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Back and Spine; Orthopaedics; Patient Stories

Woman who could barely stand up has 'zero pain' after spinal fusion surgery

May 19, 2021

Back and Spine; Orthopaedics; Patient Stories

Douglas Dickson, M.D.
Douglas Dickson, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgery

Too often, we meet patients who have been suffering with debilitating back pain for years because they're convinced they are out of options. Certainly, that was the case for Laurie Zapatka, who was injured in a car accident 20 years ago and whose condition became progressively worse. By the time she came to UT Southwestern, her mobility was severely limited.

A day after posterior spinal fusion surgery at UTSW, she was up and moving with "zero pain." Watch her story below.


Our team at the O'Donnell Brain Institute tackles the most challenging and complex cases and find solutions – surgical and nonsurgical – that help our patients ease their pain and get their lives back on track. If you'd like to make an appointment with one of our spine specialists, call 214-645-2225 or request an appointment online.

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