Rita B.
My scoliosis was first diagnosed in 1959, when I was 14 year old (I am now 60). It was described as idiopathic scoliosis; the cause was unknown. My curvature consisted of an "S", and I had significant rotation with additional deformity in the rib cage. The thoracic curvature measured approximately 50 degrees to the right, and the compensatory lumbar curvature was 35 degrees to the left. My treatment consisted of a month of mechanical straightening of the spine (I wore a plaster body cast fitted with a moveable wedge) followed by spinal fusion of the thoracic vertebrae to stop my curves from progressing (although it did not correct the existing condition).
For the next 25 years I functioned relatively normally, given the constraints of an inflexible spine. In 1984 at about age 39, I realized my back was beginning to show a more noticeable curve. With the thoracic spine fused, the lumbar region was bearing the strain and showing subluxation. Deterioration in my lumbar region accentuated the curve. However, I ignored the symptoms and treated my progressive pain with a variety of medications.
By 1994, my upper body was beginning to show classic signs of pitching forward; I had a flat back (no lordosis), a shortened torso, ribs that were in contact with my hip bone, and pain that was getting harder and harder to ignore. It was at that time that I began a serious search for an orthopaedic surgeon. My search spanned 6 years and I interviewed/researched numerous orthopaedic surgeons.
It was in March of 1997 that I first met Dr. Lenke. I was immediately drawn to him as an extraordinarily skilled orthopaedic surgeon who also had the rare expertise of treating adult spinal deformities. He was also remarkably easy to communicate with, given the complex medical terminology. Still, I elected to delay surgery in the hope that a less invasive procedure might be developed.
For the next three years I consulted other orthopaedic surgeons, but I eventually lost my fear and indecisiveness. In December 2000, I met with Dr. Lenke again (knowing without a doubt that he was far superior to any surgeon I had ever met), made the commitment to have the surgery, and scheduled it for July 2001.
Prior to the surgery, Dr. Lenke and I talked about my expectations from the procedure. There was no question that the primary reason for the surgery was to reconstruct my spine to provide a real lordosis, reduce pain, and maintain stability through fusion of the lumbar region to the sacrum - all supported by some pretty impressive hardware. Correction of the existing curve was not to be expected particularly because the thoracic vertebrae had already been fused in a fixed curve (in 1959).
Having read all the research and documentation that I could find, including most importantly Dr Lenke's papers, I was well-prepared with the details of the actual surgery, as well as pre- and post-op procedures. Aside from organizing the requirements of out-of-state medical insurance coverage, my primary focus was on being in good physical condition. I went into my surgery in high spirits and with full confidence in Dr. Lenke.
The first thing that made me smile with delight after surgery, was my ability to stand upright without pain and, with the bonus of a 28 degree correction of the lumbar spine, I had a new, most wonderful lordosis. I was no longer pitched forward, my sagittal balance was restored, and my ribs were not rubbing against my hip bone. As I expected, the "S" curve and rotation were still there and my scapula still protruded. Those deformities made my six month confinement in the body brace uncomfortable, but the severe back pain that I had experienced for 17 years was gone!
That year was exceptional for me. Not only was my surgery successful, I was spared the necessity of a 2nd surgery since Dr. Lenke was able to do all the osteotomy he had hoped for in the first procedure. With the debilitating pain gone, I worked on the next biggest challenge: how to make an inflexible body do what I wanted it to do. Concentrating on daily exercises over time helped tremendously.
Today, four years later, I am able to garden (with limitations), put on shoes (in a reasonable amount of time), do housekeeping (though it takes longer), ride a "trike" (which is really good exercise), and hold a full-time job teaching special needs students. I am extremely grateful to, and forever in debt to Dr. Lenke. I have absolutely no regrets about my decision to have the surgery (though I'd rather race up and down hills on my old touring bike rather than the more conservative and safer adult tricycle!) Life is good for me, and Dr. Lenke is my hero!
