Hi dino61, I remember seeing this program on nine news the other...

Hi dino61, I remember seeing this program on nine news the other day, thought it interesting.
Cut and paste article below, hope this is of some use for you.

Do you suffer from crippling back pain?

A breakthrough treatment has become available that has given elderly Australians a new lease on life.

Neurosurgeon Mark Winder and doctors around Australia are now able to perform a minimally invasive procedure called the decompression of the lumber of the spine.

The operation has revolutionised spinal surgery.

It offers excellent results with rapid recoveries in which patients are up and walking hours after surgery.

More than 90% of people are discharged from hospital the following day.

The surgery is suitable for everyone but offers especially good results for the elderly and the obese because patients are able to get up and about quickly, which minimises the risk of serious complications.

During the hour-long surgery, a small incision the size of a five cent coin is made into the patient's back and then a tube is placed into a gap in the muscles, instead of cutting through them.

Using a microscope, the protrusions which were causing the compression are drilled and cleaned away, allowing spinal fluid to flow more freely.

The cost of the surgery is similar to traditional back operations and is available at several public and private hospitals around the country.

Dr Winder operates at St Luke's Hospital at 18 Roslyn St, Potts Point, Sydney.

He can be contacted on (02) 9356 0200.

VICTORIA

Parkville Neurosurgery
Dr Morokoff and A/Prof Drummond
Suite 31 Level 4 Royal Melbourne Hospital
Royal Parade,
Parkville VIC 3050 (03)9348 2712 www.parkvilleneurosurgery.com
QUEENSLAND

Dr Richard Laherty
Queensland Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery
Suite 325, Ramsay Specialist Centre
Newdegate Street
Greenslopes, QLD, 4120
3421 6000
3397 4185
www.qns.com.au

NSW

Dr Mark Winder
St Vincent's Hospital
Suite 701, Level 7
438 Victoria St
Darlinghurst, 2010
02 8382 6724
[email protected]
[email protected]