http://www.or-live.com/genesishealth/1677 Davenport, IA - An innovative, minimally-invasive procedure to alleviate back pain caused by a torn disc will be the first Quad Cities surgery of its kind to be shown on an Internet webcast. The 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5 webcast will feature a Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion, or TLIF, performed by Anthony V. Maioriello, M.D., Midwest Brain and Spine. "Genesis is responding to the new consumerism that drives people to play a more active role in their health care decisions," said Ken Croken, Vice President of Genesis Corporate Communications and Marketing. "We live in an age where consumers have grown accustomed to seeing reality programming, so this is a logical step for health care. We can educate a far-reaching audience on the advantages of this surgical procedure and promote the excellent care Genesis patients receive through our program.' Patient pain is caused by a tear inside the disc that leaks substances that irritate a small nerve fiber surrounding the disc. These tears usually do not heal on their own and only become more painful with time. "Ten to 12 years ago, patients would be told ‘There's nothing we can do for you.' Now, we've found that if you take this disc out and fuse this level, you can alleviate the pain," Dr. Maioriello said. The damaged disc is removed and a bone graft is packed in the disc space along with a plastic cage that supports the spine while the fusion takes place. Using the CD Horizon® Sextant® Spinal System, screws are inserted on each side of the vertebrae using muscle-recording equipment for added safety. Once these screws are in place, they are attached to metal rods, creating an internal brace that supports the vertebral bodies as the fusion heals into a solid block of bone. Patient benefits include shorter hospital stays, smaller scars, shorter recovery periods and less post-operative pain. Dr. Maioriello stresses this is not a surgery for everyone with back pa...