Fred Sweet, MD, of Rockford (Ill.) Spine Center, is traveling around the United States teaching the tranforaminal anterior release procedure, according to 13 WREX.
Here are six points:
1. Dr. Sweet developed the procedure, coined t-far, a decade ago to correct severe spinal deformities.
2. Unlike traditional surgery where surgeons cut through bone in the spine to correct spinal disorders, t-far removes a disc between bones in the spine.
3. By removing a portion of the spine, Dr. Sweet preserves nerves in the spinal cord. He then re-positions the spine, securing it with rods and screws.
4. T-far reduces neurological complications post-surgery, because of the nerve protection.
5. Dr. Sweet has performed 100 t-far procedures, for which he reports a 90 percent success rate.
6. Dr. Sweet founded Rockford Spine Center and serves as president.