indiana Orthopaedic Hospital (IOH) to provide central Indiana residents with complete bone, joint, spine and muscle care in a patient-focused, like-home environment. IOH is owned by the OrthoIndy physicians and is ranked in the top 5 percent for Joint Replacement Surgery, 5-star rated in Joint Replacement, Total Knee Replacement, Total Hip Replacement, Spine Surgery and Back and Neck (Spinal Fusion) and the Winner of the 2009 Joint Replacement Excellence Award by HealthGrades, the nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings company. For more information on OrthoIndy or IOH, please call (317) 802-2000 or visit us at OrthoIndy.com and IndianaOrthopaedicHospital.com.
