Mark J. Downey, MD
10 Old Montgomery Hwy #200. Homewood, AL 35209
Appointments & Referrals: (205) 271-6511
MIS axial lumbar interbody fusion is a new minimally invasive surgery approach to traditional fusion procedures.
The access occurs via the presacral region near the tailbone. The surgery beings with a one-inch incision in the back next to the tailbone. The degenerated disc is removed and bone growth material is inserted in its place that will ultimately ‘fuse’ the spine to restore mobility and alleviate the pain.
The AxiaLIF® implant is inserted to stabilize the vertebrae while fusion is occurring. The surgeon will analyze the problematic area and will adjust the disc height and alignment if necessary.
After the AxiaLIF® procedure has been performed the surgeon will add posterior implants for additional stabilization of your spine. Some of the benefits of this procedure over the other traditional approaches are minimal blood loss, faster recovery times and less post-operative pain.
As a physiatrist, Dr. Downey specializes in diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of pain-related spinal disorders. He is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) since 2007 and uses his comprehensive spine and musculoskeletal training to determine the appropriate line of treatment for a variety of spinal conditions.
As a community service, Spine Group Alabama mails out a free 36-page Home Remedy Book with customized stretches that can relieve some back and neck pain symptoms. Enter your name and address and we will mail you a copy.
Some symptoms can become permanent if you don’t see the physician with in 24 hours. Find out when you can use “watchful waiting” and when you have an emergency symptom.
Spine Group Alabama specializes in the treatment of back pain, neck pain, herniated discs, and all types of ligament strain related to the neck and low back. Spine Group Alabama is referred back and neck pain patients from across Alabama, including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Huntsville and Montgomery.
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 4:30pm
Friday: 8am - 2:30pm
Saturday/Sunday: Closed
(205) 271-6511