Welcome to MiSpine.com, where you can educate yourself on the less invasive spine treatments becoming available that, for some patients, can take the place of traditional open-back surgeries. Advances in technology, medicine and surgical techniques during the last few years have revolutionized treatment of spine-related conditions. This can mean quicker recoveries, and less pain. We are Minimally Invasive Spine Specialists, a group of medical professionals dedicated to providing the most advanced medical and surgical care for all conditions affecting the spine. The practice includes Dr. Patrick J. Sweeney, founder, and Dr. Augusto R. Chavez. Our leadership in the field of minimally invasive spine treatment is the result of our continual investment in new technologies and facilities; hiring of experts in each discipline; and an ongoing commitment to take advantage of every opportunity to remain at the forefront of medical and surgical developments in the field. Our practice focuses on medical and surgical techniques and technologies that provide minimally invasive treatments for all conditions affecting the spine, as well as traditional surgeries when appropriate. We work on referral from other physicians, to provide comprehensive care for conditions from acute and chronic low back and neck pain, to degenerative conditions, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, tumors, scoliosis, infections, and spinal trauma. Do You Need a Spine Specialist? If you think you or a loved one should see a spine specialist, your first step should be to make an appointment with your primary care physician, who will then refer you to us, or another specialist, depending on your medical needs. The North American Spine Society has put together a list of questions that will tell you if your doctor is likely to send you to a specialist. To take the simple quiz yourself, and find out the seven warning signs that mean you should consult a specialist. Contact Information - Main Office: Minimally Invasive Spine Specialists 20060 Governors Drive Olympia Fields, IL 60461 Phone: 708-283-2225 Fax: 708-283-2690 MISpine History and Commitment Our extraordinary investment in technology and continuing education and training gives our patients a head-start on recovery; we firmly believe that everyone should have access to the technologies and techniques now available that have significantly reduced typical recovery times following spine surgery. The concept is simple: the less invasive the surgical procedure, the less time it takes to recover, and the sooner each patient is back to their normal routine and activities. Minimally invasive surgical techniques and technologies are improving every day, and we are always at the forefront of the field, using the latest developments to the advantage of our patients. Since in the practice was founded in 1994, MISpine has continually brought new surgical techniques to the Chicago and south suburban Chicago area that are now in widespread usage. For each new advancement, we invest in new technologies, and dedicate large portions of time researching, selecting and receiving training on how to best apply new techniques and technologies, to better serve patients who are candidates for minimally invasive procedures. In the past few years, MISpine has delved into a very promising new technique, Endoscopic Laser Discectomy. Performed in a state-of-the-art setting, this is not only useful for routine herniations, but for many problems previously requiring a lumbar fusion operation which would sacrifice the spine motion at that level. Our need for spinal fusion has been significantly diminished by this procedure. Currently, we are one of the first surgical practices in Illinois to use the GE FLUOROTRAK ™ 3500 for Spine and Orthopedic Procedures. As procedures become less invasive, visualization of the surgical anatomy becomes more difficult. This challenge is offset by this new technology. FluoroTrak not only improves, but expands our surgeons’ field of view, by using two fluoroscopic images acquired at the beginning of the procedure. The system provides the surgeon with the ability to track the location and orientation of the surgical instruments, while communicating critical visual information. With FluoroTrak, reduces the need for repetitive imaging, which in turn reduces exposure to the surgeon, staff, and the patient. Additionally, Dr. Sweeney is participating with GE in the development of the next generation in intraoperative imaging and surgical navigation, the FluoroCAT, 3D Fluoroscopic Imaging and Navigation System. Using two dimensional images acquired from your new or existing GE OEC 9800 C-arm, FluoroCAT technology quickly reconstructs three-dimensional Fluoroscopic images intraoperatively. Still in development, GE is working with Dr. Sweeney and other leaders in the field of minimally invasive spine surgery to develop the technology. We understand that many times, those in need of spinal treatment have suffered injuries at work, or are unable to function at their normal capacities due to their condition. We accept most forms of medical insurance, and have a full-time employee dedicated to coordinating with your Workers' Compensation program. Whatever your situation, we would be glad to help you determine your particular insurance benefits and coordinate a consultation with our doctors. We recognize that back treatment goes far beyond the surgical suite, and have built a practice that ensures you receive the care you need. To ensure that our patients have the highest quality of life possible, we work closely with Dr. Ramesh P. Kanuru, M.D., FACA - a specialist in pain management. Over the last two decades, Dr. Kanuru has helped thousands find real pain relief. As a prominent pain-management specialist who is double-board certified in anesthesiology and pain management, Dr. Kanuru is understandably preferred by patients who are referred to his care. Physical Therapy Additionally, our physical therapy group offers comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation services, in a state-of-the-art suite at our Olympia Fields location.