Maryland’s Health Matters - Upper Chesapeake - Spring 2017 - 14

SPOTLIGHT

The UM Spine
Network Offers
Specialized Care

NEW HELP FOR
LOWER BACK PAIN
Hugo Benalcazar, MD, chief of
neurosurgery at UM UCH, is
just one of a select group of
surgeons in Maryland who
performs sacroiliac (SI) joint
surgery (surgery that stabilizes
the pelvis by stabilizing the SI

Debilitating, burning, throbbing, shooting, stabbing-no matter

joint-each person has a right

how you describe it, the pain caused by ongoing back and

and left one) using a minimally

spine issues can be unbearable.

invasive fusion system and the

So can the stress of finding a qualified provider for relief.

three-dimensional O-Arm™

With its board-certified and specially trained surgeons

imaging system that provides

and convenient locations throughout the state, the University

a 360-degree scan of the surgi-

of Maryland Spine Network makes finding effective and

cal site. It is a procedure for

comprehensive spinal treatment easy.

patients with unresolved lower

The network, made up of the area's leading orthopaedic
surgeons and neurosurgeons, provides the full spectrum
of care to pediatric and adult patients.

back pain and symptoms related
to the SI joint.
When the SI joint is damaged,

EXCELLENT CARE: Surgeons across the state from the

it can cause significant discom-

Eastern Shore to Baltimore City to Harford County are

fort from the lower back to the

affiliated with the University of Maryland Medical System

lower buttock and upper leg.

hospital within their communities and follow time-tested,

The SI fusion procedure takes

evidence-based treatments to ensure optimal recovery.

less than 20 minutes and involves

That means no matter when and where you enter the UM

two small implants inserted

Spine Network, you will receive the same excellence in care.

surgically across the SI joint. The

CLOSE COLLABORATION: The network also allows surgeons

entire process is done through

to collaborate on everything from diagnosis and treatment

a small incision, which eliminates

to rehabilitation and patient education. If treatment plans call

soft tissue damage and lessens

for additional expertise, patients are seamlessly connected within
the network to surgeons who provide highly specialized care.
"Patients can be assured they are getting the highest-quality,
safest care with all of our network practitioners," says Steven
C. Ludwig, MD, head of the Division of Spine Surgery at the University
of Maryland Medical Center and professor of orthopaedics at the
University of Maryland School of Medicine. "We care for a whole
bandwidth of different patients with different complexities.

tendon irritation. This intraoperative navigation system
improves patient outcomes
by enhancing the alignment
and accurate placement
of implants. Dr. Benalcazar,
a leading expert in the
procedure who also

The more doctors involved, the better it is for the patients."

teaches it to other

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES: In addition, patients receiving care through

neurosurgeons across

the UM Spine Network have access to advanced technology and the
pain and prompt a speedy recovery.

the U.S., says that patients
leave the hospital the day
of the surgery and can

"The University of Maryland Spine Network is like your own personal
all-star team for spine care," says Spiro Antoniades, MD, co-medical
director of the UM UCH Spine Center. "You have access to the best

usually resume daily activities
right away, depending on how
well they are healing.

spinal surgeons in the region, starting in your own backyard." 

14  MARYLAND'S HEALTH MATTERS

 
 
For more information about the UM Spine Network, visit umms.org/spine,

COSMIN4000/THINKSTOCK

latest techniques, including minimally invasive procedures that reduce
http://www.umms.org/spine
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland’s Health Matters - Upper Chesapeake - Spring 2017
