Radiant Blog

Thursday, May 20, 2021

5 signs you should see a spine specialist for your back pain

Most everyone has suffered from some form of back pain at least once in their life. Whether you tweaked your back helping a friend move a couch or suffered a debilitating illness or injury, back pain is a leading cause of disability and one that most people try to grin and bear. Popping ibuprofen may be a short-term solution to masking your pain, but it won’t fix the problem. ...Continue →

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Surgical team uses skill, prayer and encouragement to help patient get back on his feet

Michael Hirschberger was terrified. Alone at the hospital due to COVID-19 restrictions, he was panicked at the thought of going to a rehab facility after back surgery and being away from his support network. His life experiences made him anxious about being at a facility alone. While he was able to take pain medications after his previous surgeries and successfully stop when appropriate, he feared he might fall back into his addiction without the support of his loved ones. Seeing his panic, Dr. Anderson made a deal with him. If, after two days at the hospital, Michael was able to walk the length of the hallway, then he would discharge him home. ...Continue →

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Spine Surgeon Builds International Following

Dr. Deborah Blades travels to Barbados frequently to visit her extended family; however, over the years, her visits have consistently included consulting with patients seeking help for their spinal conditions. She has earned a reputation for not only her knowledge and expertise but the time she takes listening to her patients and then working in partnership to develop an effective treatment plan. Patients regularly make the nearly 10-hour plane trip to Cleveland for surgery under her expert hand ...Continue →

Tuesday, April 06, 2021

Successful Back Surgery Brings Former Masters Champ Out of Retirement and Back to Augusta National

Legendary PGA golfer, Ian Woosnam, retired twice - once in 2016 and then again, in 2019. The chronic back pain he suffered throughout his career had progressed to the point he could no longer swing the club in the manner that carried him to 52 tournament victories worldwide. However, a recommendation from a friend led him to Deborah Blades, M.D., at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center. Now, Woosnam finds himself pain free and ready to return in April to golf’s biggest stage in August, Georgia. ...Continue →

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Spine & Orthopedic Institute resolves adjacent segment degeneration for long-time grateful patient

Cleveland-area native Sal Fragapane was not surprised when he started experiencing back pain 15 years after having spinal fusion surgery. In fact, his surgeon, St. Vincent Charity Neurosurgeon John S. Collis, M.D., had warned Sal at the time of his first surgery in 2003 there was mild deterioration in the vertebrae above the fusion and chances were high that he would need additional surgery in the future. When Sal went into see Dr. Collis last year about his returned pain, Dr. Collis also brought in his colleague Dr. Shall to consult. The surgeons immediately put Sal at ease. ...Continue →

Monday, December 30, 2019

Specialized Lumbar Disk Replacement Relieves Back Pain, Preserves Mobility

While spinal fusion permanently joins two vertebrae together, lumbar disk replacement substitutes a worn or degenerated disk in the lower part of the spine with an artificial disk made of metal or a combination of metal and plastic. The goal of the procedure is to relieve lower back pain while, at the same time, maintain normal motion for patients. St. Vincent Charity’s Robert F. McLain. M.D., who worked with investigators in the first FDA trials on the procedure, is the recognized expert on lumbar disk replacement surgery in Northeast Ohio. ...Continue →

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

St. Vincent Team Committed to Placing Patients First

When Dan Walsh of Painesville needed emergency spinal surgery, orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. George Kellis and the caregivers at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center quickly pulled together an expert team to preserve his quality of life. ...Continue →

Sunday, February 10, 2019

St. Vincent Offers “Laser Spine,” Minimally Invasive Surgery

St. Vincent Charity spine surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Shall is one of a select few in Northeast Ohio who specializes in minimally invasive surgery to correct spinal disorders. Often referred to as “laser spine surgery” (even though the procedures rarely ever utilizes a laser), minimally invasive spine surgery has many advantages, including shorter recovery times and stronger long-term results, over traditional surgical techniques. ...Continue →

Saturday, October 13, 2018

A rare spine surgery has a Gates Mills woman walking tall again

Angela Wyatt was in pain and had gone to many doctors before she found the Spine and Orthopedic Institute. ...Continue →

Friday, September 25, 2015

A STRONGSVILLE WOMAN RECOUNTS HOW CAREGIVERS HELPED EASE THE BURDEN FOR ALL

When Pat Piecuch found out she needed to have spine surgery and was told her surgery would not be covered at her usual provider, she was unsure of where to turn. A physician referred her to Dr. Lou Keppler, orthopedic and spine surgeon at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, an event her family now believes was an act of God. ...Continue →