Information and advice for GPs.
If you have any questions about your patients do feel free to contact Dr Stanford on 02 9650 4893. He will return your call and discuss how we can help.
Pain Following Spinal Fusion Surgery
It is common for patients to experience discomfort as their body readjusts. However, if pain starts to be a problem for the patient, then it could be symptomatic of a serious issue.
Foot Drop
Foot Drop is weakness at the ankle that causes the foot to drop down when walking, so that the patient has a noticeable limp. Although the condition can arise for many reasons there are two common causes.
Spinal Fusion Surgery
Spinal Fusion is surgery to join adjacent vertebra together so that they cannot move. It involves inserting some form of fixation – spinal screws, plates and rods, or cages – and some form of graft material so that the bones grow together.
The limited role of cortisone injections
Cortisone injections have a place in management of spinal pain. However, they are rarely a permanent cure.
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Lumbar radioculopathy is a common spinal complaint. Most cases are benign. Often the pain will resolve itself and non-operative management is the recommended first step.
Back Pain and how to manage it
Back pain is universal - almost all adults will experience it at some stage. Unfortunately for about 20% of cases, it becomes chronic.
Cervical Myelopathy
Cervical myelopathy is a disease of the spinal cord that may pass unnoticed.
Why I only operate when it makes a difference
Surgery is a significant event in the lives of most patients. It involves cutting open their bodies, and for most of them, it is scary.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Sharp stabbing pains that run down an arm; tingling and numbness in the fingers; or a wince as your patient twists their neck.