Bertolotti's Syndrome Diagnosis, Treatment, and Surgery with Dr Colin Haines

Learn more about Bertolotti's Syndrome at https://www.aboutbertolottis.org/

In this episode, we discuss with Dr. Colin Haines, a spine surgeon at the Virginia Spine Institute, to demystify Bertolotti's Syndrome; a congenital condition often overlooked as a cause of chronic lower back pain.

Dr. Haines breaks down the anatomy of the syndrome, explaining how an enlarged transverse process can lead to "bone-on-bone" arthritis and chemical irritation of the L5 nerve. We discuss the critical steps for an accurate diagnosis, including the importance of diagnostic injections with numbing medication to pinpoint the source of pain.

The conversation explores the full spectrum of treatment options, from conservative therapies like physical therapy and anti-inflammatories to surgical interventions. Dr. Haines provides a detailed comparison of surgical approaches, specifically the debate between Resection vs. Fusion, and explains why he often leans towards resection for preserving long-term spine health.
Finally, we touch on the importance of patient advocacy, how to read your own radiology reports, and tips for pre-operative and post-operative care to ensure the best recovery.

#BertolottisSyndrome #bertolotti #advocacy
#patientadvocacy #painmanagement #spinehealth
#chronicpain #healthcare #backpain

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Bertolotti's Syndrome
02:04 Defining Bertolotti's Syndrome
07:55 Diagnosis of Bertolotti's Syndrome
08:56 Bertolotti's Syndrome awareness in medical field
14:00 Diagnosing Bertolotti's Syndrome
20:16 Conditions associated with Bertolotti's Syndrome
21:39 Symptoms observed in Bertolotti's patients
23:46 Treatment of Bertolotti's Syndrome
24:30 Conservative and interventional therapies
27:08 When surgery may be a valid next step
29:48 Surgical Approaches: Fusion vs. Resection
33:56 Fusion surgery approaches: ALIF vs PLIF
35:20 Resection surgery approach
37:17 Resection Surgery: Techniques and Considerations
40:28 Absence of defined clinical standards for treating Bertolotti's Syndrome
42:23 Patient Advocacy and Community Awareness
49:25 Future Innovations in Treatment
53:02 Preoperative Considerations for Patients
57:47 Closing statements


You can connect with Dr. Colin Haines and VSI at the links below:
Dr. Haines bio - https://www.spinemd.com/medical_team/...
Dr. Haines Instagram -   / dr.colin_haines  
VSI Instagram -   / vsi_spine