Prehabilitation, or “prehab,” refers to optimizing general health and well-being before surgery to improve surgical outcomes. Prehab takes a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on strength and aerobic exercises, nutrition, smoking cessation, alcohol reduction, and psychological factors such as mitigating stress, anxiety and depression. The approach is primarily designed for patients who are at the highest risk…
The patient A 64-year-old woman tripped after “missing a step,” fracturing her left tibial plateau and resulting in deformity of the joint. This was managed conservatively, with a leg brace removing weight from the extremity. She developed persistent numbness and tingling in her left leg, as well as weakness. She was evaluated in the Norton…
Spine surgeries have come a long way from the large open procedures that were the standard of care for many years. A wide range of minimally invasive surgeries are now possible for patients, with excellent results and faster recovery. Our goal with minimally invasive surgery is to decrease soft-tissue disruption yet accomplish the same results…
Osteoporosis in the aging population is now estimated to affect over 10 million people and significantly affects postmenopausal women, although the condition can occur in other groups. There are many predisposing factors, including a family history (genetics), race, smoking, alcohol abuse, chronic illness, cancer, deficient vitamin D3 levels and living a sedentary lifestyle. The condition…
Difficulty with standing balance is a frequent clinical issue with multiple possible etiologies. It may be seen with normal aging or common pathologies such as diabetic neuropathy. In patients with cervical degenerative disease, progressive standing and gait imbalance can be an indication of cervical spinal cord dysfunction, termed cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). As opposed to…
Studies have shown patients with diabetes who have poorly controlled blood sugar are more likely to have more adverse outcomes after elective surgery. At the same time, patients do not want to wait for spine surgery. Waiting means prolonging their pain, disability and immobility — and results in significant patient dissatisfaction. To improve surgical outcomes…
After completing a pair of spinal fellowships in the latest surgical techniques and technologies, Shawn W. Adams, M.D., has joined Norton Leatherman Spine and Norton Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Adams’ fellowships covered complex adult spine, deformity and minimally invasive techniques. “I try to develop a relationship with my patients and partner with them to get the…
Norton Healthcare has been named the first Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence in the country by DNV, a national accrediting body. This designation is given to organizations that demonstrate excellence in diagnostic services, surgical services and therapies related to orthopedic and spine care. To receive the Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence…
Even though I’m a neurosurgeon specializing in spine, I spend a lot of time talking to my patients about issues other than their backs. Rarely do I see back pain in isolation. Before they undergo spinal surgery, patients who are obese or who have osteoporosis or have poorly controlled diabetes all have risks we need…
The patient A 27-year-old female presented with five months of progressive quadriparesis and paresthesias affecting both upper and lower extremities. She initially presented to her primary care provider five months prior, while eight months pregnant, with weakness, numbness and tingling in her right upper extremity. The symptoms initially were thought to be a result of…
The goal of Norton Leatherman Spine Back and Neck Pain Clinics is to see patients referred by primary care physicians, emergency departments or other clinicians in an expedited fashion. We strive to offer appointments within 72 hours of referral and often can see patients the next day. Even patients whose symptoms do not appear urgent…
Norton Leatherman Spine is named for Kenton D. Leatherman, M.D., a pioneering surgeon whose groundbreaking work treating scoliosis brought him worldwide renown. We’re still known as a place where patients can receive innovative surgery from outstanding surgeons. But Norton Leatherman Spine is a lot more than surgeons and surgery. We offer coordinated, multidisciplinary care for…