Worn intervertebral discs
Munich Clinic

Worn intervertebral discs are often the cause of restricted mobility, chronic back pain, and prolonged suffering. A new therapy using spaghetti-like implants can stop the degeneration, reposition the discs, and eliminate the pain. The procedure takes only a few minutes and requires neither anesthesia nor surgery.

Spinal pain: Treatment options

It was just a small prick. But Rusi Ohlmann (56) didn't even feel that. Thanks to local anesthesia, he was completely unaware as Dr. Samer Ismail implanted five small spaghetti-like implants into his painful herniated disc using a thin hollow needle. The usually energetic Bavarian, who works as a fruit vendor at Munich's famous Viktualienmarkt, lay perfectly still on his stomach. His back was covered with sterile drapes. He had no time to admire the fantastic view from the 11th floor of the Munich-East Spine Center. He wanted to get rid of the back pain that had been making his life increasingly difficult for years. And he wanted to be back at his fruit stand soon, without his spine constantly hurting.

Today, Rudi Ohmann is back at the Viktualienmarkt, and he's enjoying it more than ever before: "In my wildest dreams, I never expected to be able to do my job completely pain-free again," beams the fruit vendor. "I owe it all to Dr. Ismail and those tiny sticks that helped me so much."„

Dr. med. Samer Ismail

✉ info@wz-muenchenost.de

☎ +49 89 420 45 017

Since 2012, we have been certified as a highly specialized spine center throughout Germany and at the WZMO we treat all acute and chronic diseases and pain conditions of the spine.

Worn intervertebral discs:
Munich Clinic
Munich East Spine Center

But before that could happen, the fruit vendor had to endure a veritable marathon of doctor's visits: "I've lost count of how many doctors I've been to for my back pain. But no one could provide lasting relief. Painkillers, injections, and physiotherapy were all ineffective. The MRI scan clearly showed the problem. My intervertebral disc had deteriorated significantly due to the constant physical strain. The daily loading and unloading of numerous heavy fruit crates had caused the disc in my lumbar spine to become much thinner. As a result, it lost its cushioning function, and the adjacent vertebrae were subjected to excessive stress with every movement. For this reason, several doctors even recommended major spinal fusion surgery. But I wanted to avoid that."„

Rudi Ohmann succeeded. He found the website of neurosurgeon Dr. Samer Ismail from the Munich-East Spine Center and his new method for treating herniated discs. He quickly secured an appointment. During the thorough examination, it turned out that the patient was indeed a suitable candidate for the spaghetti implant therapy. "We have a long conversation with the patients and have them describe their pain in detail," says Dr. Ismail.

Minimally invasive therapies for herniated discs in Munich at the WZMO

After a thorough physical examination and current MRI scans, we then make the diagnosis. If disc degeneration is present, the pain has persisted for more than three months, and all conservative treatment attempts have been unsuccessful, the modern Fehrfix therapy can help. That's the actual name of the small rods. We only call them "disc spaghetti" because they look just like the raw, uncooked pasta of the Italian national dish.“

The procedure itself is particularly effective and, at the same time, surprisingly simple. "Using a thin hollow needle, we apply the tiny FehrFix hydrogel implants directly into the dehydrated nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc," explains Dr. Ismail. "Inside the degenerated and flattened disc, which can no longer perform its vital cushioning function, they quickly absorb water and swell to ten times their original volume. Unlike real spaghetti, however, the enlarged hydrogel material remains elastic and retains its shape. Because we insert five of these implants into each disc through a cannula, they provide particularly lasting support from within, restoring the necessary stability."„

With FehrFix therapy, Dr. Ismail can restore the natural cushioning function of the intervertebral discs without surgery or spinal fusion. The spine gains height, pressure on the nerves is relieved, and the pain disappears. "The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and we monitor the treatment with an X-ray camera," says Dr. Ismail. "Patients can get up immediately afterward and are usually pain-free after a short time. Depending on the extent of disc degeneration, the FehrFix method can be performed on an outpatient basis or with a short hospital stay. Health insurance covers the costs.".

No damage or complications have occurred to date. "This is because the hydrogel material from which the implants are made has proven itself in various surgical fields for over twenty years. FehrFix implants are manufactured in Germany according to the highest quality standards, are biocompatible and very well tolerated.".

New patients are also welcome: Your Center for Spinal Medicine in Munich

Are you looking for a clinic in Munich due to spinal problems? At our spinal center, you will be welcomed by a friendly and exceptionally well-organized team and receive expert advice and treatment from specialists in neurosurgery. To offer you the best possible therapy, we first take a detailed medical history and understand the progression of your symptoms. Therefore, it is important to gather this information beforehand.

a comprehensive anamnesis interview

The identification of pre-existing conditions, for example, using existing X-rays or diagnoses from your family doctor. Please bring along any documents you have available.

the use of imaging techniques (MRI)

If necessary, the use of electroneurography and lumbar puncture

Are you most afraid of the "tube"? Don't worry, we completely understand. Many patients initially feel uneasy when a CT scanner is used. At our practice in Munich, we therefore use state-of-the-art technology that not only offers you more space than other machines, but also allows you to relax while listening to music or watching videos. And a friendly smile and an encouraging word are always part of our daily routine.

Acute back pain? Need advice? We're ready!

Are you already suffering from severe back pain and suspect something more serious? Then don't wait too long, contact us as soon as possible. Book your appointment online or call us during our office hours.

You have no acute symptoms, but occasionally need a specialist in spinal medicine? We would be happy to accept you as a new patient and conduct an initial consultation so that we already know each other in case of an emergency and can treat you immediately.

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