Dr. Theodore Koreckij, Spine Surgeon, Offers New Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain

A new treatment is available at Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics from Theodore Koreckij, M.D., orthopedic spine surgeon. The treatment, called the Intracept® Procedure, is an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure for relief of chronic low back pain. Intracept is indicated for patients who have experienced low back pain for more than six months and have not responded to nonsurgical treatments.


The Intracept Procedure uses radiofrequency ablation to relieve chronic low back pain.

The Intracept Procedure blocks transmission of pain signals from the basivertebral nerve, which is located in the bones of the spine (vertebrae). To perform the procedure, Dr. Koreckij advances a specialized probe into the vertebrae through a small incision in the lower back. Once the Intracept probe is positioned at the precise location of the pain-sensing basivertebral nerve, it uses radiofrequency energy (heat) to disable the nerve, rendering it unable to transmit pain signals.

Here is a short video about the Intracept Procedure and how it works.

Results: Decreased Low Back Pain

Dr. Koreckij has been performing the FDA-cleared procedure as part of a second Level I Clinical Study since September 2017. The study, which was designed to corroborate and confirm the results of the first clinical study, closed enrollment earlier this year with superior results. According to Relievant Medsystems, the company that developed the Intracept Procedure, study participants reported a greater than 50 percent decrease in pain at their three-month follow up.

As a result of the study’s successful completion, the Intracept Procedure is now available commercially. Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics, located inside Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute, is currently one of only two facilities in a six-state region to offer the procedure.

“When it comes to back pain treatments, it’s rare to halt a study ahead of schedule, so the early completion speaks volumes about the positive outcomes we can achieve with the Intracept Procedure,” Dr. Koreckij said. “I am thrilled to offer this option to help improve quality of life for people with chronic low back pain.”

About Dr. Koreckij, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

A board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeon, Dr. Koreckij specializes in a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options for adult degenerative disorders of the spine and conditions associated with metastatic disease. His commitment to evidence-based medicine and staying current in the latest treatments for spine diseases led to his involvement in the INTRACEPT study.

To consult with Dr. Koreckij about the Intracept Procedure or other treatment options for back and neck pain, call 913-319-7600. New patients may also request an appointment online.

Demystifying Wrist and Ligament Injuries

Ankle and knee injuries certainly top the list when it comes to the most common injuries in basketball and football players.  However, wrist injuries, such as the one plaguing the University of Kansas depth chart  should not be overlooked.

Frequently, wrist injuries such as fractures can be quickly diagnosed by an xray.  However, it is common for injuries not to be identified until an MRI of the wrist is obtained.  MRI imaging allows the orthopedic surgeon to identify injuries to the soft tissues as well as injuries to the bone that may not be apparent on the x-ray alone.

In the most recent publicized case, X-ray alone was not able to identify the injury of concern, and an MRI was needed.

I would argue that, in addition to a high quality x-ray reviewed by an orthopedic wrist specialist, a detailed examination is essential to pick up the necessity of higher resolution imaging such as an MRI.  It is the combination of X-ray imaging and high quality examination that provides for the best screen for the athlete with a wrist injury.

The anatomy of the wrist is complex, and its ligament names are not as famous as that of the “anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow (UCL).  The most frequently injured ligament requiring surgical management is called the scapholunate ligament.  An orthopedic wrist specialist is best suited to evaluate for this injury clinically, and provide appropriate management.  Treatment of these injuries could include casting, splinting, hand therapy or surgery.

Beware of self-diagnosing a wrist injury as a “sprain”. Even wrist fractures can behave like a “sprain”. Best to be safe and not sorry and get a high quality x-ray and thorough wrist evaluation by an orthopedic wrist specialist.

Dr. Kenneth P. Unruh

How Direct Access To Physical Therapy Benefits Your Life

Craig Brenner

Physical Therapy Without A Doctor’s Referral
Back pain from yard work over the weekend? Sore ankle from your slow pitch softball game? Knee arthritis acting up again? You’ve had these symptoms before, right? Physical therapy helped take care of the problem and got you back to life. In the past, that meant taking time scheduling an appointment with your physician to receive a physical therapy referral. This process takes time plus an extra co-pay to your doctor. Meanwhile, you are in pain and you already know what the solution is. The need for waiting and an extra trip to the doctor are now in the past. In the state of Kansas, you now have direct access to physical therapy. Here is everything you need to know about direct access and how it can make your life, and your recovery, easier.
What Does Direct Access Mean For Physical Therapy?
In popular culture, the word “access” implies exclusivity – like a backstage pass to a rock concert or high level clearance to government files. When it comes to direct access to physical therapy, however, the opposite is true. Instead of physician referral, or MD approval, in the State of Kansas if you need physical therapy, “Come on in!” That’s right, direct access essentially cuts out the middleman. If you need physical therapy, call our office and schedule an appointment.
What Are The Benefits Of Direct Access PT?
Direct access saves times allowing quicker access for you to begin receiving treatment from one of our highly skilled and specially certified therapists.
How Does Physical Therapy Benefit You And Your Life?
Our physical therapists at Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute (KCOI) are able to provide highly attentive and personalized care. All of our Physical & Occupational Therapy rehab sessions are conducted one-on-one between you and the therapist. We are able to create a personalized treatment plan and home exercises both printed and electronic with videos. This will help you on your path to achieving your goals and returning to activity. If at the end of two weeks of care or sooner at KCOI, your therapist feels that you should see a physician, they can assist in scheduling you with an appropriate orthopedic specialist here at the KCOI. We have board certified and fellowship trained physicians on staff in every area of orthopedics.
Does Insurance Cover Direct Access Physical Therapy?
All processes are handled the same way they would be if you were referred by a physician. We will verify your insurance prior to your initial visit. However, if the insurance verification staff finds any issues regarding your being a Self-Referral, with no doctor prescription, then the staff will contact you to let you know that you would need to either become private pay or would need to obtain a prescription for physical therapy.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 913-253-8980

Ortho Urgent Care Extends Hours of Operations

 

 

Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute Announces Extended Hours for Urgent Care

 

(Leawood, KS) May 7, 2018– Effective today, Monday, May 7 the Ortho Urgent Care at Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute will expand the hours of operations to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The weekend hours of operations for the Ortho Urgent Care will remain at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We are very excited to announce the expanded weekday hours for our Ortho Urgent Care,” said Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute CEO Dr. Charles Rhoades.  “This will allow us more opportunities to provide and fulfill the health care needs of our community.”

The Ortho Urgent Care clinic located at Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute provides access to highly specialist orthopedic care and sports medicine experts.  The urgent care staff at Kansas City Orthopedic Institute can provide rapid diagnosis and treatment as well as onsite services including diagnostic imaging, bracing, splinting, and casting.  The Ortho Urgent Care is available for patients ages 12 and older and to better serve the community no appointment is necessary.  Estimated wait times for Ortho Urgent Care can be found on our website at https://www.kcoi.com/orthopedic-care/urgent-care/

About Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute

As the area’s first and only hospital dedicated exclusively to orthopedics, Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute provides comprehensive orthopedic care, from diagnostic imaging to inpatient and outpatient surgery, pain management services, and rehabilitation therapy. Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute is a physician-owned specialty hospital and a joint venture with Saint Luke’s Hospital. Located in Leawood near Overland Park, Kansas the hospital and its Ortho Urgent Care center proudly serve the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Hospitals/Health Systems (AAHHS).

 

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What is a Hip Labral Tear and how is it treated

With news of Kansas City Royals Outfielder, Alex Gordon going on the disabled list with a labral tear in his left hip we wanted to take a look at what exactly is a labral tear and what are some of the symptoms and causes for this injury.

What is it?

  • A hip labral tear involves the ring of cartilage (labrum) that follows the outside rim of the socket of your hip joint. In addition to cushioning the hip joint, the labrum acts like a rubber seal or gasket to help hold the ball at the top of your thighbone securely within your hip socket.

What are the symptoms?

Many hip labral tears cause no signs or symptoms. Occasionally, however, you may experience one or more of the following:

  • A locking, clicking or catching sensation in your hip joint
  • Pain in your hip or groin
  • Stiffness or limited range of motion in your hip joint

How can you prevent this injury?

  • Hip labral tears are often associated with sports participation. If your sport puts a lot of strain on your hips, condition the surrounding muscles with strength and flexibility exercises. Try to avoid loading your hip with your full body weight when your legs are in positions at the extreme ends of your hip’s normal range of motion.

How can physical therapy help with this injury?

  • A physical therapist can teach you exercises to maximize hip range of motion and hip strength and stability. Therapists can also analyze the movements you perform that put stress on your hip joint and help you avoid these forces.

Don’t forget that our Ortho Urgent Care Clinic is open evenings and on weekends.  Call 913-319-7633 for additional information on the Ortho Urgent Care Clinic.

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