Expanding Spine Care in Erie with Motion-Preserving Surgical Options

Advances in spine surgery have dramatically expanded the treatment options available to patients in northwestern Pennsylvania. In addition to traditional decompression and fusion procedures, AHN Neuroscience Institute at Saint Vincent Hospital now offers minimally invasive and motion-preserving solutions such as facet joint replacement for appropriately selected patients.

Advanced technology supports surgical precision

Advanced technologies help neurosurgeons at Saint Vincent plan procedures with greater precision, confirm anatomy in real time, and tailor treatment to each patient's unique spinal condition.

Neurosurgeons use leading edge technology to navigate complex procedures:

• O-arm™ Surgical Imaging System captures high-resolution 2D and 3D images, allowing surgeons to evaluate spinal anatomy, verify alignment, and confirm implant placement before completing a procedure.
• The StealthStation™ S8 Navigation Platform functions like a GPS for spine surgery, using the patient's imaging to precisely map anatomical structures and track surgical instruments in real time.

This advanced technology equips neurosurgeons to perform the least invasive procedure capable of achieving the best possible outcome for each patient.

Facet joint replacement expands motion-preserving options

One of the newest additions to the spine program at Saint Vincent is facet joint replacement, which provides an important alternative for patients who previously may have required fusion surgery. The procedure is designed to preserve movement while restoring stability after decompression.

While many patients with spinal stenosis benefit from decompression alone, some require removal of a facet joint or have underlying instability that makes decompression by itself insufficient. In those cases, surgeons at Saint Vincent may consider reconstructive options such as facet joint replacement, fusion, or disc replacement — depending on the patient's anatomy and the source of the narrowing.

"The repertoire of what we can do for the spine has expanded significantly," said Alejandro Matos Cruz, MD, neurosurgeon at Saint Vincent. "That leads to a very patient-centered approach in terms of what's offered for each individual person."

Full-spectrum spine care close to home

Timely referral can make a meaningful difference for patients whose symptoms continue despite conservative treatment. Surgical evaluation may help prevent progression of neurologic deficits and improve quality of life for those with persistent radicular symptoms, focal weakness, spinal stenosis with functional decline, or imaging findings that correlate with ongoing neurologic symptoms.

For patients in northwestern Pennsylvania, Saint Vincent provides rapid access to spine consultation and comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative spine disease
• Herniated discs
• Nerve compression
• Cervical myelopathy
• Spondylolisthesis
• Other disorders affecting spinal stability and function

"The vast majority of patients with spine problems can receive excellent care here in Erie," said Dr. Matos Cruz. "If someone needs something beyond what we offer locally, being part of AHN allows us to connect them with exactly the right specialist."

How to refer

To learn more or refer a patient to AHN Neuroscience Institute at Saint Vincent Hospital, call 814-452-7575 or visit Health Care Professionals at Allegheny Health Network.