The famous artist from Romania, E.B.M, was successfully treated in Croatia.

Ms. E.B.M first contacted us by the beginning of year 2011 describing her problems and symptoms. Her diagnosis was severe foraminal stenosis syndrome and spondylolisthesis at level L4-L5.

Foraminal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal foramen, the hole through which passes a spinal nerve as it exits the spine (foramen basically just means “hole”). It is usually a form of degenerative spine disease which occurs slowly over time with wear and tear of the spinal column. Arthritic changes of the spine, including herniated discs and bulging discs, soft tissue swelling and bony growth can all impinge on the formal foramen and compress the nerve within.

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward in relation to an adjacent vertebra, usually in the lumbar spine. The symptoms that accompany a spondylolisthesis include pain in the low back, thighs, and/or legs, muscle spasms, weakness, and/or tight hamstring muscles.

Our patient described her back pain as main problem, but also pain in her left leg. Here are the pain patterns:

As already noted, her MRI had shown foraminal stenosis and grade 1 spondylolisthesis, visible at bellow MRI image (click on image to see in full size):

Many doctors across the Europe and Romania had recommended aggressive fusion surgery with instrumentation, but Ms. E.B.M. was non prepared for a big surgery and she investigated on internet about Coflex device and minimally-invasive decompression surgery. With extensive consultation with dr. Robert Saftic, spinal neurosurgeon, patient has agreed to have minimally-invasive decompression surgery (ligaments and some abnormal bone structures) together with Coflex interspinous device.

Bellow you can see images of aware state minimally-invasive spinal surgery performed in Croatia by renowned spinal neurosurgeon Robert Saftic. Patient is smiling at the operating table and is fully aware of what is being done (note the Coflex device in place):

Operation itself was completely pain-free, however after the operation patient was in intensive pains for the first 24 hours. Every day after that her condition is improving and gradually the pain is decreasing.

Patient was releases from Vertebris International Spine Hospital next morning with post-operative lumbar brace. She left Croatia with smile on her face. We are sure  that she will continue smiling for rest of her life, and that decision to refuse fusion surgery was the right one!