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Dr. Larry Parker Performs First Barricaid Procedure in Alabama at Huntsville Hospital

The Barricaid®, FDA-Approved Bone-Anchored Titanium Implant, Offers New Hope for Discectomy Patients by Lowering Risk of Reoperation 

Huntsville, Alabama, May 6th, 2024. Dr. Larry Parker has successfully performed the first Barricaid procedure in Alabama at Huntsville Hospital, marking a significant advancement in spine surgery in the region. The patient, a 51-year-old woman suffering from an L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation, had been using a walker for six months due to her severe pain. Thanks to Dr. Parker’s expertise and the innovative Barricaid implant, this patient’s risk of reherniation and repeat surgery has been reduced by 81%.  

Barricaid is the only FDA-approved device designed to close the annular defect left after a discectomy, offering a groundbreaking solution to patients at risk of recurrent herniation. This advanced technology consists of a titanium bone anchor and polymer occlusion component, which seals the rupture in the disc, significantly lowering the likelihood of a reoperation.  

“Barricaid has proven to decrease the risk of recurrent disc herniation,” said Dr. Parker. “I’m excited to have this technology available for my patients at Huntsville Hospital. It gives both my patients and myself the confidence that they can return to their desired activities and improve their quality of life.”  

This procedure represents a major step forward in spine surgery for Alabama. Multiple studies, including a randomized controlled trial with over 500 patients, have shown that Barricaid reduces the need for reoperation by a weighted average of 81%, while also helping patients experience less pain and greater satisfaction with their surgical outcomes.  

Dr. Parker’s team, including Michael Jordan, PA, Seth Spraggins, PA, and Katrina Vanderford, NP, played a vital role in this successful procedure, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving outcomes for their discectomy patients. Special thanks to John Godwin and Greg Lambrecht for their support during the case.  

About Dr. Larry Parker 

Dr. Larry Parker is an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon in Huntsville, Alabama USA. Over his career, Dr. Parker has performed hundreds of surgical procedures to improve the lives of his patients, and advance a rapidly-changing profession.

About Huntsville Hospital 

Huntsville Hospital, the second-largest in Alabama, is an 881-bed regional referral center serving North Alabama and southern Tennessee. Governed by the Health Care Authority of Huntsville, it is part of the Huntsville Hospital Health System, which includes hospitals in Alabama and Tennessee, totaling over 2,500 beds and employing more than 19,500 people.