Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/870560
"Jumping straight to surgery is something we try to avoid doing whenever possible," says Dr. Smith. "However, Scotty had already spent years trying non-surgical treatments. Her pain would not go away unless we performed a surgical procedure." In October 2016, Scotty went in for her surgery. While she was on the operating table, Dr. Smith performed a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). TLIF uses small rods and screws to hold the problematic vertebrae in place. For a second line of protection, Dr. Smith paired TLIF with a newer technique, the expandable interbody device. This device is inserted between vertebrae, then adjusted to create more room within the spine while reducing vertebrae mobility. "The expandable interbody device has made a huge difference in my practice," says Dr. Smith. "In a short time, the quality of the outcomes we see are a night-and-day change." GETTING BACK TO BUSY Scotty's surgery was a complete success. Discomfort from the incisions was minor, and she stopped pain medication within a couple of weeks. "I have had no pain in my back or leg since the surgery," says Scotty. "I am walking and working again, and the pain is nowhere to be found. I'm very grateful to Dr. Smith and his team." Since her surgery, Scotty has been able to return to Scotland to visit her loved ones. Before she left, she took the time to make some calls and recommend Dr. Smith to friends who were having trouble with their knees or backs. "Scotty didn't believe she could be pain-free," Sarah says. "We're so happy for her and proud we could help." Is pain keeping you down? Call 218.616.3700 to schedule an appointment with CHI St. Joseph's Health Orthopedics & Spine Surgery Center. Here for You The team at the Orthopedics & Spine Surgery Center at CHI St. Joseph's Health may be small in number, but that's precisely why it's such a big deal. "We operate at a very high level," says Dr. Brennen Smith, CHI St. Joseph's Health orthopedic surgeon. "Very few critical access hospitals can do spine, orthopedic, and weight-loss surgeries under the same roof." The Orthopedics & Spine Surgery Center's new, conveniently located facility features a highly trained staff, offering the community access to multiple options for orthopedic and spinal care. "The small size of our group means we can provide very personal care," says Sarah Luther, RN, CHI St. Joseph's Health Orthopedics & Spine Surgery Center Clinic Manager. "We actually know our patients and what they need. Because we bring more offerings to the community, patients no longer need to leave the area for orthopedic procedures." Follow-up physical rehabilitation services are available to help patients regain a full range of motion as quickly as possible. Call 218.616.3005 to schedule services at CHI St. Joseph's Health Physical Rehabilitation and Fitness Center. "We only perform spine surgery on people who fail nonoperative treatment and truly need the pain relief surgery can offer." —BRENNEN SMITH, DO, AOBOS, BOARD-CERTIFIED ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON, CHI ST. JOSEPH'S HEALTH www.CHISJH.org | CHI St. Joseph's Health 5