At first, Olivia Munn‘s breast cancer diagnosis didn’t feel real. In fact, in a weird way, it felt familiar. “I’d seen this in movies,” Munn told Hoda Kotb on the Joy 101 podcast on June 10. “I was like, oh, I’ve seen this when someone sits down and they go, ‘It’s cancer.’ You watch it from a third-person perspective.” Then, all of a sudden, Munn said she realized this was happening to her, not a character on screen. “It was very surreal,” she said. “As it’s happening, it feels like I’m in a movie. But the same time, my brain is like, ‘Be here, right now.” Related story Natalie Morales Concerned About Alzheimer’s After a Family Member Died from the Disease: ‘We Are at That Age’ Munn was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2023, at age 42, after her OB-GYN calculated her Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score and recommended she have additional screening. The actress had just welcomed her first child, Malcolm, in 2021, and had been planning her second with now-husband John Mulaney when she got the diagnosis. “It’s a huge marker,” Munn said, reflecting on that moment. “When somebody goes back and tells the story of your life, you think it’s going to be one way, and all of a sudden, there’s a fork in the road.” After she got through the initial out-of-body moment, Munn remembers getting “really focused,” a mindset she would stay in throughout treatment. She learned she had Luminal B cancer, and aggressive and fast-moving breast cancer, which they later found to be in both breasts. From there, Munn says, “it was off to the races.” She had a double mastectomy just 30 days later. Through the whole ordeal, she says, she only cried twice: right before the double mastectomy, and a week after, when she saw herself with tissue expanders — empty breast implants not yet filled with liquid or air. (“I didn’t recognize myself,” she explained previously on the SheMD podcast.) Munn also admits she was afraid of freezing her eggs amidst her diagnosis, as the hormones taken during the process can further stimulate some types of cancer. (Per Breastcancer.org, fertility doctors who specialize in working with cancer patients can customize the medication regimen to protect the body from high estrogen levels, while still stimulating the ovaries to produce eggs.) For Munn, though, it was about an acceptance of fear and a decision to not let it run her life. “I realized then that I think I’ll be afraid for the rest of my life,” she explained. With cancer, “we always have to look over our shoulder” in case of a recurrence. “I had decided that I can’t choose where the fear wants to be and wants to sit… You might be sitting in the passenger side, you might be sitting in the back, but it’s going to be in the car of my life.” Munn was set on having a girl, no matter how many rounds it took — and, as her doctor told her, “the numbers aren’t on our side.” But then “the dream” happened: two healthy embryos developed after her first egg retrieval, and both were baby girls. “My daughter Méi Méi’ is one of those two,” Munn said. She and Mulaney welcomed Mèi June in September 2024 via surrogate. It was quite a journey, from that surreal moment of diagnosis to a double mastectomy to today, with Munn telling Kotb about an idyllic home life with her husband and two kids. And, Munn says, she found a new calling along the way: advocating for women to calculate their Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score, the test that resulted in her early diagnosis and successful treatment. “I had no idea when I talked about it, that it would be so far- reaching and help so many people, and but that was my goal,” Munn said. “That’s what I wanted… [I thought] if I do it right, maybe I could really make a difference.” Source link
Migraine: pregnancy, labour and postpartum experiences
The post Migraine: pregnancy, labour and postpartum experiences appeared first on The Migraine Trust. Source link
Achieve professional growth through ‘purposeful imbalance’
June 12, 2026 28 min watch Add topic to email alerts Receive an email when new articles are posted on Please provide your email address to receive an email when new articles are posted on . “ data-action=”subscribe”> Subscribe We were unable to process your request. Please try again later. If you continue to have this issue please contact customerservice@slackinc.com. Back to Healio Key takeaways: Mahsaw Mansoor, MD, explains her decision to pursue a second fellowship. Work-life balance is important, but a “season of intensity” can propel professional growth. An unconventional, nonstandard career path in ophthalmology can result in a unique skill set and stronger doctors. In this episode of Steeped Insights, a video blog series produced by Women in Ophthalmology and Healio, host Karen Chen, MD, of Permanente Medical Group, and cohost Cynthia A. Bradford, MD, formerly of Dean McGee Eye Institute, sat down with Mahsaw Mansoor, MD, Masket Foundation fellow at Advanced Vision Care. Over a cup of tea, the physicians discussed how Mansoor’s decision to pursue a second fellowship gave her more clarity on what she wanted out of her career. In this episode of Steeped Insights, host Karen Chen, MD, and cohost Cynthia A. Bradford, MD, sat down with Mahsaw Mansoor, MD, for a cup of tea. “I always knew that something was missing for me,” Mansoor said. “My niche, I hope, will be the management of uveitic patients in a more holistic fashion. … I knew I needed more training. For anyone who is considering two [fellowships], I would say that you should do it but do it with intention. I knew what was going to come of this fellowship and how it would actually add a distinct set of skills to what I had already gone through.” The discussion also highlighted the importance of being a team player and knowing when to pass an opportunity on to someone else. “You don’t want to be the person who always gets the free jobs,” Bradford said. “Anytime I do something, I try to think, ‘What can I get out of this? What can I make better here?’” While striving for proper work-life balance is essential for a sustainable career in medicine, sometimes professional growth requires a bit of imbalance, according to Mansoor. “It’s OK to have a deliberate season of intensity, but it’s not a permanent thing,” she said. “You can have purposeful imbalance for learning, building and creating relationships. Even if it’s busy, that’s sustainable.” For more information: Cynthia A. Bradford, MD, can be reached at cabradfor@gmail.com. Karen Chen, MD, can be reached at karen.willa.chen@gmail.com. Mahsaw Mansoor, MD, can be reached at mahsawm@gmail.com. Published by: Sources/Disclosures Source: Healio Interviews Disclosures: No products or companies that would require financial disclosure are mentioned in this article. Ask a clinical question and tap into Healio AI’s knowledge base. PubMed, enrolling/recruiting trials, guidelines Clinical Guidance, Healio CME, FDA news Healio’s exclusive daily news coverage of clinical data Learn more Add topic to email alerts Receive an email when new articles are posted on Please provide your email address to receive an email when new articles are posted on . “ data-action=”subscribe”> Subscribe We were unable to process your request. Please try again later. If you continue to have this issue please contact customerservice@slackinc.com. Back to Healio Source link
When Acceptance Isn’t Giving Up
By Kari McBride It was the phone call from the school nurse’s office that triggered a chain reaction. On the other end of the phone was my daughter, sobbing that her back was hurting and she wanted to come home. Instant mom guilt set in as I realized I was an hour away from her and there was nothing I could do to make it better. This was the tipping point that made me realize we were no longer dealing with typical post-surgical pain. It all started after a surgery less than a year before. Throughout recovery, she would wince and walk around crying, “Oh, my poor little back,” as any other 7-year-old who’d just had spinal surgery would do. But then, even after the wound had healed and only a surgical scar remained, the feelings of pain never went away. First it was back pain. Then it was leg pain. Then it was feelings of pins and needles. As a mom, I knew something wasn’t right. I couldn’t explain it, but I knew this pain was part of something bigger than I understood. After all, children don’t just live in pain with no physical explanation, do they? What followed was a series of medical appointments, therapy evaluations, tests, procedures, and late nights spent scouring the internet for answers. I was desperately hoping that each new appointment would provide some sort of golden envelope with the answer hidden inside. Yet each time, I left feeling defeated and defensive. My daughter was living in pain, and I didn’t understand why. For the next year, or maybe it was two, it felt like life was on hold. Chronic pain has a way of blurring time. I refused to believe there wasn’t a cure for her pain. That there was not some surgery or medication that would make her better. Looking back, I realize I was searching for certainty. I wanted someone to tell me exactly what was wrong and how to fix it. On perhaps our 12th pediatrician visit in a single year, the doctor gently explained what it meant for someone to live with chronic pain. I was angry. Hurt. Frustrated. Sad. How dare anyone speak about my child’s pain being incurable? Several months later, after many more late nights spent searching the internet, we met with a pediatric pain specialist. I cried. A lot. How was this our reality? But that’s when I finally allowed myself to hear the words. “There’s nothing physically wrong with her.” “It’s called chronic pain.” “We can work on a plan to support her.” These were words I had heard spoken many times before, but I never actually stopped to listen to them. I had spent years searching for what was wrong with my child. Trying desperately to explain why she was in so much pain. So, I finally let my internet browser rest. I stopped chasing specialist after specialist. I was ready to accept what had become our new reality. Acceptance didn’t mean my daughter’s pain wasn’t real. Acceptance wasn’t giving up on hope, therapies, or treatment. Acceptance was letting go of the belief that there would be one doctor, one test, or one procedure that would fix everything. My daughter still lives with chronic pain. We still have hard days. We still question why. Acceptance hasn’t made her pain disappear. But it has allowed us to move forward. We no longer sit by and wait for the pain to go away so we can start living life. Instead, we live life with pain. I may never like this reality. And if I am being honest, there are days I still grieve it. But acceptance has allowed me to meet my daughter where she is today, instead of spending all our energy wishing she was somewhere else. My daughter lives with chronic pain. This is the reality we face today. —by Kari McBride Source link
Living with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) are kind of like your least favorite aunt. They show up unannounced and stay well past their welcome. These red, itchy welts have no obvious cause and last for 6 weeks or longer. And the effects of the continuous itching caused by CSU go far beyond just your skin. Living with CSU can affect your mental health, as well as your work and personal life. Symptoms of chronic spontaneous urticaria CSU isn’t predictable. Unlike hives that appear when you’ve been exposed to something you’re sensitive or allergic to, CSU hives come and go, seemingly at random. And they can stay for a long time. This means you might be having a “good” week, with few or no hives and you make plans to go out. Suddenly the hives appear, making you miserable. Or they could come out just before a big presentation at work or a much anticipated (and needed) vacation. This unpredictability can make you uncertain about making plans and frustrate you if you need to cancel them. It also can affect your relationships if those around you don’t understand how hard it can be to have recurring hives like this. Here are four ways living with CSU might affect your life. Increased anxiety and depression Researchers have found that people living with CSU have higher rates of anxiety and depression — up to six times higher — than those who don’t have the condition. If left untreated, depression can lead to physical problems, including heart disease and stroke. Both anxiety and depression can also affect your ability to get medical help, follow treatment plans, go to work or school, and take care of yourself and your family. A form of talk therapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), is helpful for many people with anxiety and depression. The goal with this type of therapy is to find coping strategies and help you manage your thoughts and feelings. Speak with your healthcare provider (HCP) about getting help if you’re experiencing anxiety or depression. There are also groups that can offer support, such as WeCU and the Allergy & Asthma Network. Sleep deprivation We know that if we have pain, our sleep can suffer, but many people don’t realize how disruptive itching can be, so they might not understand how tired or fatigued you are. More than half of people with CSU can’t sleep properly. This in turn can worsen depression and anxiety, as well as other mental health issues. Sleep deprivation can also increase your risk of having accidents, injuries and long-term health issues, like heart disease and some types of cancer. If CSU is affecting your sleep, it’s important you speak to your HCP about it. If you’re taking second-generation antihistamines, which don’t make people sleepy, your HCP might suggest adding another one at night that does cause sleepiness. There may be other medication options that can help, too. Working on mind-body and relaxation approaches might be helpful. There are many self-help options to help people sleep, but working with a therapist might be the best way to start, especially one who works with people living with CSU or similar health problems. Reduced enjoyment of social and work life There are several reasons CSU might have a strong impact on your social life, work or education. Adults with CSU miss more work than those with other allergy-related conditions, and they don’t perform as well while they’re at work. According to one study, those with mild CSU lost about 12% of their work productivity, and those with severe CSU lost as much as 44%. The same happens with children with CSU. They do worse at school than their classmates who don’t have these long-term hives. Daily tasks and intimacy can be affected as well. It’s not unusual for some people with CSU to have trouble keeping up with personal care, family life and housekeeping. Sexual activity and intimate relationships can also become difficult. Maintaining a relationship can be challenging if you’re self-conscious of how your skin looks, you’re itching all the time, you’re fatigued, and your mental health is affected. Hobbies and just getting out to have fun are usually a good way to relax and recharge. But if you’re living with CSU, they might be the last thing you’re thinking of. Finding clothing that feels comfortable can be tough. Tight clothes rub against your skin and some clothing is made of irritating fabrics, like wool, or they have textures or seams that can feel uncomfortable on your skin. If you have a particular style that you like to follow, it can be disappointing if you have to choose looser fitting clothing in different fabrics that don’t match what you’d like to wear. If you have to wear a uniform at work or school, this can also be an even bigger problem, and you might need to ask for accommodations either in style or fabric. Increased risk for infection Although it’s not common, if you scratch your hives enough to break the skin, you can get an infection, which can become serious if not treated. If you do break the skin, be sure to clean the area, apply antibiotic ointment and cover the broken skin to protect it. See your HCP if you develop any redness or swelling, or if you see any discharge or pus coming from the area. Taking charge of CSU CSU is more than “just hives.” It has a significant impact on your life. Discussing your condition with your HCP to ensure that you find the right medication to control your hives and seeking support from the people around you as well as groups and communities that understand CSU can go a long way in helping you live a full life with this chronic condition. This educational resource was created with support from Regeneron and Sanofi. From Your Site Articles Related Articles Around the Web Source link
How To Track Basal Body Temperature (Step by Step)
Basal body temperature, or BTT, is your lowest body temperature at rest on any given day. For people who have periods, fluctuations in hormone levels – particularly the hormone progesterone – causes BTT to increase slightly. BTT tracking is a way of gauging your fertility window, letting you know what days of the month you’re most likely to get pregnant if you have sex. Other than family planning, tracking your BTT can help you more accurately link each stage of your cycle to how you’re feeling, confirm the timing of ovulation, and provide a more comprehensive view of your body’s natural rhythms. How Does Your Cycle Affect Basal Body Temperature? Your BTT changes through each stage of your cycle, increasing after ovulation and decreasing right before ovulation. Follicular phase: During the pre-ovulation (follicular) phase of the menstrual cycle, the average adult female basal body temperature typically falls around 97.0 – 97.5°F (36.1°C to 36.4°C). This is the beginning of your cycle, when estrogen dominates. Ovulation: In the 1-2 days leading up to ovulation, there’s a small “dip” of about 0.5°F (0.2°C). This is the lowest BTT in your cycle. Luteal phase: Progesterone levels rise as your body prepares itself for potential pregnancy, increasing resting body temperature by 0.4°F to 1.0°F (0.2°C–0.5°C) to a higher range of roughly 97.6°F to 98.6°F (36.4°C–37°C). End of cycle: If pregnancy doesn’t occur, progesterone levels drop and BTT goes down. Your body sheds the unfertilized egg and uterine lining through what we call the “period.” If pregnancy does occur, BTT remains elevated. Ovulation Fever vs. Illness Do you ever feel like you’re coming down with the flu in the days leading up to your period? If you consistently feel achy, tired, and a little feverish during that time of the month, it may not just be an (in)conveniently timed cold – you may be experiencing “ovulation fever.” During the luteal phase, your body releases chemical messengers called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are the same chemical messengers your body produces when you’re sick to combat bacteria and viruses. When you start your period, prostaglandin released in the uterus lining raises your body temperature, causing a low-grade fever. Prostaglandin combined with low estrogen levels and the rise in BBT due to ovulation may mimic flu-like symptoms such as fatigue and pain. PMS symptoms vary widely from person to person, and researchers are still finding out new things about “ovulation fever.” Keeping track of your hormonal cycle can help you figure out what times of month you’re most likely to feel tired, and whether or not you’re really sick. Remember: Cyclical body temperature changes are generally subtle, and if your body temperature spikes significantly or remains high past your period, it’s time to see a doctor. Why Should I Track My BTT? You may be thinking: I’m super careful about using condoms, and I’m not trying to get pregnant. Why should I track my BTT? Cycle tracking is a way of gauging your hormonal health, providing real-time data on hormonal fluctuations, which may be responsible for a range of symptoms, from irregular menstrual cycles and fatigue to weight changes and irritability. The average person experiences their period in a 21 to 35-day cycle, but this range (which is already quite broad) can vary. BTT offers a more specific way to measure your bleeding patterns; If your periods have never been very regular, tracking your BTT helps you figure out when your next period will be and plan accordingly (you may want to reschedule a swimming outing on days after the “dip,” for example). BTT patterns may also be a predictor of hormonal health. For example, research shows that consistently low BTT readings correlate to an underactive thyroid. If your BTT patterns are all over the place, it could indicate hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), stress-induced fluctuations, or perimenopause. Understanding your hormonal patterns can key you into potential problems and when to seek medical intervention. How To Track BTT: A Step-by-Step Morning Routine Tracking your BTT requires consistency and a solid sleep schedule. Keep in mind that your basal body temperature can be affected by various factors, such as: Stress Illness or fever Not sleeping well, or sleeping more than usual Substances like alcohol Certain medications Travel, especially across time zones Gynecologic disorders You’ll need a thermometer specifically designed to measure basal body temperature and measures to two decimal places for accuracy. Most BTT thermometers can be inserted under the tongue, though there are also vaginal or rectal options. Here’s how to track BTT: 1. Take your temperature at the same time each day, when you first wake up. Our body temperature is the lowest right when we wake up in the morning, and increases with activity. Make sure to take your BTT immediately upon waking, before you sit up, drink water, or go to the bathroom. Always take your temperature using the same methods as close to the same time every day as possible. 2. Track the numbers. Use a chart or tracking app to record your daily basal body temperature. There are several apps designed for this purpose which can provide useful visual aids. 3. Look for a pattern. You should see a clear pattern emerge over a few months; ovulation should be occurring on the days your BTT rises slightly. Be patient – self-measuring is prone to human error, and it may take some time before you get a regular pattern. Hormones Should Be Cyclical, Not Exact We’re not robots, and sometimes a night out or stress can confuse your readings. However, if you’re fairly consistent in your habits, and spot clear changes in your BTT over months of tracking, it may be a sign of hormonal disturbance. Knowing how your hormones impact the way you feel can help you understand your body and provide valuable insight to your doctor in case of concern. Source link
Amazon Prime Day: Hair Loss Products and More
The popular Amazon Prime Day runs from June 23-June 26, 2026 this year. You will need an Amazon Prime membership to take advantage of the event. If you’re not a member, sign up for a free 30-day trial in order to participate in the sale. You can cancel your trial before the 30 days are up to avoid being charged. If you have Prime membership, shipping is free. Below, I will list the early deals as they come. Hair Loss Product Deals Other Big Deals Source link
NICE approves atogepant for acute treatment of migraine on the NHS in England
According to the latest NICE guidance, atogepant can be prescribed as an option for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults only if, for previous migraine attacks, at least two triptans were tried and they did not work well enough or were not tolerated and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol were tried but did not work well enough. Whether atogepant can be prescribed for the acute treatment of migraine in both primary and secondary care settings will be subject to local commissioning through Integrated Care Boards. This means that GPs may be able to prescribe atogepant as an acute treatment or they may need to refer to a specialist for a patient to gain access, depending on where they are based. While the availability of atogepant for acute treatment is a positive step forward in improving migraine care, we are also aware of the difficulties that people experience in accessing these much-needed medications. Research for The Migraine Trust’s 2023 report, Heading in the Wrong Direction, found that among people who reported themselves to have met the eligibility criteria for CGRP mAbs, only 52% had been offered access to this treatment. Those unable to access it reported being told that their GP, neurologist or the local NHS does not prescribe it, that there was a lack of funds available to prescribe it, or that waiting lists are too long so clinicians were opting not to prescribe. Alice, who lives with chronic migraine, welcomes today’s announcement. She also believes that access to medications such as atogepant at an earlier stage would make a considerable difference for people living with migraine. Alice said: “I lost years of my life waiting to be taken seriously by medical professionals and waiting to access migraine-specific treatments. If a wider range of migraine-specific treatments, such as atogepant, were available earlier in the patient journey, I believe many people could reach effective treatment sooner, avoid years of unnecessary suffering, reduce their exposure to ineffective medications and side effects, and maintain a better quality of life. “ Similarly, Lisa, who has struggled to access migraine treatment, is clear that access to migraine-specific medications as acute treatment options is a step forward: “You must try so many different treatments and face the side effects, then at times the waiting list for neurology has been nine months long. I do understand you can’t give out treatments to everyone straight away, but it’s a lot to deal with.” Source link
Nominations open for Healio’s Disruptive Innovators in GI
Add topic to email alerts Receive an email when new articles are posted on Please provide your email address to receive an email when new articles are posted on . “ data-action=”subscribe”> Subscribe We were unable to process your request. Please try again later. If you continue to have this issue please contact customerservice@slackinc.com. Back to Healio Healio’s ninth annual Disruptive Innovators Awards for gastroenterology and hepatology will be presented this fall, honoring the pioneers whose groundbreaking work and bold ideas have redefined the field. Awardees will be recognized during a prestigious awards ceremony at the ACG Annual Meeting, scheduled for October 9-14 in Nashville. Healio Gastroenterology and its collaborators unveiled its 2025 class of Disruptive Innovators Award recipients during the ACG Annual Meeting in Phoenix. Credit: Erin T. Walsh, MA The event will be hosted by Healio Chief Medical Editor Edward V. Loftus Jr., MD, and Ugo Iroku, MD, MHS, a co-founder of the Association for Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists. Healio is now accepting nominations in nine categories: Lifetime Disruptor, presented to a physician who consistently pushed the field forward through innovative treatments, practice management, patient care or research; Rising Disruptor, which recognizes an up-and-coming physician who is disrupting the status quo in the field through new techniques, new thoughts, questioning methods or breakthrough research; Clinical Innovation, presented to a physician or institution that changed the face of gastroenterology practice, providing an example of how patient care can be bettered through changes in administration, technique or delivery of value-based care; Woman Disruptor of the Year, presented to a woman in the field who has emerged as a leader and example to younger women of how a successful career can unfold; Social Media Influencer, which recognizes a health care professional who has made a positive impact on social media, become a trusted resource for his or her peers, and led the tidal change in health care provider use within gastroenterology; Healio Patient Voice, presented to a patient advocate or advocacy group that moved the needle with regard to discussion in the public sphere, better communication between patients and providers, and/or advocacy for legislative or regulatory action; Health Equity Award, which recognizes a physician who has made meaningful changes to overcome the social determinants of health in gastroenterology; The Partner in Practice Award, presented to an allied health provider — dietitian, gastropsychologist, nutritionist, nurse practitioner or physician assistant — whose innovative approaches improve patient outcomes or quality of care; and Industry Breakthrough, presented to a product that stands out as a major disruption to the practice of gastroenterology. Would you like to nominate a mover, shaker or industry name-maker who has spurred innovation or disrupted the practice of medicine to improve patient health or improve quality of care? Email nominations to Editorial Director Robert Stott at rstott@healio.com. Please include the nominee’s name and institution, along with the award category for which you believe the nominee is most deserving. Published by: Ask a clinical question and tap into Healio AI’s knowledge base. PubMed, enrolling/recruiting trials, guidelines Clinical Guidance, Healio CME, FDA news Healio’s exclusive daily news coverage of clinical data Learn more Add topic to email alerts Receive an email when new articles are posted on Please provide your email address to receive an email when new articles are posted on . “ data-action=”subscribe”> Subscribe We were unable to process your request. Please try again later. If you continue to have this issue please contact customerservice@slackinc.com. Back to Healio Source link
Interlaminar Spinal Fixation Systems
If you suffer from chronic back pain or have a spinal injury, you know firsthand how debilitating it can be. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have led to a range of treatments that can alleviate pain and restore function to the affected area. Interlaminar Spinal Fixation Systems are medical devices composed of two interbody spacers and a linking rod made of titanium. They helps reduce pain, prevent further damage, and promote spinal fusion. Furthermore, they are minimally invasive and have been shown to be effective in clinical studies. Join us as we take a closer look at the interlaminar spinal fixation system and how it can help improve outcomes for those with spinal instability or degenerative disc disease. What is an Interlaminar Spinal Fixation System, And What Are Its Components? Interlaminar Spinal Fixation Systems are spinal stabilization systems designed to promote spinal fusion and provide stability to the lumbar spine. The system consists of two interbody spacers and a linking rod made of titanium, which are implanted through a minimally invasive procedure. The interbody spacers are placed between two adjacent vertebrae to restore the natural spacing and alignment of the spine, while the linking rod connects the two spacers to stabilize the spine. The system’s design allows for controlled movement while the spine heals and promotes the growth of new bone tissue. These devices aim to reduce pain, prevent further damage, and improve spinal stability, leading to better outcomes for patients with spinal instability or degenerative disc disease. It’s also an effective alternative to traditional spinal fusion surgery, with fewer complications and faster recovery times. What are the Benefits of Interlaminar Spinal Fixation Systems? This system offers several benefits for patients with spinal instability or degenerative disc disease. Stabilization of the Spine: The first and most significant benefit is the stabilization of the spine, which can reduce pain and prevent further damage. The device does this by attaching itself to vertebrae and not allowing them to move, thereby reducing instances of further spinal damage, pain, or even inconvenience. Promotion of Spinal Fusion: Additionally, the system promotes spinal fusion, which is the natural process of two adjacent vertebrae fusing together. The interbody spacers used create the optimal environment for new bone tissue growth, leading to a more stable spine over time. Minimally Invasive Procedure Another significant benefit of spinal fixation systems is that it is a minimally invasive procedure. Unlike traditional spinal fusion surgery, which requires larger incisions and longer recovery times, This procedure can be performed through a smaller incision. This means that patients experience less pain, have shorter hospital stays, and can return to normal activities faster. Overall, spinal fixation systems offer a safer, more effective alternative to traditional spinal fusion surgery, providing patients with long-lasting relief from spinal instability, chronic spinal pain, and degenerative disc disease. Additional benefits include the utilization of local anesthesia, conservation of bone and soft tissue, decreased likelihood of epidural scarring and leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, a shorter hospitalization and rehabilitation duration, and the possibility of reversing the surgical procedure without impeding future surgical alternatives. Types of Spinal Fixation Systems The most popular system is StabiLink. It is an innovation by Southern Spine, a celebrated global manufacturer of spinal and thoracic inserts. Their innovations include the following: StabiLink® MIS Interlaminar Spinal Fixation System This implant is placed away from the neural and other elements of the spinal cord. The StabiLink® MIS Interlaminar Spinal Fixation System boasts several design features that enhance its performance and effectiveness. The implant has a small diameter with a wide-spike design, containing 16 spikes per implant, which spreads the load over a larger area. This feature increases the implant’s load-sharing capacity during both static and fatigue testing. The Laminar Lock Design is another notable feature that limits movement in all three planes, including lateral bending, axial rotation, and flexion/extension. It offers a wide range of implant designs and sizes for optimal anatomical fit. The low profile of the implant also enables access to facet joints and other surrounding anatomy. The torque-controlled locking mechanism results in secure fixation of the implant. Overall, StabiLink’s design features ensure greater stability, accuracy, and long-term effectiveness for patients undergoing spinal stabilization surgery. How Are Interlaminar Spinal Fixation Systems Inserted? During the procedure, a small incision measuring 2–4 cm is made using a precision guided inserter/compressor. This instrument is designed to streamline the implant placement process, making it more straightforward and accurate for surgeons. The precision guided inserter/compressor is an all-in-one instrument that eliminates the need for multiple instruments, including bulky compressors. It allows for the implant to be safely placed with or without the removal of the interspinous ligaments. As a result, the overall procedure time is reduced, and the implant insertion and compression are achieved with greater ease and accuracy. The Risks Involved As with any procedure, Interlaminar Spinal Fixation Systems come with their own risks. Risks may include wound infection, post-surgical CSF leak, blood clots, etc. It is important to note that these instances are rare, and, have a far lower probability of occurrence when compared to traditional spinal decompression surgeries. If you or a loved one suffers from degenerative disc disease or chronic back pain, we recommend visiting Pain Treatment Centers of America at one of our many locations. Our medical and ambulatory surgical expertise has helped thousands of patients, and we would be delighted to help you determine the best option for you. For more information, call us at (844) 215-0731 today! Source link
