Leading medical device system capable of maximizing patient recovery times and minimizing tissue damage following surgery

Upholding a commitment to provide comprehensive, surgical care for muscle, bone, and joint issues, Baptist Health is working with Centinel Spine to adopt a surgical technology capable of restoring individuals who suffer from chronic lower back pain to their highest possible level of fitness and function. Centinel Spine technology made headlines when pro-golfer Tiger Woods opted to use it for his back surgery.

Orthopedic spine surgeons from Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute (JOI) on staff at Baptist Health hospitals throughout Northeast Florida use a stand-alone device, called a STALIF®, to stabilize the spinal column while the bone heals following a lumbar fusion surgery. The device is installed through a small abdominal incision, and may dramatically enhance recovery and reduce blood loss compared to typical spinal surgeries.

This device requires the collaborative effort of two surgeons to successfully install; one to perform the surgical approach and the other to implant the device. The increased physician presence in the operating room helps ensure the safety of the procedure and also allows for a minimally invasive approach from the front or side of the body.

“This device has been proven effective over years of trial and research,” said Todd Green, Centinel Spine marketing director. “Patients are overjoyed to find out they can perform tasks they never dreamed they’d be able to do after surgery, even something that was previously impossible for these patients, like bending over to pick up cans at the grocery store.”

Gregory Keller, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute, performs lumbar spinal fusions using this technology platform. Orthopedic surgeons Sunday Ero, MD, James Perry, DO, and Brandon Kambach, MD also incorporate the device system in their spinal surgeries.

“I use STALIF because it works. In my professional opinion, we are using the best spinal surgery technology has to offer,” Dr. Keller said. “Less can sometimes mean more; this device requires a small incision, and may lead to less blood loss, less tissue damage, less pain, and a quicker recovery time. Through the many surgeries I’ve performed, I have seen it alleviate almost all of my patients’ symptoms.”

To learn more about surgical interventions for spinal injuries or treatments for muscle, bone or joint disorders visit Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute.