Revolutionizing Travel: How Robotic Spine Surgery Restores Freedom and Comfort

For over twenty years, Tom Berry, a lively 55-year-old residing in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, faced persistent discomfort in his back and legs. What started as a mild soreness developed into a severe issue that impacted his overall well-being. Even though he underwent various treatments, including pain management, physical therapy, and injections, the pain continued unabated.

“After spending years sitting at a desk or in a vehicle for extended periods, the leg pain, similar to sciatica, became unbearable,” states Tom, a small business owner, husband, and father to two daughters. “I must travel internationally for work, and enduring long flights was nearly impossible.”

After non-surgical options proved ineffective, Tom hesitantly decided to investigate surgical alternatives. Upon hearing recommendations from two acquaintances about Ramil Bhatnagar, M.D., an orthopedic spine specialist and chair of Orthopedic Surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Tom promptly scheduled an appointment.

Robotically Addressing Pain at Its Source

Dr. Bhatnagar explained to Tom that a combination of scoliosis and spinal stenosis was putting pressure on his nerves and resulting in intense pain.

“He wasn’t able to engage in activities he enjoyed, such as playing pickleball or exercising,” comments Dr. Bhatnagar. “There were deformities in his back that led to significant nerve compression, and his scoliosis was exacerbating the situation. It was profoundly impacting his quality of life.”

Dr. Bhatnagar recommended a minimally invasive, robotic spine surgery to alleviate Tom’s nerve compression and stabilize the spine.

In May, Dr. Bhatnagar excised the “roof” of Tom’s spinal canal to relieve pressure on his nerves and inserted screws and rods to rectify and stabilize the scoliosis. He utilized the state-of-the-art Globus Excelsius 3D and Excelsius GPS robot to enhance accuracy during the extensive six-plus-hour procedure.

“Employing robotic assistance allows us to rectify the deformity while reducing the chances of nerve injury,” states Dr. Bhatnagar.

Utilizing the technology, Dr. Bhatnagar was able to position the screws with remarkable precision, maximizing the likelihood of straightening Tom’s spine and alleviating pain. Furthermore, it decreased radiation exposure for both Tom and the surgical team.

Surmounting the ‘Final Barrier’

After surgery, Tom experienced immediate enhancements. “The nerve pain was eliminated. I no longer had to endure that shooting pain down my leg,” he remarks.

The recovery phase was demanding. Tom recounts feeling “feeble as a newborn” post-surgery. However, with physical therapy’s assistance, he was walking and moving again within a few weeks.

Six weeks following his surgery, Tom resumed his routine walking and pleaded with Dr. Bhatnagar to allow him to return to the gym. Just four months later, he was back on the pickleball court, enjoying one of his favorite pastimes.

“My wife and I play with a group, and they’re quite skilled,” Tom states. “Returning to pickleball was my final challenge, and I succeeded.”

While he has not yet flown internationally since his operation, Tom has made an eight-hour journey to North Carolina with his daughter without any discomfort.

“I’ve also flown domestically and didn’t have to feel embarrassed fidgeting or performing unusual stretches in the airport security line,” he states. “The entire experience with Dr. Bhatnagar and his team was remarkable.”

As Tom looks ahead to retirement in a few years, he is optimistic he will enjoy it without pain. “I still get to exercise daily, walk, and work on my tan. I’m not going to experience pain anymore,” he expresses.

Next Steps & Resources

• Meet our expert: Ramil Bhatnagar, M.D.
• To schedule an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
• Discover more about orthopedics at Hackensack Meridian Health.

The information provided by HealthU is meant for general informational purposes only and should not substitute the advice of your healthcare provider. Always consult your physician for personalized care.