Orthopedic Urgent Care Hours Update

EmergeOrtho Spine Surgery Specialist Prevents Paralysis

Michelle discusses the care for cervical stenosis her mother Louise received at EmergeOrtho after a traumatic fall.

1 in 4

Elderly adults will have a fall every year.

Be there to help pick up your loved ones.

Louise was an active senior when a series of serious falls left her hospitalized with a life-threatening spinal cord injury.

Louise’s daughter Michelle said that before her falls, Louise was able to get around on her own, and loved to go shopping. But after two falls at home, and then a third while recovering at a rehabilitation center, Louise developed cervical stenosis that placed her in immediate danger of becoming a quadriplegic.

Million falls treated each year

Falls are a serious risk for people aged 65 and over, and more than three million are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. Seniors have double the risk of a spinal cord injury from a fall than younger patients.

A sneeze could have left Louise paralyzed from the neck down.

When Louise began having trouble moving her arms and legs after her third fall, Michelle brought her mother to the local emergency room. There she was diagnosed with severe cervical stenosis that required emergency surgery, and she was transferred to ICU.

The fall had caused cervical stenosis in Louise’s neck, a narrowing of the spinal column in her that put pressure on the nerves leading to her arms and legs. The trauma was so severe that something as seemingly minor as a sneeze could have severed her spinal cord.

Cause of neck pain and numbness

Cervical stenosis often develops progressively over time, causing neck pain, numbness or tingling that travels down the arms and into the hands, as well as weakness in the arms, hands, and fingers. Age-related spinal degeneration and arthritis are the leading causes of the condition.

Dr. Michael Madsen

One of the challenges in treating Louise was locating a surgeon and hospital capable of performing the spinal surgery she needed. After several days in the ICU, during which time Louse’s condition continued to deteriorate, Michelle received the call she was hoping for.

Board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Madsen was new to the Triangle Region when he learned of Louise’s condition. “I got a call that there was a patient with severe cervical stenosis who was essentially becoming quadriplegic very rapidly.” After evaluating Louise and her imaging test results, he knew she needed to have surgery right away.

A renowned spinal surgery specialist, Dr. Madsen was ready to put his expertise in minimally-invasive and robot-assisted surgery to work. Despite being unfamiliar with the local hospital, he was allowed to operate on Louise right there, without needing to risk transporting the fragile patient to another facility.

10-15%

Of spinal stenosis sufferers receive surgery

Surgery is not the only option for treating cervical stenosis. Doctors typically recommend conservative, non-surgical approaches including physical therapy, bracing, and medication to relieve pain before recommending surgery.

Minimally-invasive surgical options eliminate pain and restore mobility.

Dr. Madsen noted that Louise’s situation was grim, and needed quick attention. Performing any surgery on an elderly patient is complex, but Louise’s cervical spine was so damaged that extra care was necessary to ensure a positive outcome.

Surgery for cervical stenosis uses minimally invasive techniques to reopen the spinal canal—the space within the spine that houses the spinal cord and nerves. Spinal surgery specialists like Dr. Madsen also perform additional procedures to stabilize the spine, including spinal fusion, laminectomy, laminoplasty, or foraminotomy. The specific procedure selected depends on the individual patient and the goals for the surgery.

Speaking about Louise, Dr. Madsen says, “We needed to take her to the operating room as quickly as possible, so that’s what we did. We were fortunate to get a good result.”

2-6

Months of recovery

Typically, a full recovery from cervical stenosis surgery takes between two and six months. The patient’s age, their condition, and the exact procedure performed all influence how long healing takes.

Continuing to heal, one day and one step at a time.

Although Lousie spent nearly a month in the hospital after her cervical stenosis surgery, the care and support of the EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region team put her on track to a successful recovery. “She had to learn everything again,” Michelle says, “She is still pushing forward now.” Michelle also praised Dr. Madsen’s insistence on physical therapy, crediting it with her mother’s recovery.

Michelle often gets emotional talking about Dr. Madsen and her mother’s experience with EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region. “Dr. Madsen saved my mom’s life. She’s doing more, she can push up more and ambulate with assistance. I’m grateful.”

“I love Dr. Madsen,” Louise says. “He helped me do what I’m able to do now, and I wouldn’t trade him for nothing in the world.”

If you have neck pain, a spinal injury or failed spinal surgery that continues to cause pain and instability, do not wait for treatment. Request a consultation with Dr Madsen today or call one of our EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region offices anytime at 984.666.2201

Dr. Madsen

Dr. Madsen - Spinal Surgery Specialist

Dr. Michael Madsen is a valued member of the EmergeOrtho—Triangle Back, Neck, & Spine team. He is a board-certified and fellowship trained orthopedic spinal surgery specialist. Dr. Madsen treats patients with disc herniation, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and many other conditions affecting the spine.

Since joining the EmergeOrtho team, Dr. Madsen has won several Patient’s Choice awards. He approaches each patient as an individual and develops treatment plans to meet their unique needs. Find out how Dr. Madsen can help you.

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