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What's New
Dr. Weiss writes quarterly column, "Shooting From the Hip"
Western Pennsylvania Hospital News readers can gain insight into Dr. Michael Weiss’ thoughts on health care, medicine and life through his quarterly column, “Shooting from the Hip.” Dr. Weiss is an orthopedic surgeon with Tri Rivers who brings a unique perspective to subjects ranging from the current health care system to customer service, and everything in between. Hospital News is a monthly newspaper focused on health care issues in western Pennsylvania. Dr. Weiss’ next column will be published in June. Until then, his most recent and his archived columns are available in our online “Resource Center.”
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Advanced Care for Chronic Back Pain
Tri Rivers is pleased to announce that interventional pain management specialist James A. Craig Jr., D.O., is now offering spinal cord stimulator trials for chronic back pain at Tri Rivers’ Cranberry/Mars office and in Butler at the Benbrook Surgery Center.Spinal cord stimulator trials are the first stage of a treatment to help patients suffering from chronic back pain. Instead of pain, the stimulator causes patients to feel a mild tingling sensation. A stimulator may be considered if conservative measures fail or if a patient continues to experience pain after back surgery. Before a stimulator is permanently implanted, patients undergo a weeklong trial period to determine if the therapy is appropriate. “The stimulator trial begins with a procedure, during which the physician implants electrodes in the patient’s back to mimic the permanent stimulator,” said Dr. Craig. “During the trial, patients record their pain relief and comfort level with the stimulator. After a week, the patient returns to the office for a brief procedure to remove the electrodes. If the trial is deemed successful, a neurosurgeon will be consulted to permanently implant the stimulator.” To learn more about spinal cord stimulator trials, click here To schedule an appointment, visit the “Request an Appointment” link, or e-mail Tri Rivers at info@tririversortho.com.
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Dr. Szabo Serves U.S. Olympic Ski Team in France
Tri Rivers’ sports medicine specialist, S. Joshua Szabo, M.D., recently returned from the French Alps, where he spent three days providing medical coverage for the U.S. Ski Team during a pre-Olympic World Cup event.As an official caring physician for the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA), Dr. Szabo joined the U.S. Ski Team at Les Contamines Montjoie resort, where he was responsible for the ski cross athletes. Two of these athletes are expected to medal in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The Les Contamines Montjoie resort is the longest running ski cross venue for the World Cup and is a favorite of the athletes. Ski cross will debut as an Olympic event in Vancouver. Ski cross is part of the freestyle team, but involves aspects of all alpine disciplines. The icy course has banked turns and jumps with four athletes racing simultaneously, so passing and crashing are common. “It is an extremely exciting sport for both spectators and caring physicians,” said Dr. Szabo. “It is easy to see why this sport has been welcomed as an Olympic event.” USSA physicians complete extensive screening and training before working with the athletes. This was Dr. Szabo’s first trip with the team for the 2009 - 2010 season, and he will cover future events each year for the U.S. Ski Team.
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