Dorothy sought out Dr. Allen Van, DeKalb orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist, after her first back surgery done appeared to have failed. Her symptoms of back and leg pain had returned with greater frequency and intensity. “Because she had previous surgery, her work up was more involved and subsequent surgery was much more complex,” Dr. Van said.

Her diagnosis was severe lumbar spinal stenosis with associated degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal and degenerative lumbar scoliosis is a curved spinal deformity that typically develops in individuals over 50. Dorothy says arthritis and years of heavy lifting on the job contributed to her lower back problems. She had just retired and couldn’t walk around the house without pain. The pain went through her buttock and down her right leg. Dr. Van used lumbar Xrays, a CT scan and an MRI with contrast to accurately map out her lumbar spinal anatomy.
Due to her significant stenosis and the associated curvature of her lumbar spine, a routine lumbar decompression would not be adequate for good, long-term prognosis. She would require a spinal fusion to add further stability to her compromised lumbar structure, he said.

The fusion was done with a bone graft as well as the placement of titanium screws into her spinal vertebrae column. A total of 10 pedicular screws were used, which are special two-threaded screws designed especially for vertebrae. Two titanium rods also were used to lend further stability the decompressed scoliotic lumbar spine. The entire procedure was done on the spinal Jackson table, which Kishwaukee Community Hospital purchased especially for Dr. Van’s spine procedures.

“This table is completely radiolucent, that is Xrays can be used during the procedure without compromising our direct view of the spine’s bony structure. This is extremely important in the placement of our screws,” he said. In addition, the Jackson table was helpful to position the patient for the nine hours it would take to complete this long, complex case. 

“She rested comfortably on the table without additional risks of pressure sores on skin, joints and nerves, which can cause many catastrophic problems,” Dr. Van said.
Lastly, the table helped to decrease pressure on the eyes which an cause postoperative retinal blindness. “The Jackson table is very helpful to our anesthesiologist as well as the spinal surgeon,” he added.  This patient went on to have a very successful post surgical course, he said. Her back and leg pain were addressed, her spinal fusion was successful and her scoliosis was halted.

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