Tampa, Fla.-based Laser Spine Institute revealed study findings that showed military personnel return to duty faster after undergoing minimally invasive spine surgery.
Here are three things to know:
1. Back pain is especially prevalent among military personnel.
2. Roughly 13 percent of U.S. soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan who had a primary diagnosis of back pain returned to their units, according to the study's findings.
3. The study shows active duty military who underwent minimally invasive spine surgery instead of open back surgery had less blood loss, big improvements in pain scores and a quicker return to duty.
More articles on spine:
Bullish on spine: 5 surgeons on why they recommend the specialty for young physicians
Lumbar fusion patients taking preop opioids experience worse outcomes — 5 observations
8 things for spine surgeons to know for Thursday — May 11, 2017