Dr. Benjamin Geddes
Dr. Benjamin Geddes, MD, fellowship trained spine surgeon with Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics, has completed the first successful series of U.S. surgeries for total joint replacement for the lumbar spine at the company’s ambulatory surgery center in Chattanooga. He was assisted by Alex Sielatycki, MD, of Steamboat Orthopaedic and Spine Institute and UC Health Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat Springs, Co.
“The initial procedures went very well," said Dr. Geddes. "Each patient was up and walking within two hours after surgery, using the early mobilization protocols for hip and knee arthroplasty patients. The first six weeks post op are more similar to fusion with some restrictions on motion and lifting. At the eight-week mark is where it begins to significantly diverge – with specialized therapy to help restore normal spinal motion. Our first group of patients is just beginning physical therapy now, and the early results are exciting. We look forward to following the progress of these patients and continuing with enrollment in the clinical trials.”
3Spine’s MOTUS device, the implant used in the BalancedBack Total Joint Replacement procedure, is a ’first of kind’ technology replacing the function of the disc and facet joints in the lumbar spine. The procedure is intended to broadly address leg pain, back pain, and spinal instability, while correcting posture and restoring freedom of movement through reconstruction of the functional spinal unit. Through aging, injury, or misalignment of muscles or vertebrae, the spine can lose its ability to naturally alter its curvature, resulting in progressively worsening pain. Individuals who are hoping to avoid spinal fusion and its long-term consequences have another option – total joint replacement – which restores natural balance and maintains range of motion while preserving adjacent spinal levels.
“When it comes to spine surgery, there is still much room for growth and improvement – which can be both frustrating and exciting," said Dr. Geddes. "That’s why we’re focused on adopting technologies and procedures that can make a real difference in the quality of life our patients experience. BalancedBack is a revolutionary procedure that changes how we think about spine surgery – reconstructing segments in the back to restore movement and improve mobility. Our practice has a strong focus on motion and returning patients to the activity level they once enjoyed. This technology allows the spine surgeon to have more options that align with this focus.”