According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, an estimated 75 to 85 percent of all Americans will experience some form of back pain during their lifetime.
The Volunteer Auxiliary at CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial Lufkin are helping to relieve the aches and pains of some patients with the recent purchase of new technology in the hospital radiology department.
The Volunteer Auxiliary purchased a NeuroTherm RF Ablation Machine that will be used by local radiologist Harold Lavine, M.D. to perform rhizotomy procedures.
This is a neurosurgical procedure that selectively destroys problematic nerve roots in the spinal cord. The procedure can provide long-term pain relief for some patients suffering from back pain. CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial Lufkin is the first facility in the area providing the rhizotomy procedure. The machine cost $14,000.
