Harrington Rod Flat Back Syndrome Success Story from Julie from South Carolina

Dear Dr. Hey,                                                       Oct.  2008

          I am sorry it has taken me so long to write to you, but I having been too busy enjoying life for the first time in 6 years. I no longer only see my feet and the ground for fear of falling down. Now, when I look outside I see the world because I’m not looking down anymore.
          You have not only given me my life back, but I have been a totally different person since I have returned from Raleigh. I am now a Christian as well as a normal person now. You truly are an instrument of God and exactly where you need to be in this world. You have no idea what you do for people. I have never been in the hospital and felt so calm and at peace than I was as with you as my Doctor. You prayed with me everyday and made sure that I knew that you and God were with me every step of the way. I thank you so much for that.
          My child is so excited because even now this close after a major surgery I can already be the mom he has never had. I am doing more, going more places, and I have never had so many complements from friends and family. I can’t wait to see what is to come for me, I’m very excited.
           I do realize I have a way to go but I feel like it just can’t get much better. My family will always be indebted to you forever and will always be here if you ever need anything. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
 
 
In His Name,
 
Julie
Wellford, S.C.

Pauline from West Virginia finds relief from sciatica with revision laminotomy after scoliosis surgery

Pauline from West Virginia developed some new sciatica long after a complex scoliosis correction.
I found that there was some new foraminal stenosis with some bone ingrowth into the L5 neural foramen that I found on a CT myelogram.
I took her back for surgery and did a revision foraminotomy, and she has done just great after surgery.  She brought plenty of sweets from West Virginia to share with the whole Hey Clinic staff!
So glad you are feeling better, Pauline!

Lloyd A. Hey, MD MS
http://www.heyclinic.com
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
Pauline from West Virginia developed some new sciatica long after a complex scoliosis correction.
I found that there was some new foraminal stenosis with some bone ingrowth into the L5 neural foramen that I found on a CT myelogram.
I took her back for surgery and did a revision foraminotomy, and she has done just great after surgery.  She brought plenty of sweets from West Virginia to share with the whole Hey Clinic staff!
So glad you are feeling better, Pauline!

Lloyd A. Hey, MD MS
http://www.heyclinic.com
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
Raleigh, NC  27609
Member, Scoliosis Research Society, http://www.srs.org

Rachel 3rd Grader, Interview w/ Dr. Hey

Over the years I have had the pleasure of being interviewed and sometimes filmed by local TV stations, the Discovery Channel, local newspapers, magazines and even the NY Times and Wall Street Journal.

But, to date, my favorite interview I have ever given happened yesterday when Rachel, age 8, came in to interview me for a school project for "Muscles and Bones."  She did just a great job!

Strong work, Rachel!
I hope you were able to pick up the DVD of your interview in clinic today to share with your class.
I'll try to import it and share it on this Blog and maybe even YouTube!
You asked great questions, and were very clear and poised.

Lloyd A. Hey, MD MS
http://www.heyclinic.com
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
Raleigh, NC  27609
Member, Scoliosis Research Society, http://www.srs.org

17 yo postop scoliosis patient ready to play basketball

I saw Sandra and her dad for her 3 month follow-up postop scoliosis visit.  Her posture and incision look great, and she is doing great in school and at home.
I gave the the "AOK" to play basketball this fall and winter without restrictions.
Have a great season, Sandra!
You look great!

Take care and send us pictures from your season.

Lloyd A. Hey, MD MS
http://www.heyclinic.com
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
Raleigh, NC  27609
Member, Scoliosis Research Society, http://www.srs.org

Oct 14 Hey Clinic 13 yo Adolescent Scoliosis Surgery

Yesterday we helped Nykia, who is 13 yo with severe double curve.
Nykia's surgery took a little less than 4 hours.
She got a 90+% correction.
No blood transfusion.
She is doing well this morning, on orthopaedic floor.

--------
Lloyd A. Hey, MD MS
Spine Surgeon
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
Raleigh, NC USA
http://www.heyclinic.com
Member, ScoliosResearch Society (SRS) http://www.srs.org

Re: Question from 7th Grader doing Scoliosis Project: What causes scoliosis?

Emily,

I am glad it was helpful!

Take care,

Dr. Hey

On Oct 14, 2008, at 7:41 PM, Emily  wrote:

Dear Dr. Hey,

    Thank you for all of the information. I greatly appreciate it. All of your facts answer every question that I need to know for my project. You helped me way more than the internet has these past few days. I will be sure to visit the website that you gave me. I know that with all of that information I am sure to get an A on my research project. I was really excited when I found out that we were doing projects on disabilities or dieseases. The first thing that came to my mind was Scoliosis.. Of course I asked my teacher if that was something she was looking for and she was excited when I told her that I had surgery this past summer. She even wants me to be in the school newspaper! I am also looking foward to my visit back to your office, I can't wait to hear what news you have for me this time. So far it has been good. I am happy to be playing ball on my full schedual again.

 

p.s. I totally understand all the homework issues. I can not stand all the homework our teachers give.

 

                                                                  Thank You,

                                                                              Emily

                                  

Question from 7th Grader doing Scoliosis Project: What causes scoliosis?

On 10/13/08 10:03 PM, "Emily " <> wrote:

Dear Dr. Hey,
    Hi, it's Emily __ again.  I hope you enjoyed the pictures I sent to you.  I am doing a project on scoliosis for my 7th grade class and I would like to ask you some questions on scoliosis.  My main question that I can not seem to figure out is, what is the main cause of scoliosis?  I figured why not ask an expert.  A few other questions include what are the main cures?  What does this disability affect?  I completely understand if you are not able to respond to this letter, for I know that you are very busy helping other people.  I greatly appreciate all you have done for me and all the time and effort you put into making my back feel healthy and normal.
 
 
 
                                                                   Thanks again,
                                                                                   Emily

Emily,
Wow, great question.
First thing to realize is that there are different types of scoliosis.
Neuropathic scoliosis is caused by muscle imbalances due to muscle spasticity or weakness caused by brain or spinal cord problems.
“Idiopathic” scoliosis:  “Idiopathic” by definition, means that we don’t know what causes it!!!
Isn’t that weird that they would have a word like “Idiopathic”?  
When I was in medical school at Harvard, we did a play, and made up some funny songs about medical words --- idiopathic was one of the funny words that we picked on, since it makes it SOUND like we know what causes it, by giving it a NAME (idiopathic), when in fact we have no idea what causes it!!!

We do know that genetics play a role in development of scoliosis, since there have been some human genes identified that tend to go along with scoliosis. This has resulted in a new genetic test coming out next year, where we can send off some of your DNA from a simple swab of your inner cheek in your mouth, and determine your risk of scoliosis progression based on your genes!

Beyond genetics, there appear to be environmental and other factors that affect development of scoliosis.  There have been some studies that suggest that scoliosis kids sometimes have a slight inner ear balance problem that can be picked up with sophisticated spinning tests used by NASA to test astronauts and pilots.  People have theorized also that the growth plates and ligaments may be different in children who get scoliosis.  Gymnasts, for example, are more likely to get scoliosis than other kids, in part, possibly, because good gymnasts are very ligamentously loose, which might put them at more risk for scoliosis.

Many parents have asked me whether carrying a backpack over one shoulder can cause scoliosis.
There aren’t any papers that I have found that have suggested this correlation, but backpacks can sometimes increase chance for back pain with or without scoliosis, and might certainly add load that theoretically could contribute to progression of scoliosis or kyphosis (Scheuermann’s or other types).  Many parents have also asked me whether bad posture sitting at your desk or at dinner table can cause kyphosis, justifying their strong instructions to “sit up straight and pull those shoulders back!. “  Well, while I do think it is good to be respectful of your parents, and to show respect by sitting up straight, there is no data to suggest that slouching increases your chances for scoliosis or kyphosis.  

We do know that Scheuermann’s kyphosis seems to be due to a partial growth arrest of the anterior growth plate of several vertebra in the thoracic and/or thoracolumbar spine.  This growth arrest leads to wedging of the vertebra, which leads to deformity.  Why does that anterior growth plate slow down or stop?  Maybe excess load.  My research at MIT years ago, and further research since then has shown that cartilage and bone can respond to loads, either positively, to create more cartilage or bone, or negatively, if the loads become so high that the cells and matrix get damaged.

I think one way to think about it is to ask the right question.  Should we be asking “What causes scoliosis?”  or should we be asking “How do more than 95 percent of kids and adults end up so perfectly straight, even though they started out as two very tiny squooshy cells?  We need to first appreciate how miraculous life itself is, including embryonic development, and growth through childhood and adolescence to realize that maybe a part of scoliosis just comes as a natural variant of what makes you unique!!  Tomato plants never grow up perfectly straight.  Neither do most trees.  Check out the embryology of spine development.  It is totally awesome and miraculous.  I maybe able to dust off my old embryology book, but given the fact that almost everything is on the Internet, you can probably find some great pictures on the web.

Don’t know if this helps, and because it has been a very long “scoli day” and helping kids with homework night, my grammar and spelling may not be great --- but I hope it helps!!

Good luck on your project.
You might also want to check out the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) website at http://www.srs.org for other good information about scoliosis and kyphosis and possible causes.

I look forward to seeing your final result!

Sincerely,

Dr. Lloyd Hey
Http://www.heyclinic.com
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
Raleigh, NC  USA
Member, Scoliosis Research Society. http://www.srs.org

 

A Budding, New Doctor-Radiologist to be!

Barbara,
It was nice to meet you guys a few weeks ago in the hospital.
As promised, here are the photos with our wonderful young upcoming
radiologist!
Take care,
Dr. Hey
------------------------------
Lloyd A. Hey, MD MS
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
Raleigh, NC USA

Member, Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) http://www.srs.org

Special Thank You Note from 13 yo Sarabeth Adolescent Scoliosis Patient, and Her Family

Every day, I read countless medical records, X-Rays, MRI's, notes,
emails, faxes, and also listen to many voice mails.
It can seem at times like a river of constant activity.
However, almost every day, there is some special, small note that I
receive that makes me stop for a moment, smile, and feel very blessed.
This week, I received a wonderful little thank you note from Sarabeth
and her parents.
Sarabeth is 13, and is delightful, and has a wonderful family.
While Sarabeth was in the hospital, I came by late one evening to
check on her.
Her mom commented that my job must be hard on my family.
I told her that at times it can be, but my wife and kids understand
that if I work late, it is because there was someone who was really in
need.
Sarabeth's mom asked me a funny question at that point: "What is your
wife's favorite restaurant or food?"
I answered "Cheesecake Factory and Cheese Cake!"

Well, this week I received a wonderful thank you note from Sarabeth
and her parents, with a gift card for Cheesecake Factory.
I took a photograph of the thank you note, so I would not forget it.
If you can't read the photograph, here is what it says:
-----
"Dr. Hey,
"Thank you so much for doing my surgery. I feel really blessed to
have you as my doctor. Thank you for making my back straight and
pretty. Sarabeth

"Dr. Hey,
"There just are not words to express how much we appreciate all you've
done for Sarabeth. You and your staff are truly unique. You made
every step of the effort easy due to your caring and kind spirit. We
thank the Lord for equipping you with this Gift. Please thank your
family for their sacrifice of time without you to help ones like us.
Please accept this token card of appreciation."
"Cally and Cindy P______."
-------------

Tonight, I took my wife and my mom to Cheesecake Factory, and had a
wonderful meal -- a meal that was a real blessing especially to my
mom, who is going through a tough time with my dad's recent illness
and recovery.

So, thank you, Sarabeth and family for taking the time to say thanks.
You really ministered to my heart, and to my family.

:)
--------
Lloyd A. Hey, MD MS
Spine Surgeon
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
Raleigh, NC USA
http://www.heyclinic.com
Member, Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) http://www.srs.org

27 yo nurse going home less than 48 hours after scoliosis surgery w/ Dr. Hey

On Thursday late afternoon, I "straightened out" Melissa's 54 degree
scoliosis.
Melissa is a 27 yo nurse, who has a long history of scoliosis going
back to her very early adolescence.
Her curve has progressed as an adult, and she had a very prominent R
thoracic rib hump.

Her surgery took a little less than three hours, and required no blood
transfusion.
At Melissa's request, I videotaped portions of her surgery using our
special high definition camera system.
After Melissa gets a chance to see her surgery in HD, perhaps she will
share some of it with our Blog readers/watchers in coming weeks.
She was able to go to our orthopaedic inpatient unit, to a large
private room where her sister could stay with her in a separate bed
next to her.
She did great postoperatively, with excellent correction of her
deformity. Her large right rib hump is now gone. We performed a
subcuticular plastic surgery-type closure with Dermabond, so her
incision looks great, and is waterproof for showering without a
dressing.
Melissa was up walking yesterday, less than 14 hours after getting up
to her room, and ambulated with little or no assistance.
This morning, approximately 40 hours after getting out of surgery, she
was walking the halls with the physical therapist in her bath robe,
and was eating well.
She paused for a minute in our "homebound room" to get a picture with
me on rounds, in front of our test car that we use to teach people how
to get in and out of a car after surgery.
She went home today looking great!
Melissa can start getting back to exercise this upcoming week, with
walking, treadmill, stair master, and some weight lifting and
stretching.
Get well soon, Melissa!

This is a good example why it is important to continue to follow
idiopathic scoliosis beyond the adolescent period, since some curves
will continue to progress significantly during adulthood.

It is also a good example of fixing scoliosis while you are a younger
adult, rather than an older adult, since the younger adults have more
flexible curves, with better correction, recover quicker, often
require less fusion levels and shorter surgeries with less surgical
risk and blood loss, have fewer comorbid conditions, and better bone
quality for quicker fusions and less hardware loosening and failures.
Younger patients have more years to enjoy their new shape, and by
fixing the curve when you are younger, you can help possibly prevent
the lower lumbar discs from wearing out more quickly due to the upper
spine forcing the lower spine to be out of alignment with asymmetric
loading leading to more rapid disc deterioration.

While I have helped patients with scoliosis literally from every
decade of life, from less than 10 years old to almost a hundred years
old (96 the oldest!), there is no doubt that it is better to be
proactive, following the curve throughout life, and intervene early if
curve is progressive, or if pain or other quality of life issues
become significant.

------------------------------
Lloyd A. Hey, MD MS
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
Raleigh, NC USA
http://www.heyclinic.com
Member, Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) http://www.srs.org

FW: surgery. Postop Gratitude.

The email was sent to me this evening from one of our adult scoliosis patients in early healing period after her reconstructive surgery.
Lloyd A. Hey, MD MS
Spine Surgeon
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery, Raleigh NC  USA
http://www.heyclinic.com

------ Forwarded Message
From: KATHERINE
Date: Thu, 2 Oct 2008 19:04:08 -0400
To: Lloyd Hey <>
Subject: surgery

Dr Hey,    

You must have known how you were about to change my life, but I had no idea.  Once again I will try to express my post-surgery appreciation.   I had folks all over America praying for me, so I now thank God for both your skill and the power of prayer. There are not words to show my gratitude.  I'm walking now with a walker, but will soon switch to a cane.  I know that eventually I will live normally again.  The constant pain, with levels as high as ten of ten, has all but disappeared (A couple nerves are fussing about having to come back to life.) and my atrophied leg muscles are regaining strength.  I had given up hope for this level of normalcy.

Rex rehab in Apex was a great follow-up to your surgery.  They have a trained back therapist on staff (Stacey) and she worked me hard.  I had three hours a day of therapy interspersed with hours of boredom and sleep.  I had been wheelchair bound for five weeks with unusable legs.  But, two and a half weeks after your awesome surgery, I walked out the door on a walker, able to climb stairs and walk the length of a football field before resting a minute or two then doing it again.  

You are my hero.   Thank you.    Kit


------ End of Forwarded Message

Today's Hey Clinic Scoliosis Surgery: 35 yo woman w/ severe double curve scoliosis

Just finished helping a delightful 35 yo woman named “Katie”, who had a very severe double curve scoliosis.  She has a 25 lb child, and has noticed progression of her deformity over past several years, but has always noticed her severe rib hump and lumbar hump.
She did very well with surgery today.
Surgical time:  4 hours 55 minutes.
Estimated Blood Loss:   2600 cc.
Blood Transfused:  None.
Evoked Potential Monitoring:  Normal Motor and Sensory throughout.
Correction:  Excellent.  Her posture at end of surgery showed dramatic correction of both “humps.”

Following surgery I got to meet w/ a couple of her sisters, but patient wanted to be sure that we shared her X-Rays so her other siblings and family members could get an update and see the pictures!

Due to the strength of her hardware construct, we will let her pick up her baby right away and advance quickly on her walking program!

------------------
Lloyd A. Hey, MD MS
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
Raleigh, NC USA
http://www.heyclinic.com