|
 |
José Antonio Alcalá MD, FMCS
Orthopedic Surgery
Hospital San Jose of Monterrey
University of Nuevo Leon
Monterrey, Mexico
|
|
Dr Alcalá returned to Monterrey and in 1995 he was appointed as Chief of Surgery at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León. He also has a private practice at Hospital San José and serves as
consultant for National and International Businesses such as Coca Cola, Clínica Vitro, and some insurance companies. Dr Alcalá always strives for excellence and compassion in his orthopedic services department. He is a member of the Mexican Council on Orthopedics and Traumatology.
He has been the Medical Director of VAX-D Mexico since 2002 at the Center for Vertebral Axial Decompression, S.A. de C.V. "The implementation of VAX-D in Mexico has revolutionized the therapeutic approach to patients with lumbar spine pathology".
|
|
Dr. Alcalá is originally from Monterrey, Mexico. He completed his medical studies at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León. Dr. Alcala specialized in Spinal Surgery, training with the prestigious Dr. Eduardo Luque at the American British Hospital (ABC). Dr. Luque held numerous Professorships at North American and South American universities, and was one of the pioneers in spinal fixation instrumentation, with the development of the Luque Rod system.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Donald H. Bailey MD
Pain Management & Spinal Disorders
Spine Technologies Inc.
Savannah, Georgia
|
|
In 1999 Dr. Bailey learned about VAX-D after observing its success in several patients. "I was amazed at the results. I decided to bring VAX-D to Savannah and the surrounding communities. The first patient I treated with VAX-D had a herniated disc with leg pain and weakness. Although the patient had these problems for several years, he began recovering in the first two weeks, and regained his strength in one months time. I was astounded! I have now treated hundreds of patients (including myself) and am continually impressed with the results. People who would otherwise be in chronic pain, or even made worse by surgery are responding to VAX-D treatment."
Dr. Bailey himself has been treated for two herniated discs with VAX-D. "I had epidural steroid injections as well as having surgery suggested. However, after one week of VAX-D, the excruciating leg pain I was experiencing was gone. After a month of treatment, and a few months of simple exercises, I was back to jogging and other strenuous activities."
Dr. Bailey is currently the President of Back Pain Institute of Georgia and Medical Director for Spinal Technologies Inc. providing VAX-D services in Georgia and South Carolina. Dr. Bailey devotes all of his time helping low back pain patients. "We have never had a real answer to disc-related low back disorders. Now we do!"
|
|
Dr. Bailey graduated with a medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1983 and completed a Radiology Residency at University Hospital of Jacksonville Florida.
Dr. Bailey is a Member of the Board of Directors of St. Joseph’s/Candler of Savannah Georgia, comprised of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Candler Hospital, two of the oldest continuously operating hospitals in the United States and the largest healthcare system in southeast Georgia. "I knew from my many years of dealing with back problems, including herniated and ruptured discs, sciatica and degenerative disc disease, that existing treatments had mixed results. Some of the treatments even made the patients worse."
He founded an urgent care facility in Savannah in 1984. In this practice he had a large percentage of patients with back pain and lower back injuries. Like most physicians, he was frustrated with the results of traditional treatments (e.g. physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, and surgery). Patients that were referred to specialists would often return with their condition worsened.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Howard Berkowitz MD, FACS
Orthopaedic Surgery
Associated Spinal Care Network
Atlanta, Georgia
|
|
Dr. Berkowitz was President of the Bone and Joint Associates of West Atlanta, and Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon. The Southeast Permanente Medical Group of Georgia, Kaiser Permanente and has won numerous awards in medicine. He is currently the medical director and chief of orthopaedics with the Georgia based Associated Spinal Care Network in Georgia.
"As an orthopedic surgeon and peer reviewer, I see many patients who are significantly worse after back surgery. VAX-D is often the only viable treatment option for these patients. In many cases, I believe that if they had been treated with VAX-D before surgery, they would have resolved completely. Any physician who routinely treats low back problems should include VAX-D in their arsenal to treat the many patients refractory to simple means who are not clear surgical cases."
Dr. Berkowitz is also President of the VAX-D Medical Advisory Board. As President he evaluates and coordinates medical research, he helps to develop standards of care and treatment issues and advises on medical issues regarding VAX-D. Dr. Berkowitz has been a speaker on VAX-D and many other topics at medical conferences.
|
|
Dr. Berkowitz received his medical degree and completed his Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. He is a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners and a Diplomate, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American Board of Arthroscopy, Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic and Neurologic Surgeons, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Fellow of the American College of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Dr. Berkowitz was Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Clinical Instructor in Orthopaedic Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Ross N. Brudenell MD, FAAOS, DABOS
Orthopaedic Surgery
Back Pain Center of Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
|
|
classed in the same category, no one would argue that the common elements make these two radiological imaging procedures the same or that the same reimbursement rate should apply to both. It is the complexity of the technology and operational software that makes a CT Scan function differently from an X-ray and, with the same logic, makes the VAX-D treatment distinct in performance with traction units. Outcome studies continue to confirm the success of VAX-D.
What are the parameters of care for VAX-D? Our normal course of treatment in more than ninety-five percent of the patients we treat falls within the range of 10-25 treatments, however, there are a number of variables that affect the number of treatment sessions to be completed. They are based on the patient’s initial status, complicating factors, past medical/surgical history, and progress made during treatment.
Discontinuation of treatment before treatment is completed can sometimes cause an immediate recurrence of symptoms as the patient "back slides" to their pre-treatment status. In the majority of patients, reduction of the disc derangement and decompression of the nerve root(s) can be achieved with VAX-D. However, complicating factors such as previous surgery or presence of chronic inflammation; thoracic, cervical or shoulder dysfunction; significant thoracolumbar muscle spasm, etc., can significantly affect progress by decreasing treatment tolerance, inhibiting advancement of treatment parameters and slowing symptom resolution. Young healthy individuals with no previous history of low back dysfunction and no complicating medical factors can be expected to complete treatment in less than 20 treatments in many instances, in fact as stated above, more than 90% of our patients complete their treatment within this time frame.
A number of outcome studies have been completed but not published. The Spine Therapy Center completed a study in April of 1998 on 46 respondents that had completed VAX-D utilizing the Quebec Pain & Disability Scale. A much larger study was completed on 189 patients in April of 1999. It showed an average of 74.7% improvement with vertebral axial decompression across all patients (Clinical outcome of 189 patients treated with Vertebral Axial Decompression for herniated or degenerated discs or facet syndrome: Brudenell, R. MD, Ratliff K. MS, PT 1999)
|
|
Dr. Ross Brudenell is an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Anchorage Alaska. Dr. Brudenell is a Diplomat, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and a Fellow American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Brudenell is the medical director for the Back Pain Center of Alaska. and has more than 25 years experience as an orthopaedic surgeon.
VAX-D (Vertebral Axial Decompression) is a non-invasive treatment that produces a distraction force sufficient to decompress discs in the lumbar spine and is applied exclusively to the lumbar spine. Upon referral from his/her primary care physician, each patient undergoes a thorough spinal assessment by a licensed physical therapist in consultation with the medical director.
VAX-D produces a tremendous pressure gradient between the intradiscal space and surrounding tissue, that pelvic traction cannot produce. The negative intradiscal pressure produced (ranging from -100 to -150 mm Hg) and the clinical effect of that negative pressure is a major factor distinguishing VAX-D from pelvic traction. Our knowledge of lumbar disc pathologic anatomy leads us to believe the annulus or disc casing which surrounds the core or nucleus pulposus acts under the forces produced by VAX-D to decompress the abnormally bulging disc material, and the distraction across the disc joint level allows the swollen or edematous nerve root to return to its normal, un-inflamed diameter within the foramen, or nerve root passageway. This is the principal reason that VAX-D treatment is far more effective than pelvic traction, the latter having been virtually abandoned in the treatment of herniated and degenerative disc disease.
VAX-D is not traction. Although there are elements in common with traction just as there are elements in common between a CT Scan and X-rays, both of which use ionizing radiation and films to record their images. Although these technologies are
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jack Dodge MD, FACS
Orthopaedic Surgery
Medical Director, Mitchell Urgent Care,
Mitchell, South Dakota
|
|
It also confirmed a severe degeneration of the L5-S1 disc. As we all know, back surgery should be the patient’s very last option. Health care costs and complications are reason enough. We have some great surgeons and back specialists in Sioux Falls, and I never hesitate to refer patients to them. Before, we had limited options for acute and chronic back pain - pain meds, injections, physical therapy and chiropractors - all which basically treat symptoms, not the underlying problems.
Well, we have a solution at VAX-D. I did the full treatment - 30 sessions - and I am virtually pain free, I'm golfing, running and most importantly, sleeping 7 full hours with no back pain. This procedure works. I believe in it so much that I'm now the medical director here. I'm salaried, so no matter how busy we are, I'm paid the same. Financial gain is not my number one goal, helping people with severe back pain is, The greatest majority of patients seen here in the past 30 months have had similar results, post surgical patients included.
Thank you for your time, Jack I. Dodge, M.D.
|
|
My name is Jack Dodge, M.D. and I run Mitchell Urgent Care in Mitchell, South Dakota. I was born and raised in Sioux Falls, graduated from USD (1980) and USD Medical School in 1984. I interned at McKennan Hospital from 1984-1985 and worked in emergency medicine in Arizona and California from 1985-1995 and in Mitchell from 1995-1998. I have spent the last 3 years in urgent/acute care.
I'm very active in athletics and sports medicine. For the last 7 years I have been burdened with increasing back pain to the point of eliminating some sports and only sleeping 5 hours before being awakened with severe back pain. A lumbar spine x-ray in 1995 verified the L5-S1 narrowing. Then last winter, I herniated L4-5 while lifting my 200-pound father off of a port-o-potty and suffered the typical sciatica pain down my left buttock and leg. I couldn't even play golf in Arizona! An MRI showed a large herniated disc at L4-5 with an annular tear.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David Duncan MD
Anaesthesiology and Pain Management
Tulsa, Oklahoma
|
|
There is some initial soreness of the upper extremities with VAX-D that is usually ameliorated with PT modalities and medication. It is usually offset by decreased pain in the low back. There is anecdotal evidence that a major side effect is an overall improvement of the health and function of the entire lumbar spine.
VAX-D is a more effective treatment than surgery.
VAX-D is a safer treatment than surgery.
VAX-D has fewer dangerous side effects than surgery and may in fact have beneficial side effects.
Costs involved:
- Surgery- Procedure Cost-$52,687 per patient treated with surgery.
- VAX-D Procedure Cost $6,227 per patient treated with VAX-D.
(An Industry Based Retrospective Cost Analysis of Vertebral Axial Decompression vs. Surgery for Work- Related Lumbar Disc Disease: Cost Outcomes: Tulsa Oklahoma 2002)
When in medical school, I first heard the parable about the toolbox. I will paraphrase it here, as it is quite apropos. If the only tool in a physician’s toolbox is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. t is time to add other tools. VAX-D is in my toolbox. It cannot fix every problem nor is it safe in every circumstance. I occasionally call for a hammer, but in most cases where I previously would use a hammer, it stays in the toolbox.
|
|
Dr. David Duncan is an Anesthesiologist who works in private practice and at Columbia Doctors Hospital (Columbia Healthcare) in Tulsa. He has been treating patients with VAX-D Therapy since 1997.
"It has been clinically demonstrated that VAX-D is capable of producing excellent results in the healing of several disc disorders. Both surgery and VAX-D can be effective in the treatment of lumbar disc disease. VAX-D treatment is 70+% effective. Surgery is 90-95% effective in carefully select ted cases but effectiveness falls by as much as 60% at 5 years and continues to fall over time. At 48 months, there is rarely a need to retreat the VAX-D patient and there is evidence that the treatment lasts for many years. There are rare, but severe injuries, disabilities, and even death caused by surgery and there is a frequent need for re-operation."
After nearly 20 years use, and more than 1500 treatments daily, VAX-D has had no serious injuries associated with its use. The side effects of surgery include the risks of anesthesia, infection, bleeding, nerve disruption, instability, and probably the most serious side effect, the increased risk of future surgery. The risks of additional surgeries are not additive, but a multiple of the initial risk.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Susan B. Fleming MD, DAAPM
Pain Management & General Surgery
VAX-D Medical Group, P.C.,
Tucson Arizona
|
|
"Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the most serious occupational health hazard facing our country today. They have the potential to prematurely end careers and destroy the lives of both the injured employee and the underinsured employer, and they take a tremendous toll on our country's public-welfare programs."
Over 4 million people report disc disorders each year. Low back injuries are the second-most-common reason given for missed workdays and the leading impairment in occupational and industrial injuries at the job site. Work related back injuries are the country’s number one occupational hazard. Two percent of the nation’s work force sustain back injuries each year.
"At VAX-D Medical Group, our patients have experienced powerful results with a combination of specialists and treatment modalities. Despite my extensive education, some of the most important things I've learned about being a doctor haven't come from books. Each patient is unique and has his or her own concerns. Taking the time to listen to those concerns and answer questions about their care is a critical part of being an excellent doctor.
Professional organizations and continuing-education courses help me stay on top of the latest developments in physical medicine, so I can offer you the highest level of care. Our VAX-D treatment, for example, has a 75% success rate with repairing herniated discs of the lumbar spine. That means no surgery and no disc removal. It's one of many ways we strive to provide the most innovative care and the most powerful results."
|
|
Dr. Fleming received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1971. She then attended the University of California, San Diego where she received her M.D. degree in 1976. She completed specialty training in General Surgery at the Kaiser Foundation Hospital in Oakland, California in 1981. Dr. Fleming is Board certified in General Surgery and is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management.
Dr. Fleming practiced at the Kaiser Foundation Hospitals in California until 1984, at which time she relocated to Tucson, Arizona. She has additional training and expertise in the following: VAX-D, musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound, electroceutical medicine, Pain Management, and collision reconstruction. She is a member of the Pima County Medical Society, the Clinical Electromedical Research Academy, and the Society for Pain Practice Management.
Dr. Fleming has been the medical director of VAX-D Medical Group, P.C. since 1995. As the medical director she performs evaluations on patients and directs their care. She maintains a close relationship with her patients providing them with both her expertise and personal attention. Dr. Fleming has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating soft tissue injuries of the back and neck using non-invasive techniques.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Michael Gutman MD, DABPN Forensic Neuropsychiatry
Gutman Pain & Accident Center, Orlando, Florida
Life Fellow, American Psychiatric Association
Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology with Added Qualifications in Forensic Psychiatry & American Board of Forensic Psychiatry
Past President & Vice President, Florida Psychiatric Society
Past Chief Psychiatrist, Orange County MHC
|
|
Dr. Gutman applies CAM methods in treating low back as well as all pain conditions. When VAX-D is used, he "for force feeds and ‘pushes’ nutritional supplements into the body to "enhance and accelerated healing and improve the immune system." After the comprehensive treatment, VAX-D not only stops the pain but can also significantly improve the mobility of one’s back.
Last year Dr. Gutman began treating Tracy McGrady, NBA superstar with the Orlando Magic. McGrady or ‘T-Mac’ disclosed in an Orlando Sentinel article (by Brian Schmitz -Oct 3, 2002) that he was very close to opting for season-ending back surgery this past summer. T-Mac made the following comments in the article, that shed some light on his experience with VAX-D.
"The pain of two bulging discs was too much to bear, he said.. "I was hurting so bad in the playoffs and then after the season I was in so much pain," he said. "I couldn't really finish all my workouts. I didn't come in camp in the best shape because my back was just that bad, but I was at a point where I was gonna’ have surgery on by back. They told me it was going to cut my career short. It didn't really matter to me at the time 'cause I was so frustrated with my back and I couldn't find any answers."
"It was so bad, I almost didn't play the first game. I came down after scoring and experienced more pain than I've ever had," he said. "All I could think about was [former Knicks forward] Larry Johnson, how he retired early with a bad back. I was so frustrated this summer. It was even nights where I was like, 'Man, I'm not gonna play this year. You know, I'm gonna be out for the whole season.' "
McGrady finally found Dr. Gutman, who treated Tracy with
VAX-D. "Now I'm out there playing without pain. It's kind of surprising to me, because I'm so used to playing with pain."
Tracy has had a stellar performance during the 2002-03 season. "Tracy told me his disposition has improved 300 percent, "
Dr. Gutman says. T-Mac says proudly, "VAX-D’s the answer."
Dr. Gutman says of his methods of treatment that accompany VAX-D, "VAX-D works and the proof of the pudding is in the eating - and I like the pudding to have extra vitamins and nutritional supplements." Dr. Gutman welcomes anybody to call and learn firsthand of how he applies his CAM techniques to the treatment of low back as well as all pain conditions.
|
|
The Back Pain Institute of Orlando is a division of Gutman Pain/Accident Center located in Orlando. Michael Gutman, M.D., the namesake and Medical Director of the practice, has been practicing medicine in Orlando for thirty eight years. Dr. Gutman, raised in Miami, graduated Miami Senior High and took his pre-med at the University of Florida and medical school training at the University of Miami where he graduated in 1960. After completing psychiatry residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, he served two years as a Captain in the Army, with his final year at the 85th Evac Hospital and 1st Air Cav Division in Vietnam. After entering practice he was elected president of the Florida Psychiatric Society and he is a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.
Dr. Gutman specializes in Forensic Neuro-Psychiatry, Pain Management, Head Injury and Headaches. He is a Diplomate with the Americal Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has written many articles and is a sought after national speaker on many diverse topics. Dr. Gutman has been a contributing author for several textbooks, and is the author of the books, ‘What’s Wrong with Me, Doc?’, and ‘The Body is a Temple- Keep it Clean.’
The Back Pain Institute of Orlando specializes in the use of the revolutionary VAX-D technology along with traditional, and Complementary Alternative Medicines (CAM). Other treatment modalities include acupuncture, massage therapy, nutritional supplements, chiropractic, and others. Dr. Gutman's remarkable reputation in the treatment of chronic pain is based on a multi-faceted approach in which some or all options may be used in varying degrees.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Alan Halperin MD
Internal Medicine
The Neck and Back Center
Atlantic Coast Medical Care Inc.
Jacksonville, Florida
|
|
Dr. Halperin was then Research Director and Associate Program Director at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation from1994 to 1996. He practiced medicine at Virginia University School of Medicine from 1996 to 1999, where he was Professor and Section Chief of General Internal Medicine. He is currently Medical Director of Atlantic Coast Medical Care.
"I have been very impressed with the effectiveness of VAX-D. I would estimate that 75% have good to excellent responses to the treatments. This is impressive because many of the patients have received conventional treatment such as prescription medications, epidural injections, facet blocks, nerve blocks, physical therapy, chiropractic and rehabilitation.
For the most part, the patients we treat have had severe pain, which did not respond to the conventional treatments. Approximately 75% of theses patient’s responses to our VAX-D treatment is good to excellent. Approximately 25% of the patients do not respond well. It is difficult to determine why these individuals do not respond well. Some patients who have suffered from severe chronic pain for long periods of time respond very quickly and others require more treatments. I am very impressed with the results of the Vertebral Axial Decompression treatment. Patients should strongly consider VAX-D treatment prior to undergoing any aggressive surgical procedures."
|
|
Alan Halperin M.D. is an experienced board certified physician of internal medicine and has been practicing since 1978. His education and training includes a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Michigan, where he graduated with honors in 1967. Dr. Halperin received his Doctorate from the University Of Kansas School Of Medicine in 1971. Dr. Halperin completed his internship and residency in Wisconsin.
Dr. Halperin's accomplishments include holding the position of Chief of General Internal Medicine at three medical schools, which entailed managing the internal medicine practice, supervising and recruiting physicians, coordinating education, research, and strategic management.
Dr. Halperin was the Professor and Section Chief of General Internal Medicine at University of New Mexico School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Medical Center from 1990 to 1993. Dr. Halperin was promoted to Vice Chairman and Chief of Medical Services in 1993.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
S. Ali Mohamed, M.D.
Interventional Pain Management
Pain Institute of Texas
Houston, Texas
|
|
Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas (1994). He is a member of the International Spinal Injection Society (ISIS), the American Society of Interventional Pain Practitioners (ASIPP), as well as numerous other professional organizations.
He has authored text books and published many articles on Anesthesiology and Pain Management. He is currently involved in research projects at the Pain Institute of Texas, Houston, Texas as well as with VAX-D centers.
Dr. Mohamed is the Medical Director of the Medical Spine Care Clinics of America, which has locations in Houston and San Antonio, Texas. He has developed a protocol for both clinical treatment as well as clinical studies of VAX-D at these locations. We welcome having Dr. Mohamed as a member of our Medical Advisory Board.
|
|
Dr. Mohamed is a graduate of Albany Medical College in Albany, NY. He completed an Internship at the Department of Surgery, and his Residency in Anesthesiology at University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida in 1993. He then completed his Fellowship in Pain Management in the Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, in 1994.
Currently, he is the Medical Director at the Pain Institute of Texas, Houston, Texas, the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Institute in McAllen, Texas, and at Orthopedic Pain Management in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Mohamed has been a Clinical Assistant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Robert H. Odell Jr, MD, Ph.D
Anaesthesiology and Pain Management
Advanced Spine and Pain Management Center
Las Vegas Nevada
|
|
VAX-D is a breakthrough treatment which is almost 80% effective in treating chronic low back pain, and it avoids the need for surgery almost 80% of the time. The strong literature which supports VAX-D includes a recently published Randomized Control Trial (the strongest form of medical proof when you cannot double blind a procedure) which shows that VAX-D is effective in about 80% of cases. I have seen this device work miracles on patients.
I firmly believe that treatment with VAX-D will be required prior to consideration for back surgery in 5 - 10 years. It has the potential for saving billions of dollars in lost work time and productivity. VAX-D will reduce the number of lumbar associated injections that need to be done, not to mention other procedures like discography, IDET, nuceoplasty etc.
In a small four year study on the results of VAX-D, 71% showed more than 50% reduction in pain immediately after treatment, and 86% showed a 50% or better pain reduction at four years. After four years, 52% of respondents reported a pain level of zero. Thus, pain relief not only lasted but improved!
"As an interventional pain management physician, I have found VAX-D to be my most effective tool in the treatment of low back pain due to discogenic causes, facet syndrome and FBSS-Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (where there is no hardware). There is virtually no risk to this treatment. VAX-D may soon become the standard of care for low back pain."
|
|
Robert H. Odell, Jr. is the Medical Director of Advanced Spine and Pain Management Center. He received his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Stanford University in 1974 and his medical degree from Stanford in 1976. He completed his residency in anesthesiology at UCLA, and served as chief resident at Harbor/UCLA Medical Center in 1982.
He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Academy of Pain Management. He has been practicing anesthesiology and pain management in the Las Vegas Valley since 1994. He is instrumental in the development of a neurodiagnostic test (VsNCT’s) used in the clinic to detect the spinal level of the pain generator in neck, mid-back and low back. Dr. Odell is a member of the International Spinal Injection Society (ISIS), ASA, AND ASRA. Dr. Odell has made many presentations on VAX-D Therapy including a presentation at the 2002 annual meeting of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine..
"A new research proven device exists-VAX-D (Vertebral Axial Decompression) - which has a 70% - 80% chance of curing people with low back pain (LBP) due to discogenic sources (i.e. degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, early disc disease (called internal disc disruption)), sciatica, and some forms of facet syndrome. These are the causes of 50% - 60% of all LBP in most studies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Ronald P. Peroff MD,
Head and Neck Surgery, Orthopedic Medicine, Otolaryngology
Queens Medical Center, Kapiolani Women’s and Children’s
Medical Center
VAX-D Institute of The Pacific
Honolulu, Hawaii
|
|
Surgery at the university of Southern California, Los Angeles, he attended the Portmann Ear Surgery Clinic in Bordeaux France, Otolaryngology at Cambridge University in England, Major Head and Neck Surgery Certification at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, and Anatomy and Histopathology of Head and Neck and Temporal Bones, University of Indiana, Indianapolis. Dr. Peroff also has studied and practiced Orthopedic Medicine for many years and is a member of the American Association of Orthopedic Medicine. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery at John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, and past President of the Honolulu County Medical Society.
Dr. Peroff is a competitive long distance runner; he enjoys tennis, reading and is a seasoned world traveler. Dr. Peroff introduced VAX-D services to Hawaii in 1999
|
|
Dr. Ronald Peroff received his MD from the University of Toronto in Canada. He did internships in Montreal General Hospital, and rotating internships in Charlotte Memorial Hospital, North Carolina and King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Bermuda. Ron then completed residencies in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at McGill University in Montreal Canada and Queen’s Medical Center Surgery in Hawaii.
Dr. Peroff has completed specialized training for Laryngeal Cancer Surgery in Gottingen Germany, Endoscopic Sinus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Gustavo Ramos MD, DABNS
Neurosurgery
HCA Rio Grande Regional Hospital
Neurosurgery Department,
McAllen Texas
Valley Neurosurgical Clinic
McAllen, Texas
|
|
Division of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences Center, University of Texas, San Antonio Texas examined the effects of VAX-D on pressure in the nucleus pulposus. They demonstrated that intradiscal pressures were lowered in an inverse relationship to the tension applied.
"For patients that are not surgical candidates, there has been a need to establish a conservative approach the offers an effective means of returning the patient to a functional level of activity. Modalities such a manipulation, acupuncture, steroid injections, and the administration of anti-inflammatory agents and muscle relaxants all fall short of addressing the underlying problems associated with intervertebral disc lesions."
"They have the common problem of not relieving the pain from neurocompression. Our results indicate that it is possible to lower pressure in the nucleus pulposus of herniated discs to levels below 0 mm of mercury when tensions are applied according to the VAX-D protocol.
Dr. Ramos has also competed clinical studies on the efficacy of VAX-D treatment. " In our studies, VAX-D achieved a high success rate; 76% achieved remission, and success appears to exhibit a dose-response relationship. We have found that VAX-D is a very useful medical procedure for patients with low back complaints of discogenic origin. VAX-D should be utilized in all patients who are poor surgical candidates and before surgery is undertaken except in the emergent conditions."
|
|
Gustavo Ramos M.D. has had a distinguished career as a neurosurgeon. After receiving his medical degree from University of Monterrey in Monterrey Mexico, he completed a residency in General Surgery at Bexar County Hospital in San Antonio Texas, and his Neurological Surgery at Temple University in Philadelphia. He has taught Neurosurgery at University of Monterrey Medical School, and at I.T.E.S.M Medical School. He has held the positions of Assistant Professor of Pediatric Neurology at Monterrey, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Texas, Health Science Centers at San Antonio, Texas, and recently Assistant Professor at the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Medical School in San Antonio Texas.
Presently he practices at the Neurosurgery Department HCA Rio Grande Regional Medical Center in McAllen Texas and is also in private practice at Valley Neurosurgical Clinic.
Dr. Ramos has been a pioneer in the clinical study of VAX-D since the time it was introduced to the US market.
Dr. Ramos and Dr. William Martin with the Department of Neurosurgery and Radiology, Rio Grande Regional Hospital and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
