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Teacher left paralyzed after surgery, blames spinal stenosis?

By Steve Lombardi

A ninth-grade teacher from Lincoln High School in Des Moines, Iowa is reported to have a condition called spinal stenosis. It is reported that went into surgery to correct the problem and came out paralyzed.

The question today is whether this condition in Jeff Mullin could have caused his paralysis?

Answer: Not likely.

Spinal stenosis is a condition that comes on gradually and is more times than not part of the aging process. It's not a condition that quickly develops. So the likelihood of it causing sudden paralysis is not likely.

What is the likely cause?

To answer that question one would first have to know the surgical process used to try and correct the problem. Surgical techniques can use screws and metal hardware, which require drills, drill bits and a screw driver. As I often say orthopedic surgery is a carpenter's skill trade. What surgical techniques were involved and were there complications during the surgery that were not anticipated? One would have to review the surgical chart before a cause could be clearly identified.

This first video demonstrates the condition and how it is traditionally treated by surgical corrective devices.

New device to treat spinal stenosis offered at UCLA

Instead of permanently joining (fusing) vertebrae with metal rods and screws, and therefore restricting movement, the new procedure uses the Anatomic Facet Replacement System (AFRS) device that attaches to each of two adjacent vertebrae with a movable joint that mimics the spine's natural joint.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdd3UeYR_wQ

DTS - Spinal Decompression Therapy

If you suffer from herniated or degenerated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, failed surgery, facet syndrome or spondylosis, Spinal Decompression Therapy may be just what you've been looking for.

Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical, traction based treatment outcome for herniated or bulging discs in the neck and low back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thWH4dmKVRc

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on May 09, 2009 (boomark / email).