Restoring My Ability to Walk: The Surgical Reconstruction That Changed My Life
After six years in a wheelchair, the skilled spinal team at Baylor Scott & White Spine & Scoliosis Center in Dallas restored something I feared I had permanently lost—the ability to stand, walk, and live without continuous, crippling pain. Their work rebuilt not only my spine, but my entire quality of life.
The reconstruction required one of the most complex procedures in modern spine surgery: a T4-to-pelvis fusion, performed to correct a severe spinal deformity that developed after a car accident and a failed earlier surgery. This deformity—iatrogenic flatback syndrome—left my spine pitched forward, locking me into a stooped posture and making walking nearly impossible.
Understanding the Reconstruction
To correct the collapse of my spine, the Baylor team performed two major structural procedures that work together to stabilize and realign the entire spinal column.
1. Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) – T4 to Pelvis
Through a long incision down my back, surgeons placed a system of titanium rods and screws from the upper thoracic spine (T4) all the way to the pelvis. This framework stabilizes the spine, restores alignment, and prevents further collapse. Bone graft material encourages the vertebrae to grow together over time—creating a solid, continuous fusion.
2. Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) – L3 to S1
Through an anterior (frontal) approach, surgeons placed interbody cages between the vertebrae in the lower lumbar spine. These spacers restore lost disc height, relieve compression on nerves, and help rebuild the natural lumbar curve (lordosis) that had been destroyed by the earlier failed operation.
Together, these procedures rebuilt the entire structure of my spine, restored my posture, and allowed me to walk again.
3D Imaging: A Snapshot of Healing
This 3D reconstruction shows the fused spine six months after surgery, with clear evidence of bone graft incorporation and stable hardware. The images reflect what the surgeons accomplished: transforming a collapsed, painful spine into a stable, balanced structure capable of supporting normal standing and walking.
3D Models Generated by Michael Stuart
- View the fused spine (T4–Pelvis): https://skfb.ly/p9sqz
- View the spinal hardware model: https://skfb.ly/p9ALA
Correcting Flatback Syndrome
The central challenge was repairing iatrogenic flatback syndrome, a condition where the natural lumbar curve collapses and the patient is forced to lean forward at all times. Without correction, this causes:
- Loss of ability to stand upright
- Severe mechanical pain
- Progressive deformation
- Inability to walk more than short distances
The reconstruction restored my lumbar lordosis and realigned the entire spinal column over my pelvis—something that instantly changed my ability to balance, walk, and breathe.
The Surgical Team
This life-changing procedure was performed by:
- Dr. Andrew Avramis, MD
- Dr. Farhan Rizkalla, MD
- Dr. Carlos Chivarria, MD
at Baylor Scott & White Spine & Scoliosis Center, Dallas.
Their expertise, coordination, and precision gave me back what I thought was gone forever.
A New Life After Six Years
For six years, walking even a few steps meant agony. I relied on walkers, wheelchairs, and mobility devices, and lived with unrelenting pain that affected every part of my life—from sleep to independence to basic daily activities.
Today, thanks to this team and these procedures, I can walk again.
This reconstruction didn’t just correct a deformity—it restored dignity, mobility, and hope.