Summary
A Kentucky golfer and new grandfather had three damaged cervical discs at C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 causing right arm weakness so significant it affected his golf swing his lead arm and prevented him from picking up his grandchildren. After researching extensively and choosing Deuk Spine Institute as the best option, he traveled to Florida for the Deuk Laser Disc Repair® through a four-millimeter incision. Despite the anatomical challenge of his broad shoulders and high clavicle making the lowest disc difficult to access, Dr. Deukmedjian successfully completed all three levels. Less than 24 hours after surgery, the patient reported already noticing increased strength in his right arm, only needed Tylenol for discomfort, and was planning dinner with his wife before flying home the following day. Already mentioning a possible return visit for his lower back.
Transcript
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: Good morning. I’m Dr. Deukmedjian here with a patient from Kentucky who traveled here to Florida for the cervical Deuk Laser Disc Repair®. He had three bad discs we fixed through his neck yesterday. four-millimeter incision. Surgery went very well. And how do you feel today, sir?
Patient: I feel really good. I was very surprised this morning a little soreness, but other than that I feel great. Less than 24 hours and I can already tell that I’ve got a little bit more strength in my right arm than what I had yesterday.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: Yeah. You had three discs that we fixed with the laser. We had a real time getting to the bottom one because your shoulders are broad and you’ve got a high clavicle, but we got it done. You happy you came?
Patient: Yes, I am very happy. Researched a lot of different places. This was the best option for me. I’m ecstatic. After watching the video from yesterday evening, I’m more than happy that I came here.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: How did your neck problems affect your quality of life?
Patient: It affected me I’m very active, I like to play a lot of golf, so it affected me in a lot of different ways. I’m a new grandparent I couldn’t pick my grandkids up. So yeah, I’m looking forward to picking them up.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: It’s hard to play golf when you’ve got weakness in your arm, right?
Patient: Yes, it is. And I swing the club left-handed, so this is my lead arm. So it affected me immensely. And already this morning I could tell I have more strength than before surgery.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: So we went in with the laser, we found pieces of herniation. Lots of them and we were cleaning them up. They were pushing on your nerves. That was the problem at C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7. No hospitalization.
Patient: Yes.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: Did you take any pain medicine after your surgery?
Patient: I have not taken anything but Tylenol.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: So you don’t need narcotics.
Patient: No. If you had a fusion you’d be on narcotic painkillers opioids, dangerous medicines for months. And that was another big reason that I chose this.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: What do you have to say to your friends and family out there?
Patient: If you have any spinal cervical problems highly recommend Deuk Spine. Not only is Dr. Deuk impressive, his staff is just as impressive. They are a well-oiled machine here at Deuk Spine. I say they make me look good they are awesome. From the time you walk in the door to… this place is really impressive.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: What’s on the agenda for today?
Patient: We fly out tomorrow, so my wife and I may go get a little dinner this evening. Looking forward to going home.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: All right, sir. Safe travels. Enjoy. I want to hear your golf game has improved and I may be back this winter to get my lower back.
Patient: All right. Yeah. You’re welcome. Very good.
Deuk Laser Disc Repair® at Deuk Spine Institute
This patient underwent the Deuk Laser Disc Repair® for three cervical disc herniations at C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 at Deuk Spine Institute. Treating nerve compression causing right arm weakness that had significantly impacted his golf game and prevented him from lifting his grandchildren. Despite the anatomical challenge of broad shoulders and a high clavicle making access to the lowest disc particularly difficult, Dr. Deukmedjian successfully completed all three levels through a single four-millimeter incision in a single outpatient visit with no hospitalization and no narcotic pain medication required. Unlike cervical fusion surgery, which would have required months of opioid pain management and a lengthy recovery, the Deuk Laser Disc Repair® allowed this patient to notice increased arm strength within 24 hours, manage discomfort with only Tylenol, and fly home the following day. The patient is also planning to return for treatment of his lower back. Reflecting Deuk Spine Institute’s comprehensive approach to addressing every source of pain. Begin with a complimentary MRI review and virtual consultation with Dr. Deukmedjian at Deuk Spine Institute.