Back Problems & Interventional Radiology
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 Sarasota Interventional Radiology |
| Interventional Radiologist Dr. Gerald Grubbs |
| Plasma Disc Decompression: An Overview |
| Treating Herniated Discs with Plasma Disc Compression |
| What to Expect During Treatment |
| Frequently Asked Questions About Plasma Disc Compression |
| Vertebroplasty: An Overview |
| Treating Osteoporosis With Interventional Radiology |
| What to Expect During Treatment |
| Frequently Asked Questions About Vertebroplasty |
| New Treatments On the Horizon |
| Contact Us |
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Interventional Radiology Offers New Hope
The rapidly growing specialty of
Interventional Radiology
offers those with painful spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis new minimally invasive approaches for treatment that hold the promise of less pain, quick recoveries and a better quality of life. |
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Sarasota Interventional Radiology
The surgery of the 21st century,
Interventional radiology
is revolutionizing modern health care by changing the way we treat a host of conditions, back problems among them.
Herniated Discs
In the past, treatment for a herniated disc meant pain meds, rest, injections, and physical therapy. For those that didn’t respond, surgery – and a long, difficult recovery – was the only alternative. But now, a new breakthrough interventional radiology technique called Plasma Disc Decompression provides an option for those who have failed conservative treatments, but are not yet ready for surgery. Learn more
Spinal Fractures
Similarly, those with
spinal fractures
caused by osteoporosis – a weakening of the bones - either lived with a marked curvature of the spine called “widow’s back” or had difficult, often painful surgery. Now, Vertebroplasty offers those with spinal fractures a safe, pain free alternative to a lifetime of suffering or surgery. Learn more
We believe in treating the whole person at
Sarasota Interventional Radiology
. We understand how difficult living with back problems can be. That’s why you and your family can count on our support through every step of the process, from providing critical information to making sure you’re comfortable when you receive treatment. Our office will be happy to try to accommodate any special needs you may have and will inform you of any special preparations you need to make before your appointment. |
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Interventional Radiologist Dr. Gerald Grubbs
A native of Tennessee,
Dr. Gerald Grubbs
attended college and medical school there before going on to complete his residency at the University of Tennessee in Diagnostic Radiology.
Excited at how the new field of interventional radiology was revolutionizing minimally invasive surgery – and by the benefits it held for patients – the doctor took a Fellowship in Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology at the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute at the Baptist Hospital of Miami. It was there he learned the basics of many of the procedures he’s now performing. In 1993, after completing his Fellowship, Dr. Grubbs received his Board Certification in Interventional Radiology from the American Board of Radiology.
The following year, Dr, Grubbs moved to the Suncoast and joined Naples Radiologists, P.A. doing Diagnostic as well as Vascular and Interventional Radiology. In 2006 he opened his own practice,
Sarasota Interventional Radiology
. Here he brings his skills in imaging, his procedural expertise, his experience in research and his clinical practice to offer minimally invasive diagnostics and treatments for patients whose conditions would have once required open surgery.
The author of numerous articles and a noted lecturer, Dr. Grubbs lives with his wife and two children in Osprey.
Learn more about Dr. Grubbs background and experience |
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Plasma Disc Decompression: And Overview
The spine, which acts like a car’s shock absorbers, is made up of a series of bones, or vertebrae, connected by discs. These discs have a strong outer surface called the annulus and a soft, gel-like center called the pulposus. If the outer layer is damaged or weakened by age, the gel of the pulposus can leak. This slipped or herniated disc can press on nerves causing pain, numbness, tinkling or weakness in the in the leg and/or arm, as well as the neck and/or arm.
FYI: Herniated Discs
98% of lower back pain is the result of a pinched or irritated nerve in the back.
Every year there are 15-million doctor office visits are made for lower back pain treatments
More people 45 and under visit their doctor for lower back pain than any other ailment.
To learn more about how the procedure is performed, click here.
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Treating Herniated Discs with Plasma Disc Compression
For those with herniated discs who have responded to a course of treatment that includes meds, rest, injections and/or physical therapy and a not ready for surgery, Plasma Disc Compression offers a safe and effective alternative.
Using state-of-the-art imaging x-ray technology for guidance, Dr. Grubbs places a needle into the disc. A device is then inserted through the needle and into the center of the disc where excess tissue is removed. This reduces the pressure on the vertebrae, which in turn eases pressure and reduces pain. |
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What to Expect During Treatment
Your comfort is of primary concern to all of us at Sarasota Interventional Radiology. We understand that this can be a difficult time and treatment – even non-invasive treatment – can be stressful. That’s why we want you to know what you can expect during your visits with us. The better informed you are, the more comfortable you’ll be. Of course, if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to address any concerns you have. |
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Your 1st Appointment
Located in a serene setting on Cattleman near University just east of US 75,
Sarasota Interventional Radiology
is located on the first floor of the new Axcess Center.
We suggest arriving about 15 minutes before your appointment. You’ll be greeted by one of our two patient advocates. Highly trained and compassionate, these advocates will collect all your pertinent information and work with your insurance company.
You’ll then have a consultation with Dr. Grubbs, where he will review your medical history and discuss your planned course of treatment, taking you through the process step by step so you are informed and aware.
Before leaving the office, you’ll receive written instructions on how to prepare for your treatment. |
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The Night Before Your Procedure
Here’s what you need to do the night before to prepare for your procedure. It’s important you follow these instructions carefully, or it will be necessary to cancel your treatment that day. More importantly, failure to follow these instructions could be dangerous.
- Have nothing to eat or drink for at least 6 hours prior to your procedure.
- Take all of your normal medications before 8am with only one ounce of water. Do not take anything else or we will have to cancel your treatment that day.
- Bring a list of all your current medications and the doses you are taking.
- If you have an inhaler at home, you must bring it with you when you come in for your procedure.
- If you are a diabetic, start your medication once you resume your diet.
- If you are a diabetic taking insulin, wait until you have eaten to use your insulin.
- You cannot drive after your procedure for the remainder of the day. You must make arrangements to have someone drive you home.
- Please leave your valuables at home. You won’t need them.
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The Day of Treatment
A nurse and board-certified anesthesiologist will prep you for your treatment. You’ll be administered what is called “conscious sedation”, which will allow you to wake up right away after your procedure – another of the benefits of minimally invasive treatment. Of course, in the extremely rare circumstance of complications occurring, Dr. Grubbs is always available. |
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After Treatment
Discharge instructions will vary, depending on the procedure you had. It is essential you follow these instructions carefully. In the days following your procedure, you may feel a degree of tenderness at the site where the catheter entered. This is perfectly normal. Generally there is little or no bleeding around the site and the tenderness will pass. If there the tenderness continues, if there is bleeding or excessive oozing from the site, call us, or your referring physician, immediately. |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Plasma Disc Compression
Q: How safe is Plasma Disc Compression?
A: Plasma Disc Compression is extremely safe, with few risks or complications. Of course, as with every procedure, risk depends on the individual patient. If you have any concerns at all, please feel free to discuss them with the doctor.
Q: Who is a candidate for Plasma Disc Compression?
A: Anyone who suffers from a herniated disc that has not responded to conventional treatment. However the procedure is not for those with spinal fractures or degenerative disc disease. |
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Vertebroplasty: An Overview
Perhaps the most debilitating and feared result of osteoporosis – a condition marked by the progressive weakening of bones – is a spinal fracture. These “compression” fractures are caused when the weakened vertebra of the spine collapse. When more than one vertebra collapses deformities like “widow’s hump”, a marked curvature of the spine, occur. Constant pain, limited activity and a serious reduction in the quality of life are generally the result.
Unfortunately, almost 700,000 spinal bone fractures occur every year, mostly to women over the age of 60. In addition to age and sex, risk factors for the condition include:
- A family history
- Being past menopause
- The abnormal absence of menstrual periods
- Anorexia or bulimia
- A lack of calcium in the diet
- Long-term use of corticosteroids or anticonvulsants
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Excessive drinking
Much more difficult to manage than other fractures, spinal bone breaks can be managed by surgery. But back surgery is risky and should be used only as a last resort. So until recently, reduced activity and pain medications – many of which have problematic side effects – were the only alternatives. |
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Treating Osteoporosis With Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology
Interventional radiology offers a safe, non-surgical treatment called Vertebroplasty that has proven to be highly effective in eliminating the pain caused by the spinal fractures.
Using state-of-the-art imaging technology, Dr. Grubbs is able to inject medical grade cement into the spine that stabilizes the collapsed vertebra. Within hours pain is relieved and height loss and spine curvature prevented.
If the vertebra isn’t reinforced, it can heal in a compressed or flattened wedge and the fracture cannot be treated effectively. That makes it essential for someone experiencing persistent pain to consult the doctor immediately. |
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What to Expect During Treatment
TBD |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Vertebroplasty
Q: Is the Vertebroplasty safe?
A: Very. It’s been used for more than decade with outstanding results. In fact, the injection of cement has also been used successfully to treat cancer of the spine.
Q: Who is a candidate for Vertebroplasty?
A: Anyone in moderate to severe pain from a recent compress fracture of the spine. While some older fractures can be treated, Vertebroplasty is most successful in treating recent fractures.
Q: How successful is the treatment?
A: 75 to 90% of people treated with Vertebroplasty report a complete or significant reduction in pain.
Q: What are the risks and complications of the procedure?
A: Vertebroplasty is extremely safe, with few risks or complications. Of course, as with every procedure, risk depends on the individual patient. If you have any concerns at all, please feel free to discuss them with the doctor.
Q: Can Vertebroplasty treat or prevent “widow’s hump”?
A: Some studies suggest that early treatment of spinal fractures with vertebroplasty can strengthen the spine and improve posture. Currently, however, there is no evidence to prove that the procedure will prevent these problems. However, new research is examining ways to solve these problems and the procedure may strengthen the spine and prevent further injury. |
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New Treatments Hold Promise for the Future
Dr. Grubbs and other Interventional Radiologists
are playing a critical role in developing new minimally invasive vertebroplasty techniques.
- Researchers are looking into new cements that convert to bone and actually simulate bone growth.
- In order to restore or prevent the loss of height, researchers are developing Kyphoplasty. This experimental technique involves inserting a small balloon into the space where the break occurred, inflating it to raise the bone and then injecting cement.
- Vertebroplasty may also soon be used to treat fragile vertebrae in high-risk patients before they break.
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