Minimally Invasive Procedure With Quicker Recovery Time
When Dr. Harvey Montijo, Sr. was unable to walk more than 50 meters without lower back pain and leg weakness, he knew it was time to seek medical treatment.
“I had severe buttock pain and had difficulty getting out of bed and going downstairs,” says Dr. Montijo. “It also limited my ability to see patients and perform surgeries.”
Dr. Montijo, 68, of Hobe Sound, FL, is an orthopedic surgeon and founder of The Center for Bone & Joint Surgery of the Palm Beaches. He sought the care of his youngest partner, Dr. Deeptee Jain, a spine surgeon at the Center and Wellington Regional Medical Center.
Diagnosis and treatment of spinal stenosis
Dr. Montijo was diagnosed with severe spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis, a form of degenerative arthritis where the vertebra slips forward and results in severe pinching of the spinal nerves.
Dr. Jain performed a minimally invasive lateral interbody fusion with a posterior spine fusion. She first fused the spine from the side through a two-inch incision, and then placed screws through the back of the spine and connected it with rods to stabilize the spine and hold everything in place.
“The procedure takes a little over an hour and allows for a robust fusion with limited muscle disruption. It also means a faster recovery and almost no blood loss. It can be outpatient surgery or a one-night stay,” explains Dr. Jain.
A smooth recovery from spine surgery
According to Dr. Jain, most patients do not require any physical rehabilitation following this type of surgery. “He was up and walking immediately after surgery. I tell patients that they will need a care coach at home, someone to help prepare meals and help with some activities of daily living, but walking is the best thing to do to aid in recovery after spine surgery.”
Dr. Montijo had no pain whatsoever, is now able to walk long distances and can continue to perform as an active orthopedic surgeon with patient visits and a full surgical schedule.
“I went from being severely limited, to being able to perform my job, play golf, go boating and have a great quality of life,” Dr. Montijo adds. “I would recommend Wellington for the quality of care received, excellent surgical staff and wonderful nurses. Dr. Jain was attentive to details, personable and an excellent surgeon.”