Last week, ABC World News did a special on the new spinal fusion technique, AxiaLIF. The surgery is less “invasive” than conventional fusion, but can only be performed on the lower part of the spine. Interestingly, the surgeon is not actually able to see the spine- instead, frequent X-rays inform the surgeon of his/her exact location. The ABC special bragged that this new surgery will have patients in and walking out in less than 4 hours. Sounds like magic…
Unfortunately, the special didn’t discuss some of the concerns with AxiaLIF or with spinal fusion in general. Fusions are not magical medical cures. A small population may need fusion procedures, but it’s likely that for the majority of patients, the procedure is providing no benefits at all and potentially causing more problems as result of the surgery.
A few concerns…
AxiaLIF is manufactured by TRANS1. TRANS1 was founded by Dr. Andrew Cragg:
Looks like Dr. Cragg won the bet with his brother, but there are some issues here… If you look into the research for AxiaLIF, you’ll see a common author in the studies: A Cragg. I’m sure Dr. Cragg is a smart dude, but I’m concerned that the man who patented the approach and the owner of the company is also conducting most of the research. Of course he wants AxiaLIF to look great- he’s got investors and a business to protect. Truth is, there needs to be more independent research on AxiaLIF before it can have any bragging rights.
A June 2007 study on AxiaLIF voiced an important concern:
“The anterior minimally invasive procedures are often associated with significantly greater incidence of complications and technical difficulty than their associated open approaches. There is a steep learning curve associated with minimally invasive techniques, and surgeons should not expect to master them in the first several cases.“
So…
Basically, it’s a bad idea to be the first or last person to try out a new surgery. Especially for a surgery that occurs way too often (fusion surgery) and is not backed up by substantial evidence (where’s the solid evidence that it’s better than non-surgical options for most adults?).
Sites to check out:
NBC tells a different story on back pain…
Health News Review grades this ABC special (and provides info about fusion)
I had this procedure done and agree 100% with ABC’s networked special. I suffered several years of back pain with no results until I was operated on using the AxiaLIF procedure. I have and will continue to tell as many as my friends that may have the same issues as I had to look into this.
Nothing upsets me more when I see websites like this trying to “poo poo” a great medical option. I bet you’re not even a doctor.
I am very happy that you found success with AxiaLIF. And you’re right, I’m not a doctor!
Here’s the point (see link in article):
“The anterior minimally invasive procedures are often associated with significantly greater incidence of complications and technical difficulty than their associated open approaches. There is a steep learning curve associated with minimally invasive techniques, and surgeons should not expect to master them in the first several cases.“ (Eck, Hodges & Humphreys, 2007)
This is a big deal. Seiously. Just because something is new and shiny doesn’t mean it’s better. However, if it is belived to be better, then great. But let’s see the evidence to back it up. It’s important that individuals know the risks and benefits and not walk blindly into treatments because their doctor tells them to.
Funny, I visit this site because you “poo poo” on the care/treatments/nutrition that gets shoved down our throats everyday. I appreciate that you look at it all through a different viewpoint. There are too many narrow-minded robots that just follow what the “experts” say. We need more people like you to challenge this stuff and make people think. I like your style too, it’s not about telling people what’s “right” or “true” but it’s about thinking about things differently and questioning conventional thought. Honoring intuition, history, research, ancient healing, technology, etc.
Brian…please give more informatin about post-surgery. Pain? Mobility? etc. This information is hard to find.
I would also like to know more about post surgery…. Aimee, I am sure is not a doctor, and is right to some degree this is not the end all cure all to spinal fusion, but I also wouldn’t let a 12 yr old with his first set of tools operate on me either. For me, someone who wants kids (cant go thru the front) and also a bodybuilder (doctors can’t go thru the back, to much muscle)…this is my ONLY option. So IF YOU GO TO THE BEST DOCTOR who has done a ton of axialif operations, I am sure my chances of improvement will be much greater.
when you have 2 disc that are completely gone in your back aimee, you wont be so quick to knock a operation, instead you will be trying to keep your hopes up, instead of practicly being in a wheelchair at 32 yrs old.
Pete,
I cannot even begin to imagine the pain that you must be in. Back injuries can impact so many areas of one’s life. Truly wishing you healing in every way.
And you’re exactly right in your comment. You are the perfect example of what people should do. You’ve explored your options, considered your unique situation and done your research. And ultimately, you will create a treatment plan that you can feel confident about.
Here’s the problem: tons of procedures are sold to the general public as miracles. People buy into the hype and jump into surgeries/medications for a quick fix before they’ve explored other options. But, c’mon Pete, as a bodybuilder and health advocate you know the reasons why the majority of Americans suffer from low back pain. And those individuals should probably explore other options before surgery or narcotics. Obviously, your situation is different.
Further, new procedures/treatments take time to refine. And research needs to be done to understand the limitations, side effects, risks and benefits of the treatment. Of course there are individuals who need treatment ASAP. And that’s when we can simply pray that the treatment is effective and if possible, conduct as much research as we can. Awesome that you realize this and are seeking out an experienced and ethical surgeon (again, you’d be surprised how often this is ignored by patients).
AxiaLIF might just be the perfect solution for you. Whatever you choose, I truly hope that you find relief from pain.
If you think about it…every medical procedure has been “new” at one time or another and each surgery involves a learning curve. Your best bet is to research your surgeon and learn his or her experience with the procedure you are about to have. I agree that just because something is new doesn’t make it better BUT…it doesn’t mean it isn’t better either. Fusions are done every single day and at one time, they were the “new” craze so think about how medicine evolves.