Spine

Summit County spine specialist first in nation to use MAS-TLIF system

FRISCO — Patients undergoing spine surgery at St. Anthony Summit Medical Center in Frisco may be one of the first in the nation to benefit from a new instrument called the MAS-TLIF system. Dr. Greg Poulter, Spine Surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics was the first in the nation to use this system during

a spine procedure at St. Anthony Summit Medical Center.

“This is a new system for performing minimally invasive spine fusions. The techniques for these fusions have been present for several years, but these cases are often challenging. With small incisions, there is a concern that delicate nerves may be injured by misplaced screws and

that the bones of the spine can not be manipulated as they can with a larger incision,” said Dr. Poulter.

To address these concerns, the MAS-TLIF system manufactured by NuVasive Spine, allows the surgeon to use a combination of technologies that were previously not available for minimally invasive surgery. The MAS-TLIF system incorporates advanced Nerve Avoidance Technology that helps the surgeon avoid damaging any nerves during the procedure. The system also provides excellent visualization of the spine and the ability to compress and distract the bones of the spine, all through a 1 1/4 inch incision. The availability of this technique expands the number of patients that are candidates for minimally invasive surgery.

Dr. Poulter believes the benefit to his patients is reduced pain, reduced blood loss, and a faster recovery. “I am proud of the excellent spine care that we provide to our mountain community and I am honored to have had the opportunity to introduce this new technology in Summit County,” he said.

In 2009, the Summit Spine Specialists at St. Anthony Summit Medical Center completed 158 spine surgeries. This group of highly-accomplished spine surgeons specializes in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery of the neck and back, including athletic injuries of the spine.

For more information about this procedure or to schedule a consultation with one of our spine specialists, please contact Summit Spine Specialists at (970) 668-9500 or visit us at www.summitspinespecialists.org.

Josh Sandberg

Josh Sandberg is the President and CEO of Ortho Spine Partners and sits on several company and industry related Boards. He also is the Creator and Editor of OrthoSpineNews.

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