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Hiking in Yosemite after successful scoliosis surgery
 Rossana enjoys walking and
staying physically fit. As a
mother, wife and successful OB/GYN physician she
keeps a busy schedule and doesn’t let much slow
her down.
Diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
as a teenager, Rossana had experienced intermittent
back pain associated with the spinal curve for years.
For the most part, her symptoms were managable
with conservative care like anti-inflammatories,
massage, physical therapy and walking.
In June of 2003, in addition to increased pain
in her left back and hip area, she also had severe
pain in her right pelvis that radiated into her
legs. She made an appointment with her physical
medicine physician, who prescribed some epidural
steroid injections to help relieve the pain symptoms
temporarily.
The doctor then referred Rossana to Dr.
Douglas Geiger, a fellowship-trained spine
surgeon at Ann Arbor Spine Center. Dr. Geiger first
recommended watchful waiting. But time passed
and Rossana noticed her back pain increasing
and her activity level decreasing. Her scoliosis was
now impacting her career. The pain prevented
her from her obstetrics work including delivering
babies. She once again saw Dr. Geiger for a followup
appointment, he examined her and reviewed
her most current MRI. Rossana’s rib cage was
beginning to collapse onto her pelvis. He talked
with her about possible surgical options and
explained that scoliosis surgery may be necessary
in the future. Rossana decided she would like to
Hiking in Yosemite after successful scoliosis surgery
continue with the conservative treatments as long
as possible.
Another year passed and Rossana’s condition
continued to worsen. Her pain symptoms were
becoming unbearable and standing for any length
of time was difficult. “I would go to work, drive
home and lay down,” she remembers. She had lost
nearly four inches in height due to the worsening
scoliosis curve and now recognized that surgery
was necessary to correct her 69 degree curve.
Dr. Geiger would install instruments to
reduce the 69 degree curve and stabilize her spine. Dr. Geiger performed the reconstructive surgery, including an anterior and posterior approach,
and it was a success. Dr. Jason Brodkey, also of Ann
Arbor Spine Center, assisted in the 17 hour surgery.
Rossana recovered three inches of height after
the surgery and within six weeks, she was able to
walk up to half an hour a day with a walker. After
three months she began physical therapy, where
hamstring stretches and other strengthening
exercises were used to help strengthen her leg and
core muscles. Part of her recovery involved walking
in the pool. After six months she was able to a walk
a mile and now she walks five to six miles a day.
Today, she no longer has the pain symptoms
that had become a way of life for many years. She
has returned to work as an OB/GYN doctor and
is once again able to travel with her husband to
places like Yosemite National Park.
Click here to download a PDF of Rossana's complete story detailing successful return to activity after scoliosis surgery.
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