Age: 60
Hometown: Clifton, NJ
Surgeon: North Jersey Brain and Spine Center, Oradell, NJ
Procedure: eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF®)
Surgery Date: March 1, 2011
Life Prior to Surgery: Robert’s struggle with back and leg pain began in the early 1970’s. As time progressed, his quality of life was affected and the pain made him unable to do the everyday activities that he loved. Eventually, Robert was unable to walk more than five minutes or drive more than 45 miles without needing to take a break because of the pain. He could not play with his grandkids and had difficulty sleeping as well. Robert was tired of taking pain medications and knew his attempts with conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and pain management, were not helping him. Despite five previous unsuccessful spine surgeries, he decided to seek a consultation with a new surgeon and discuss a new surgical option. His surgeon recommended the minimally disruptive XLIF procedure.
Situation Today: Robert underwent XLIF surgery in March 2011 and it was a huge success! The XLIF procedure was Robert’s first surgery without complications. He was able to walk the day after surgery and has now resumed the quality of life he had lost. He currently enjoys playing with his grandkids, taking them to the park and carnivals, and, most importantly, Robert is smiling again.
14-NUVA-1056