Golfer touts spine 'spacer'

Golfing legend Lee Trevino still likes to call it a "miracle," even though doctors say it is just one more tool in the arsenal against chronic, debilitating back pain.

Those who get relief from the Medtronic X-STOP spacer may understand why Trevino is such a believer because shooting pain in necks, backs and legs is such a difficult and common problem and one that can get worse with age.

Specifically, the X-STOP spacer is intended for older people with lumbar spinal stenosis, a common, painful condition in which the space between the vertebrae is reduced and causes bone or tissue to rub or pinch the spinal nerve. The spacer is a small implant that fits between two bones in the back of the spine--at the level of the pinched nerve. According to a study published in the 2006 edition of SPINE journal, 6 million Americans have lumbar spinal stenosis, and 1.4 million new cases are diagnosed annually.

The golfing legend, who happens to turn 70 today, is an enthusiastic spokesman for Medtronic's device and will be in Charleston Saturday morning to talk about it.

"I insisted I was their poster boy because I wanted to help people who are suffering like I had been," says Trevino, a World Golf Hall of Fame member and winner of six major golf championships, including two Masters. His back trouble started in 1975 when he was struck by lightning on a golf course. He suffered severe back and leg pain, spasms and ruptured discs in 1976 and 1995. He had surgeries in 1976 and 1982, but didn't find relief.

Dr. Brian Cuddy, a neurosurgeon at the Roper-St. Francis-affliated Charleston Neurosurgical Associates, has implanted X-STOPs in 140 patients so far and calls it "just one tool that doesn't fit everybody."

Though the X-STOP can be used for people with lower back pain, it isn't for people younger than 50. Cuddy says he aims more for an active, healthy population in their 60s, 70s and 80s.

"The X-STOP fits that middle ground for people who are fit but are experiencing degeneration of the spine that comes with age," says Cuddy, adding that it won't work for women with osteoporosis because the bone is too fragile.

In some cases, Cuddy will discuss with a patient a surgical plan to first try to implant an X-STOP, but if it doesn't work, proceed to something else such as laminectomy or fusion of the vertebrae.

For Trevino, the worst came in 2004, when the pain from lumbar spinal stenosis became so severe Trevino recalls being bedridden for months.

"I was completely out of commission. I had ... a time just clothing myself," says Trevino. "I couldn't even bend over to tie my shoe."

After Trevino received numerous steroid epidural injections without relief, he went to his orthopedic surgeon. His doctor first recommended a decompressive laminectomy, a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the bone and tissue that cover the affected part of the spinal canal. The only drawback to the surgery was it could render Trevino's spine unstable and he might never play golf again.

Trevino tasked his doctor to help him find an alternative, and he discovered a device and procedure, which in 2004 was approved in Europe but not in the United States, called the X-STOP system. It involves implanting a spacer between two bones in the back of the spine at the level of the pinched nerve. The spacer simply lifts the vertebra off the pinched nerve.

In May 2004, Trevino flew to Cologne, Germany, for the surgery and got instant relief.

"It was like having a flat tire, going to a shop to have it fixed and driving away," says Trevino. "Two days later, I got on a plane, flew back to Dallas and even threw my luggage into the back of my car. ... Thirty days later, I was hitting balls again."

Downtown Charleston resident Dr. Fletcher Derrick had a similar experience, though he was not in the kind of pain Trevino experienced.

Derrick, a 76-year-old urologist who still works part time and enjoys biking for exercise, had his surgery and had nearly instant relief. For two to three years before the surgery, he suffered from back aches, nerve twitches and pain shooting down his leg that seemed to get progressively worse.

"I had lost disc space, and it (the pain) wasn't going to get any better," says Derrick.

He likes the procedure because it's less expensive than major back surgery, is minimally invasive, and if doesn't work, "You haven't burned any bridges (for other treatments)."

If you go

What: Golf legend Lee Trevino will be the featured speaker at a special community health education program, “Get Back Into the Game After Back Pain,” sponsored by the NeuroSpine Center at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. Following his presentation, St. Francis Spine & Sports therapists will demonstrate warm-up exercises for those with back pain, as well as give tips on how to return to the golf course after back surgery.

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday.

Where: Mall classrooms at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, 2095 Henry Tecklenburg Drive, West Ashley.

How much: Free, but seating is limited, and advance registration is required by calling 402-CARE (2273).

On the web: www.rsfh.com/trevino or www.rsfh.com/neurospinecenter.

It’s a pain

An estimated 6 million Americans have lumbar spinal stenosis, pain caused when the space between back vertebrae is reduced and causes bone or tissue to come in contact with the spinal nerve.

Every year, about 1.4 million new cases of LSS are diagnosed in the United States.

Reach David Quick at dquick@postandcourier.com.

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