Spinal deformity corrective surgery gives new life to Northern Virginia resident

Patricia Keller had nearly given up hope that she would ever be able to walk normally again.

The 70-year-old had been through four spinal surgeries over the course of a decade, and the last had left her worse off than she’d ever been. Unable to stand without support, she was hunched over a walker just to cross a room. She couldn’t drive, and her limited mobility kept her housebound and in constant pain.

Even worse, her doctors told her that nothing more could be done except to put her on a pain medication regimen for the rest of her life.

“But I felt strong on the inside,” she recalls. “I couldn’t give up that easily. This wasn’t how I wanted to live.”

After moving to Fairfax, Virginia, she got a referral to Brian McHugh, MD, at Inova Alexandria Hospital. And that changed everything.

Innovations in spinal corrective surgery

Dr. McHugh specializes in several areas related to spinal health, including corrective surgery for adult and pediatric deformity — which was Patricia’s main issue. He also does non-invasive procedures and contributes his expertise to cases involving spinal oncology.

“There has been so much new research in the past 10 years that redefines how we treat spinal issues,” he says. “Those who’ve had issues in the past, like Ms. Keller, may have more options than they think.”

In particular, much more is known now about alignment, Dr. McHugh adds. Those who have ongoing, chronic problems may be dealing with fundamental alignment challenges that may be treatable.

“If you’ve had the experience where you think nothing can be done anymore, then it’s worth coming in to see whether some of this new research and procedures would be beneficial,” he says.

Sitting and standing up on her own: new freedoms

Patricia had her surgery in May, and even within a few days she could sit up on her own and stand without help — two motions she hadn’t been able to do in years.

After a couple weeks, she was able to stop taking pain medication, and started swimming and driving. Every day gets a little better, she says, and she is grateful for Dr. McHugh’s confidence and competence.

“What he did was miraculous, really,” she says. “Everyone else gave up on me, but thanks to Dr. McHugh and Inova, I have another chance. I got my life back.”

About Dr. Brian McHugh

With training in both neurosurgery and orthopedics, Dr. McHugh is able to offer a truly comprehensive approach to patient care and works with a sophisticated multi-disciplinary team to meet each of his patient’s treatment goals.

Inova Medical Group – Neurosurgery

Inova Spine Institute