Category Archives: Dr. Mark McFarland

What is Kyphoplasty by OSC’s Dr Mark McFarland D.O.

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Dr Mark McFarland, DO of Orthopaedic & Spine Center

Call (757) 596-1900 for a consultation with Dr McFarland

Kyphoplasty is a unique, minimally-invasive way to treat compression fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine.  Most fractures of the aged spine are related to osteoporosis and can lead to a “bent forward” posture called kyphosis.  The kyphoplasty procedure can help restore the height of the collapsed vertebrae and relieve a patient of pain by repairing the bone with a strong internal scaffold of bone cement.

spinal exam by Dr Mark McFarland DO

Dr McFarland performs a spinal examination

The procedure can be done under conscious sedation or general anesthesic and usually takes around 15-25 minutes to complete.  A small needle is passed through the skin and into both sides of the broken vertebrae.  Next, small tubes are placed over the needles and small balloons are placed into the bone.  The balloons are elevated under pressure to help restore the bone, correct the patient’s posture and reduce the kyphosis.  Next, bone cement is placed into the bone to stabilize the fracture, just like an internal cast.

After the kyphoplasty procedure, the bone is very strong and usually the pain will be significantly reduced immediately.  Mild residual pain may last up to another 2 weeks after the procedure.

Orthopaedic & Spine Center

Call (757) 596-1900 for a consultation with Dr McFarland

MRI Results with Dr Mark McFarland Orthopaedic Associate

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Diagnosing Causes of Orthopedic Pain in the Neck and Spine

Almost immediately after my MRI was completed, I was able to walk over to the OSC physician station where Dr. Mark McFarland was working and have him pull up my MRI results. Dr McFarland is one of only two doctors on the Peninsula to be fellowship-trained in performing cervical and lumbar disc replacement surgery as well for surgery for pinched nerves. I guess that is a benefit of working at OSC!  Between patients, Dr. McFarland pulled up my MRI images on OSC’s digital imaging system.

Orthopedic Associate OSC Mark McFarland MD

Dr Mark McFarland

I must admit, it is pretty amazing to have a complex imaging test done and be able to view the test images immediately on the system.  Dr. McFarland looked at the images with me and was immediately able to point out the cause of my neck, shoulder and arm pain…I had a spinal disc herniation at level C4-5.

MRI result for neck

MRI Scan of Patient (side view)

Dr. McFarland showed me how the MRI images looked as if my body had been sliced in half at the level of my disc herniation, so that I could actually see the detail of where the disc material was bulging out, pressing on nerves and causing my pain.  I also saw a side view which showed my whole cervical spine and could see the herniation from that view as well.  Although I did not want to get bad news about my spine, I was relieved to know that there was a specific reason for my pain.  I felt comforted by the knowledge that now we knew what was wrong, we could treat it most effectively!

Next time….the treatment plan to relieve the pain in my neck!

Don Hollomon Hip Replacement

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If you haven’t heard already, the Orthopaedic & Spine Center is now offering outpatient total joint replacement.  Recently, Dr. Mark McFarland performed an outpatient hip replacement on Mr. Don Holllomon.  14 days later, here’s Mr. Hollomon going up and down his stairs.

Pretty impressive.  If you’re interested in outpatient total joint replacement, please contact us to schedule a consult.