Neurosurgeon becomes first in Illinois to use new 3D implant technology

12/14/2017

In the Kankakee area, Chicago can be sometimes seen as the only location where skilled medical care takes place. In fact, quality, skilled medical care is well within reach, right here in the Kankakee community. Innovative techniques are being pioneered and leading-edge technologies are being explored with success in our own community helping to pave the way for those around the country.

Dr. Charles Harvey and Dr. Juan Jimenez of Riverside Neurosurgery Specialists in Kankakee are one such example. Dr. Jimenez recently became the first neurosurgeon in Illinois to use a new 3D implant technology during surgery for the cervical, or neck portion of the spine. This type of implant is designed to aid in bone regrowth, offering a better, more natural healing process.

This level of access to neuro technology places Dr. Jimenez as one of only 10 neurosurgeons in the nation to perform surgery with this type of implant. The team of Dr. Harvey and Dr. Jimenez currently are two of only three in the state of Illinois with access to this device.

Inspired by the structure of bone, the new cervical fusion device, the Tritanium C Anterior Cervical Cages, are hollow, titanium alloy devices intended for use as an aid in placing the spine in a fixed position. These cages are a highly porous titanium material designed for bone in-growth and biological fixation.

"In spinal fusion procedures, advancement of bony fusion is critical for a successful clinical outcome," said Dr. Jimenez.

"3D additive manufacturing allows the creation of spinal implants with fully interconnected pores, similar to native bone, to promote bony integration or bony in-growth."

The Tritanium Cages are designed to be used in procedures designed to relieve pressure on nerves caused by herniation of the discs in the cervical portion of the spine. In the procedure, neurosurgeons will remove a piece of the ruptured disc, and the cage is implanted in its place to add stability. Over time, bone cells will begin to grow within the implant to offer more strength to the area with the goal of reliving pain-causing pressure.

This type of implant is extremely limited in availability in the United States and Stryker, the company making this implant, plans to roll out this technology to neurosurgeons around the country but not until next year. For now, Riverside Healthcare remains one of the few medical centers with access to these materials.

"We are excited to bring this leading-edge technology. Our physicians' dedication combined with our staff's commitment to find new approaches ensures we deliver the very best care to each and every patient" stated Phil Kambic, Riverside President & CEO.

"With Riverside offering this level of care, patients and their families have the ability to stay in the area, reducing the stress and cost of traveling, while still having access to world-class health care."

The team of Dr. Harvey and Dr. Jimenez have always strove to be at the forefront of technology for the patients they serve.

A graduate of Northwestern University Medical School, Dr. Harvey has been part of the Riverside Neurosurgery team since its inception in the 1990s. His major focuses continue to be on tumors of the brain and spine, disk disorders in the back and neck, and minimally invasive surgery of the brain and spine. Currently, he sees patients in Kankakee and Watseka.

Dr. Jimenez earned his medical degree from University of California, Los Angeles. He currently sees patients in Kankakee and Frankfort. His training encompasses the treatment of patients with a broad range of neurological disorders including conventional and minimally invasive surgical techniques for brain and spinal disorders. Dr. Jimenez was the second neurosurgeon in the nation to use the lumbar version of the cervical implant in 2016.

He specializes in neurological disorders, including conventional and minimally invasive surgical techniques for brain and spinal disorders. His research focuses on surgical spinal devices. Dr. Jimenez is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the American Medical Association. Dr. Jimenez is bilingual in English and Spanish.

To learn more about Dr. Charles Harvey, Dr. Juan Jimenez and Neurosurgery Specialists, or to book an appointment, visit Neurosciences Institute or by calling (815) 932-7200

12/14/2017

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For an electronic version of this press release with high resolution images, visit: Riverside Healthcare Press Release