New Treatment Allows Patients to Get Better Faster
On Mon., March 20, 2017, surgeon David DeWitt, MD, orthopedic spine surgeon, performed the first nanoLOCK™ spine fusion surgery at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah.
“We’re excited to offer this option to our patients who require fusion surgery,” said Dr. DeWitt, who is with Neurospine Center of Wisconsin. “ThedaCare has been collaborating with Titan Spine (the device manufacturer) for more than a decade and this breakthrough technology will lead to faster bone healing and less pain than previous options. The unique surface technology works at the cellular level through a biochemical process. It actually becomes an active participant in the fusion process.”
The first patient to receive the new implants is Kathy of Appleton, who has been suffering with back pain and sciatica for many years. “Most patients who come to us have tried everything to relieve pain,” continued Dr. DeWitt. “With this new implant, there is less risk of the body rejecting the fusion and patients get better, faster. The nanotechnology actually increases the likelihood that patients will have a fusion, which is better for the patient and means it’s more likely this surgery will be successful. These new implants offer a significant advantage over other available devices, some of which actually promote scar formation rather than bone. NanoLOCK implants will deliver higher rates of fusion and significantly reduce the need for revision surgery.”
This is the first FDA-cleared nanotechnology for treating spinal disease. Sixth District U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman was instrumental in helping Titan Spine weave through the various approvals at FDA and CMS. “We should encourage companies to be as innovative as possible to create better health care solutions for those who need them,” said Rep. Grothman. “I'm proud to recognize Titan Spine and its dedication to technological advancement in the health care industry, which is positively impacting patients in Wisconsin and across the country.”
For more than 100 years, ThedaCare™ has been committed to finding a better way to deliver serious and complex healthcare to patients throughout Northeast Wisconsin. The organization serves over 200,000 patients annually and employs more than 7,000 healthcare professionals throughout the region. ThedaCare has seven hospitals located in Appleton, Neenah, Berlin, Waupaca, Shawano, New London and Wild Rose as well as 34 clinics in nine counties. ThedaCare is the first in Wisconsin to be a Mayo Clinic Care Network Member, giving our specialists the ability to consult with Mayo Clinic experts on a patient’s care. ThedaCare is a non-profit healthcare organization with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs as well as a foundation dedicated to community service. ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center in Appleton opened in February. For more information, visit www.thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on Facebook and Twitter.
